AboutDan Griffin Expertise I can answer almost all questions related to the total construction process. My expertise is in commercial construction, though I can field most any residential question. I have hands on experience in concrete, heavy equipment, masonry, all phases of carpentry, interior finishes, and I am fairly strong in mechanical and electrical.
Experience I have over 20 years experience as a commercial carpenter and commercial construction superintendent. I have another 20 years experience in facility management for a major school district.
Organizations My favorite hobby for he past 12 years has been singing bass in a The OkChorale men's barbershop chorus and the Mature Moments quartet.
Education/Credentials I hold a Bachelor's degree in English and Math. I have completed many continuing education hours in the building trades. I hold a Master Carpenter card from the AGC, Associated General Contractors.
Expert: Dan Griffin Date: 7/3/2008 Subject: General Contractor Costing Guides
Question QUESTION: I am going to be my own general contractor for building a house and want to manage my own costing, hiring, and scheduling...
I have experience doing remodeling, and have been involved with other residential home building projects, but this is my first time doing a full from scratch project and I want to learn as much as i can in advance. This would help me figure out what we can afford and what to expect throughout the entire process before I begin hiring contractors.
What books will be my best resources for putting together a plan?
I have read that RSmeans books (not sure which would help me best) is the best for residential costing.
But I also need to find a resource that explains what to expect throughout the entire process and how to fix common issues.
ANSWER: R S Means is an excellent estimating source. It is very difficult to arrive at good unit pricing unless you know all the processes involved in any one phase of construction.
E.G. You would need to know, find, and combine the following for a foundation:
layout
soils testing
compaction
excavation
termite treatment
reinforcing steel
formed concrete
concrete testing
place
finish
strip forms
cure
The data is all there, the combining of different trades and steps is not.
I don't know of any books to explain the building process, I'm sure they exist and there are probably excellent materials available at the local library. There is no teacher like the school of hard knocks. I'm very sure you've already been told that being your own general is usually not worth the savings. If you work for a living, you cannot be on site on a daily basis and don't have a long term relationship with any of the subcontractors, and you've already admitted not knowing all the processes involved. I sure hope you're walking into this with your eyes open.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Do you know which of these would be best for my situation?
Residential Detailed Costs
Residential Cost Data
Residential Square Foot Costs
Building Construction Cost Data
Answer Any costing and estimaing books can only serve as a point of begining. The data contained must be adjusted for location and inflation.
For your purposes, square foot costs will let you get some ball park pricing. If the book says concrete flat work is $3 per SF and your subcontractor is at $4 or $5, does not mean he is trying to get to you. His prices may be higher for multiple reasons, all you can do is seek more bids or ask why his prices are different than the book. It will be a major learning experience.
Steel and copper change daily. No supplier will hold a cost for more than 30 days, some not that long. Lumber and drywall are actually cheaper than they were, but trucking and fuel costs must be adjusted. This is true for every trade, every supplier, every man that drives to work. Concrete work will be cheaper in a moderate sized town as opposed to Dallas or New York City.
