Expert: Dan Griffin - 3/12/2009

Question
Hello Dan,

I am trying to put together an average cost per square foot to build a concrete block building (8" x 8" x 16" blocks.  The building will be 50' long x 16' wide.  I would like to have the roof overhang the back of the building by approximately 8'.  Roof pitch of approximately 26 degrees.  It will be build on an existing slab.  Any idea of cost per square foot.  The building will just be used as a storage building but I would like to have a garage door on the front and normal entrance door on the side.  Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Dan Holland

Answer
Dan, several comments.  The building will require a footing to carry the loads. If the slab is just a slab, it will not carry.  Costs and materials vary radically around the country.  Block will be between 5 and 15 dollars each installed.  Extra height costs more as the scaffolding increases.

Footing work $1000 to 5000, depending on frost depth, steel requirements, accessability to site,
Block work 132' by 10' tall = 1320 SF = about 1500 block @ $10=$15000
Trusses - about 26 @ about$300 each
Roof sheathing, shingles, gutters, trim, paint, windows and doors.
Electical and plumbing.
Insulation, HVAC
General contractor fees and profit and permits  
YOur only real answers will require at least a hand drawn version of what you want showing dimensions so that more than one contractor could bid the same project.  The building permit process will require the drawings and probably an engineer's/architect's approval.

The better your drawings and spedifications, the happier everyone will be.  If it ain't on the drawings, you ain't gettin it.  So many owners bad mouth contractors because they assume "such and such" is standard and don't understand why it should cost more.

Follow up:
Dan, if there will be a code authority involved, I think you will be providing a footing, certainly so if it can be labled habitable.  There would be uplift requirements to deal with using a metal building.  These can dealt with several ways, think about a farm pole barn that may not have a paved floor.  The simplest thing for you at this point would be to contact your local code AHJ and ask what would be required to erect one.  The next call would be to contact a local metal building supplier or contractor.