How much wood is needed to build a home?
Question:We are going to build us a home. I am trying to figure out how much lumber we are going to need to build it. Is there any sites that can help me determine that along with other material needed and the cost?
Answers:
First I want to say that answer number one is brave to even answer this Q. No offense at all to you,,,certainly a noble idea.
It's unlikely that a Big Box Home store will take the time and energy to figure a parts list and pricing for an entire house,,,though they do accomodate that for smaller jobs.
You'd have to have a design and size in mind no matter who you went to for pricing.
With all due respect to you and any Brother Trades people you could expect to pay as much as $300 per sq. ft. for a total build,,, then you might get away with an estimated figure for a self build by subtracting a 1/3.
If you don't own viable property that might be your first issue. If you do, you'll still have to connect with local municipality agencies for zoning, permiting, inspections during the process, etc...all for a fee.
Your next issue might be accessibility of materials, and costs to have delivered?
An important issue certainly is budget, and how much of the work you can do yourself, while remaining in code, especially with regard to security of the structure,,, limitations and regulations about types, liability and insurability of the structure and building process.
Again, with all due respect,,, a materials list from the ground up is lengthy, and detailed. Knowing what mightbe needed in waste and OOOPs issues is also important. Types of materials used is a valid question to you, as the matreial prices can differ in block, Steel, Preformed Concrete sections, wood frame, etc. etc.
I'll give you an example,,,albeit abstract. Consider that you want a wood frame house. Consider then the amount of siding it might take in your design and size preference,,, try to calculate (for example,,,in linear feet, How much "Hardy Plank" you'll need to cover an 1800 sq. ft. house) THEN equate that to trying to determine how many 2x4's you'll need,as well as other sizes of lumber.
One thing I might suggest, in all seriousness,,,and I've tried not to seem disrespectful,,, is contact a company that builds,,,Just to the shell, and determine, if you can, their profit margin. That might give you an approximate idea of YOUR costs as a DIY.
I recently priced a Steel home. My choice of sizes or designs,,, delivered anywhere in the USA from Texas, for 11.50 per sq. ft.
Steven Wolf
Today the housing market is ridiculous and again I applaud you for the idea. Think of a median priced home probably selling for $250 K. You might subtract about half, for a DIY,,, but certainly will find issues with every step of the way that will add expenses.
Forgive me one more thought. In 1974 I built a 1200 sq. ft. home on a slab, here in FL. The cost of the house was $13 K to build, and assessed at $18 K,,, unheard of in 2007. That was pretty close however to percentages as they should be in the changing economy. The house sold within 7 years for $49 K.
well i guess you need to know how big you want your home and find an artect or a web page with custom homes. And then you will have more of an idea. Also go to Home Depto or Lowe's can help you out with this.
here is a thing that will help you---
www.homebuilder.com
click on it
on the left hand side clik on "build your own home"
then click on "step by step"
Here where I live, a lumber yard will figure out almost exactly what materials you need. All you have to do is give them your blueprint for a couple days. They do this around here for free. in hopes of getting your buisness.
get a few free estimates from contractors let them do the math then you just might be in the ballpark at least
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