Historic HomeWorks Forum

Housewright · Joined: 08 Dec 2007 Posts: 46 Location: Waldoboro, Maine

Hi everybody; Even though I have been a contractor for decades I am bad at estimating jobs. I usually just work by the hour and do not do any estimates.

I have a church group which owns a barn and some church members want to repair the barn but others do not. I have been asked to give an estimate for repairs to help move things along. It is important my estimate is accurate. I am wondering if anyone can recommend estimating books or software suited to restoration work or just regular work like metal roofing and vinyl (evil) siding. In the past I have tried the RS Means book but I get bogged down in the details.

Thanks; Jim

johnleeke · Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2015 12:04 pm Post subject:

Hi Jim,

There are no "standard" costs that you will find in a book for this kind of custom work. Here are a few approaches to doing estimates like this.

1. Base your estimate on the time and materials it took to do similar projects.

2. Hire a barn repair specialist to help you develop an estimate. Arron Sturgis in Elliot, Maine, is one.

3. If the work to be done is repetitive, you could do one part or section of the work on an hourly basis, keep track of the time and materials, and then use those figures to project the costs to the rest of the building.