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Calculation of Building Materials is one of the key steps in construction. Material cost makes up 40-45% of the total budget! It is crucial to predict the exact expense of materials as it will help to prevent you from being over or under budget.
From residential buildings to industrial ones, cost management is the cornerstone for a successful construction project.
LEARN EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PRECISE CALCULATION OF BUILDING MATERIALS AND STREAMLINE YOUR CONSTRUCTION PROJECT BY CREATING AN ACCURATE BUDGET.
3 Common Methods for Calculation of Building Materials
Following are the three methods used by contractors and estimators for Calculation of Building Materials:
1) Unit Pricing Method
In the unit pricing method, material price is calculated per product unit. The project is broken down into measurable units and prices are allocated to each unit. It allows for better cost estimation but does not account for project complexities.
2) Square Foot Pricing Method
In the square foot pricing method, the total square foot of the construction building is multiplied by a predetermined set amount. This amount is typically obtained from past projects. It gives a rough estimate and opens up the floor for further cost analysis.
3) Rule of Two Method
The rule of two methods works on the principle that the cost budget is mostly made up of two things and that is material and labour. If you have an estimate for one, you can simply double the amount and get the total construction cost. This method gives you an approximate estimate. It is mostly used for larger construction projects.
Process of Calculation of Building Materials
The cost calculation of building materials can be divided into the following steps. Let’s take a look at them without wasting any time.
1) Make a List of Required Materials
List down the materials required for the construction project. Also, note down their types. You can also mention any other related information as well, such as brand. Some clients may put our request for custom-made materials so make sure to note them as well.
If you have limited information about the types of materials, then you will need to survey the construction market or collaborate with professional cost estimators.
Your list should also include the quantity of materials. Read below to learn how to accurately quantify materials.
2) Take Accurate Measurements
For precise measurements of material you should know about the unit the material is measured in.
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Concrete
Concrete is measured in cubic yards.
Length x Width X Thickness / 27 = Cubic yards of a rectangular pad, beam, or column
You should also add 10% to 15% extra just in case of any risk factors that may increase the usage.
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Roof
For roof calculation measure the length and width of each section. To get the area multiple them together
Length × Width = Area
Add all the sections together to get the total area. It should be noted that the pitch of the roof is going to affect the area. A steep roof will need more materials than a flat one.
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Lumber
Some types of lumber are sold based on board foot (bf). For precise procurement of lumber, you need to know the amount of board foot needed.
Thickness x Width x Length = Board Feet
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Framing
Measure the total length of the wall. Multiply the total length by 3. Make sure to leave room for waste by adding an extra 10%.
To calculate the studs you will need to multiply the total length by 0.75. Add extra studs for wall intersections, openings, and corners.
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Wall Sheathing
Calculate the total square footage of the wall.
If you are opting for 4’x’8’ sheets then divide the total square footage by 32. On the other hand, if you are going for 4’x12’ sheets then divide by 48.
3) Construction Material Takeoff
The crux of accurate construction material takeoff is taking accurate measurements. After you have done that, calculate the total amount needed for construction. Add it to your list so you’ll have a comprehensive, detailed checklist.
4) Put a Price On It!
After quantification of materials, it is time to calculate the cost. For this, you’ll need to know the accurate and current pricing of materials.
Use a pricing database. Cost Estimating Services are using RS Means software. It provides real-time pricing to its users across many different regions.
Visit the construction market to have an exact idea about recent rates. If there are any fluctuations in the market prices, you’ll learn about that too. Moreover, it will also help to find a suitable supplier.
Pro Tips For Calculation of Building Materials
Use Cost Estimating Software such as Planswift, and Stack for quick and efficient results.
- Use historical data but make your calculations as well.
- Keep yourself updated on recent market rates and new customized materials.
- Consider transportation costs as well.
- Make a contingency plan in case of any unforeseen expenses.
A COST ESTIMATOR CAN IMPROVE YOUR CONSTRUCTION PROJECT BY CREATING A PRECISE BUDGET WITH THE HELP OF ADVANCED TOOLS. AVAIL OF THEIR SERVICES NOW!
Final Words
For precise Calculation of building materials, it is important that you are careful at every step. Double-check and monitor everything to make sure that you are on the right track. The creation of an accurate budget is a tough road but it ensures the profitability of a project. It streamlines the construction project by affecting the allocation of resources and data-driven decision-making.
