I don't think I have ever written to one of these blogs (or whatever this
is called) but i had to let you know that you article was great. And
accurate. And entertaining. I am a small GC myself (4 man crew) and your
assessment of the trades is good. I also enjoyed your humor. I add a line
at the end of every project called "just because". And you have to factor
in "thinking" time and never under estimate clean-up.
Anyway, Great job.
Room Additions - Construction Task Timing
Summary:
The construction of room additions is a complex undertaking. Any number
of tasks and situations and room addition plans affect the time of
completion and room addition cost. This chart of estimated task times
will give insight into the extent of work involved for a room addition.
Room Additions - Estimated Time To Complete Specific Tasks
The following is a listing of many planning and construction aspects that are involved in the construction of a typical room addition. If you plan to tackle a room addition project you will be involved in virtually all of the following tasks in one way or another. I have taken the liberty to group some tasks together and others are broken down into sub groups. There are actually hundreds of individual "things" that have to be done.
I researched my past records and averaged the times. Not all room additions are alike. The times shown below are for a 400 square foot single story addition with moderate access. This means materials have to be hand carried from the front of the house to the rear. The below estimations also include a close approximation of the man/woman hours it may take to complete the listed task. If you plan to do things for the first time, be sure to add additional time. Your room addition project may not include some of the listed tasks. If it doesn't, be sure to substitute things that may take the place of a listed task. You will be surprised how time seems to disappear each day.
The numbers also include the amount of time it takes to estimate, order, pickup, transport, and unload the necessary materials. This running time can be enormous.
Estimated Time To Complete
Specific Tasks
|
Planning - All Aspects
|
80 Hours |
|
Building Permit
|
6 Hours |
|
Survey/Stakeout
|
8 Hours |
|
Site Clearing
|
12 Hours |
|
Excavation
|
24 Hours |
|
Footings/Foundations
|
40 Hours |
|
Footing Drain Tile & 1" Gravel
Cover
|
8 Hours |
|
Downspout Drainage System
|
12 Hours |
|
Termite Control
|
4 Hours |
|
Structural Steel
|
6 Hours |
|
Rough Grading
|
14 Hours |
|
Excess Dirt Off-site Removal
|
12 Hours |
|
Gravel
|
12 Hours |
|
Interior Concrete Slabs
|
16 Hours |
|
Demolition
|
40 Hours |
|
Asbestos Removal
|
12 Hours |
|
Lead Abatement
|
12 Hours |
|
Rough Carpentry
|
80 Hours |
|
Backhoe Work
|
12 Hours |
|
Roofing
|
20 Hours |
|
Heating/Ventilating/Air Conditioning
|
40 Hours |
|
Plumbing
|
40 Hours |
|
Electric
|
36 Hours |
|
Phone/Computer/Cable TV Wiring
|
12 Hours |
|
Security/Fire Alarm Wiring
|
8 Hours |
|
Insulation
|
12 Hours |
|
Drywall/Plastering
|
40 Hours |
|
Windows
|
16 Hours |
|
Exterior Doors
|
8 Hours |
|
Exterior Carpentry
|
24 Hours |
|
Masonry (Brickwork, Stonework, etc.)
|
36 Hours |
|
Stucco
|
40 Hours |
|
Vinyl Siding/Trim
|
24 Hours |
|
Gutters/Downspouts
|
12 Hours |
|
Exterior Painting/Staining
|
24 Hours |
|
Exterior Sidewalks/Patios
|
24 Hours |
|
Interior Trim
|
24 Hours |
|
Interior Doors
|
12 Hours |
|
Built-in Cabinetry
|
16 Hours |
|
Interior Painting
|
50 Hours |
|
Wall Coverings
|
16 Hours |
|
Hardwood Flooring
|
32 Hours |
|
Carpeting
|
16 Hours |
|
Linoleum/Vinyl Tile
|
10 Hours |
|
Ceramic Tile
|
24 Hours |
|
Kitchen Cabinets
|
24 Hours |
|
Bath Cabinets
|
4 Hours |
|
Kitchen Counter Tops
|
4 Hours |
|
Bath Counter Tops
|
2 Hours |
|
Laundry Room Cabinets & Tops
|
6 Hours |
|
Appliances
|
8 Hours |
|
Plumbing Fixtures/Fans
|
12 Hours |
|
Lighting Fixtures/Fans
|
12 Hours |
|
Mirrors
|
6 Hours |
|
Hardware
|
10 Hours |
|
Miscellaneous Fixtures
|
8 Hours |
|
Specialty Shelving
|
6 Hours |
|
Miscellaneous Allowance Items
|
12 Hours |
|
Garage Doors & Openers
|
12 Hours |
|
Driveway Apron (cleaning)
|
8 Hours |
|
Driveway (restoration from trucks)
|
16 Hours |
|
Final Grading
|
8 Hours |
|
Landscaping
|
12 Hours |
|
Debris Removal/Dumpster Fees
|
30 Hours |
|
Construction Utilities
|
8 Hours |
|
Final Cleaning
|
12 Hours |
|
Weather Delays
|
24 Hours |
|
Mistakes/Problems
|
32 Hours |
|
Mistakes/Problems
|
32 Hours |
|
Tool Rental
|
12 Hours |
|
Phone Ordering
|
16 Hours |
Missing Time
Don't forget to include "thinking" time. What is this? This is when you will stop all work and scratch your head wondering if you are doing something right. It happens on all jobs. Sometimes it may take an hour or two to determine the best way to solve a problem. This isn't wasted time, just "thought" time!
Related Articles: DIY Room Addition in 7 Weeks, Room Additions, Room Addition
|
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Comments:Welcome! I, Tim
Carter, don't answer questions
here. If you post a question here in the Comments Area,
perhaps another visitor will help you. You need to go to the Ask
Tim page if you want a question answered. Once there, look
closely at how many weeks behind we are. Please be patient as you use
this free service. If you have an emergency and need to talk to me,
there is an option there for you.
Dave 03 Apr 2008, 23:14
AsktheBuilder 08 Apr 2008, 07:29
Dave,
Don't become a stranger! Your first-ever post was excellent. People need to know there are thoughtful and intelligent contractors out there! Tell us where you are from and more about your jobs. Use these comment areas to share the truth from your perspective. Thanks for your very kind words.
Dave 04 Nov 2008, 19:11
Hello,
You said "Don't become a stranger!", and I haven't responded in over 6 months. I have an excuse... I never clicked on the "Notify me about new comments on this page" and I had no idea had to find this forum again. However I have clicked that box now. I was lucky to stumble acros this website again. I am actually going to spend some time right now and "surf" this website more. Looks like a good one.
BARRY 07 Jan 2011, 18:37
Hello Mr. Carter.I have recently subscribed to your site. Your video shorts
are a huge help to me. Shortly I will be starting my first ever addition
with foundation and one storey. Your task timing could not have come at a
better time. I so appreciate your advise, thank you.
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