Cost Comparisons for Common Commercial Wall Systems

2008-2009 Wall Cost Study Methodology

Costs per square foot were developed for each wall system by identifying all material, labor, equipment and 10% mark up for general conditions required to represent a complete cost. The items were priced by conducting an intense survey of contractors in each of the regions for the material and labor costs involved in each wall system.

Work on the project was performed independently by Capital Building Consultants, a recognized authority on estimating in the Southeast.

The information attached includes a summary of the results of the study comparing costs per square foot for each wall system in each region, a description of each wall system and graphic details of each wall system. For consistent comparison, each wall quoted as 10' x 10', with no openings.

The costs developed are initial construction costs only and do not include maintenance or operating costs associated with the different wall systems. Although the actual costs may vary with location, time, and contractors, the comparative relationships between wall systems and geographic regions should remain approximately the same. For more detailed information about wall costs and this study, please call 800-622-7425.

Sample Calculation

Wall Type 1: Brick Veneer and Metal Stud

DESCRIPTION
(10'HT x 10'WD)
QUANTITY MATERIAL COST LABOR COST TOTAL
Modular Brick 733 ea 0.305 $223.57 0.775 $568.08 $791.64
Sand 23.2 cf 1.03 23.90 - 0.00 23.90
Mortar 5.8 bg 7.50 43.50 - 0.00 43.50
Metal Ties 25 ea 0.073 1.83 0.027 0.68 2.50
Clean/Point Mortar 100 sf 0.062 6.20 0.24 24 30.20
15# Felt Paper 100 sf 0.04 4.00 0.03 3.00 7.00
Copper Flashing 10 lf 1.20 12.00 0.29 2.90 14.90
3 1/2" Batt Insulation 100 sf 0.445 44.50 0.18 18.00 62.50
1/2" W.R. Ext. Gyp. Sheathing 100 sf 0.38 38.00 0.25 25.00 63.00
18 Gauge Metal Stud 75 lf 0.93 69.75 0.455 34.13 103.88
Track for Studs 20 lf 0.82 16.40 0.38 7.60 24.00
5/8" Reg. Gyp. 100 sf 0.35 35.00 0.27 27.00 62.00
Tape and Bed Gyp. 100 sf 0.08 8.00 0.225 22.50 30.50
3 Coats Int. Paint 100 sf 0.265 26.50 0.435 43.50 70.00
4" Rubber Base 10 lf 0.99 9.90 0.40 4.00 13.90
Subtotal $563.04 $780.38 $1343.41
 
N.C. Sales Tax @ 7% of Material 39.41
W.C. & P.R. Tax @ 30% of Labor 273.13
Subtotal $1655.95
General Conditions @ 10% 165.60
Subtotal $1821.55
Overhead @ 5% 91.08
Subtotal $1912.63
Contractor's Fee @ 10% 191.26
Grand Total per 100 sf $2103.89
Square Foot Cost $21.04
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