All Forum Posts by: Jay M.

Opps, been in the same shoes as you, been there bought that shirt.

One thing I learned from a plumber is to always tape the primer and glue together and then they don't tip over.

So that's why they do that???  Learn a new trick every day.  I just assumed it was so they were always together.

I started off very similar to you.  We started with spec homes, then went the custom home route.  Huge learning curve between the two.   We use a 30 page word doc that outlines it all, everything from allowances on dirt work to the brand of toilet going in the bathroom.  

On specs I found it best to just have a detailed cost breakdown sheet. We use a google doc thats about 300 line items to break it all down.  Depending on your contract with the GC if hes cost plus or a fixed fee.

Jason,

I am working on a 36 unit new construction multifamily in Lawrence MA, we were just quoted 135$ a square foot from a large construction company out of RI. To get costs down we chose balloon framing. If you get guys who really know what they are doing you can save a decent about this way but if they mess it up it will be much more costly to fix their mistakes.