Rehab Cost Estimation

[Keith Gilde]

Hey everyone, My name is Keith, and two partners and I are at the beginning stages of opening an REI company. I have an extensive background in home repairs and construction in general but lack experience when it comes to estimating larger scale jobs. My question for anyone who has experience estimating is, how accurate and reliable is estimating by sqftage, and what other forms of estimation would you recommend for assessing the cost of a renovation project? I'm new to the REI business, and BP forums and would really appreciate any feedback. Thanks!

[Deborah Burian]

I gotta say, J Scott's book on estimating rehab costs is amazing. I adapted his spreadsheets (from the e-version) to my local costs a few years ago and his info is spot on.  Among other things, the list is so inclusive it makes me consider items I might have overlooked otherwise.  Best wishes on the project.