In Business: Covering Your Costs in Renovation Work

Covering Your Costs in Renovation Work by Sal Alfano Renovation work presents a number of special problems for the estimator. Not only are materials and labor harder to price than on new construction, but renovation involves a number of intangibles that can throw an estimate way out of line. These come into play in all types and scales of renovation, but I will limit this discussion to substantial structural and cosmetic changes to the interior of a single-family residence. Whatever the work, the goal is to anticipate expenditures and to price the job accurately to avoid cost overruns. Demolition Protection: Everything that is not going to be demolished must be protected, especially if the house is occupied. If floors will be