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Direct Costs

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Submitted By jcsharpjr
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One of the major problems that could occur when using the analysis of direct material and other direct costs is over estimating. This is a problem that could easily be done on most projects, especially restoration projects. It would be easier to consider all of the “surprise factors” that may jump up throughout the construction period when bidding on newer projects but not as easy when looking at a restoration. This is a problem that I think gets many contractors into trouble.
It would be very easy to look at the exterior of a wall and make a prediction about it, but until you get into it or behind it, you really do not know what you are working with. If you simply price out the work to redo the sheetrock and then you get it off and realize the studs and insulation also need to come out and be replaced, then you are in a bad place. If a contractor had already given the customer a bid and contract for replacing the wall, then it would be their responsibility to repair the entire wall for the price that they quoted. This would cause the contractor to dip into their profit in order to cover the cost for the new materials in order to complete the project that he is contractually obligated to fulfill.
I think this problem could be easily resolved by leaving an open end contract on the table or submitting numerous contracts which would take into consideration some of the surprise factors. For example, if we look back at the contractor who is bidding on replacing a wall, they could price out replacing the sheetrock on the wall, but also include a contract that covers replacing the studs, sheetrock, and insulation. When submitting it, they could explain to the homeowner that there is no way to know the condition of the wall until the sheetrock is torn. I think the homeowner would appreciate the knowledge and honesty upfront. The other option would be to leave

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