Energy and Construction - Clima2007

Pearl Said:

Estimate of construction cost?

We Answered:

The first thing you should budget for is an engineer's analysis.  You are going to need it to get a ground-up (literally) appraisal of your need for:
— Stronger roof trusses to hold the weight of concrete and whatever you put on it, like soil.
— Strength of the walls (especially over door and window openings) under the increased weight of the roof.
— Any necessary improvements to the foundation, so it doesn't sink under the increased load.

Mistakes in any of those could make the cost of the project look small, so make sure it's right the first time.  But if you do, you'll have a nice quiet space two floors above the street.  I'll bet it's worth it!

Robert Said:

Warehouse construction - cost per square foot?

We Answered:

you are looking at about 250 a foot... depending on the area...

Dwight Said:

A settling pond has a volume of 324m^3. What is the dimensions which will minimise construction costs?

We Answered:

dimensions are L, W, H
LWH = 324

Area of sides and bottom are
A1 = LW + 2LH + 2WH
Cost of A1 = C(LW + 2LH + 2WH)
where C is cost per square foot of concrete
Cost of A2 = LW (steel top)
since steel is twice as costly as concrete,
total cost = C(2LW + 2LW + 2LH + 2WH)
total cost = C(4LW + 2LH + 2WH)

assumption, bottom or top is square, L = W
total cost = C(4L² + 2LH + 2LH)
total cost = C(4L² + 4LH)
LWH = 324
L²H = 324
H = 324 / L²
total cost = C(4L² + 4L(324 / L²))
total cost = C(4L² + 1296 / L)
differentiate and set equal to zero
0 = 8CL – C1296 / L²
8CL = C1296 / L²
8CL³ = C1296
L³ = 162
L = 5.45 m
W = 5.45 m
H = 324 / 5.45² = 10.9 m

since that exceeds the spec of 5 max, and that is the only min, then we are stuck with
H = 5
LW = 324/5 = 64.8
L = W = 8.05 m

.

Leo Said:

Does anyone have good information on low cost/green building materials and construction?

We Answered:

here is a place to start you search. good luck http://www.epa.gov/greenbuilding/

Lois Said:

How much would it cost a construction crew to make a 8X8 concrete base for a 6 person hot tub in columbus ohio

We Answered:

I'd do it myself, actually. But the job shouldn't cost more than 300-400 bucks for the slab itself. If the code in your area calls for a ratwall, tack on another 300-400.

Bill Said:

Does rastra construction (insolated concrete forms) cost less than wood frame construction?

We Answered:

Depending on the area, I would guestimate between a 20 to 40 percent increase in $/sf.

Hugh Said:

what is the materials cost for concrete and steel for construction nowadays? where can i get this info?

We Answered:

Don had a pretty good read on things,"it is what it is".Before I bid a job I always call to check current prices.A few years ago I was paying $64 a yard for 3,000 lb concrete,now $98+.Steel I was paying $3.00 a stick (20 ft 0f #4 rebar) it went to about $10 and has dropped back to about $5.00.

So my advice would be to call your redi mix supplier for prices and a construction suppy for steel prices.Your home improvement stores carry "grade 40" rebar and most engineers spec grade 60 or above.

My Best