Other parameters that should be
included in developing a construction budget are the type and cost of sewer
hookup or septic system installation. The cost of a septic system, in turn,
depends on the type. There are several and property ordinances may have an
influence over which type you can use. Some common types in use today are the
leach type, pit, engineered, and reverse osmosis. But there are others. For
example, common throughout the mountain west is a leach type of septic tank
system and generally, installation of such a system can run between $3,000 to
$5,500 dollars.
Utility costs for the primary
hookup of electrical power, natural gas, or other needed utilities should be
discussed with your builder, architect, or local power company to establish
the amounts needed for this task. Remember, trying to run power great
distances can get expensive in a hurry and can make the construction of some
dwellings unfeasible.
Another expense that some will
have to consider is the establishment of a working well. Many remote sites and
even some local pastoral locations will require the digging of a well for
water. This project, with its accompanying equipment costs and related risks
can run between $3500.00 and up to $10.000.00 or more. Pump systems can vary
in price between manufacturer and capacity. If it has to be... shop around.
If
you plan to do any of the work yourself, or you choose to remain your own
general contractor (if it is allowed in your state), then you will have to
factor in heavy equipment and operation costs for your site prep. Some of the
stuff you will need to cost out is a Backhoe, Dozer, Grader, and Water Truck.
While your at it, get the price on a Crane and Forklift rental. You will need
them when your materials arrive at the site.
Foundations:
Not withstanding the specialized
design and custom work, foundations can be categorized into four basic
types. Pad or Slab type foundation, full basement, daylight basement, and what
some call a raised perimeter. Easily one of the most important parts of your
log homes construction, the foundation is a job for the professional.
Installation is crucial to the final construction of the home and, indeed, its
method of creation and the final product can affect the entire outcome of the
homes successful completion. Shoddy workmanship, inferior materials, and
even the inappropriate type of foundation for the home can all cause
problems that can come back to haunt you for years. If the home is even
completed at all. So be wise, astute and knowledgeable if your taking on this
phase of the project.
Slab foundations,
also sometimes called Pad foundations, are the simplest form of construction.
Slabs adapt very well to flat building areas when no basement is needed or
environmental ground conditions will not allow for other types of foundation.
An average cost on a medium sized structure should run between $600.00 to
$800.00 dollars for excavation, including around $500.00 for a backhoe.
Consider $5.00 to $7.00 per sq. ft. for materials and labor for a basic slab
as a rule of thumb.
Basement foundations,
naturally call for more extensive excavation and work. Construction of a
basement foundation on a normal 2000 sq. ft. dwelling can be figured at being
around $1800.00 to $3000.00 for excavation. Basic materials and labor costs
will run $9.00 to $14.00 per sq. ft. and it is not unheard of to see prices go
up a bit when you factor in such items as reinforcing bars (re-bar) and
drainage rock and pipes. Once again, remember to add in the other items and
include this time the placement of window wells, exterior doors if designed
for as in daylight basements, and perimeter insulation.
