Want to construct your dream house? Undoubtedly, building a home is a thrilling endeavor but there are many matters of price that you have to consider. With the increasing construction costs and rising labor costs, getting an accurate cost estimate is essential to earn a maximum profit margin. Lumber brings life into your rough sketches so you have to get accurate lumber cost estimates. But the question is how to estimate lumber cost for a house.
We know that estimation is an intricate process, but with proper guidance and industry knowledge, you can confidently navigate this process. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with all the steps you must follow to estimate the lumber cost for a house. So, let’s start.
➢Steps to Estimate the Lumber Cost
Nowadays, lumber material prices fluctuate and it is daunting to estimate the exact cost. According to the National Association of House Builders (NAHB), the current lumber material cost is under $350 for 1000 board feet. So, move forward to learn how to calculate the lumber cost for a house.
1. Determine the House Design and Size
When estimating the lumber cost for your home, the first step that you should do is to get precise and detailed blueprints or architectural plans for your home. With the help of these drawings, you would know the size of the house in square footage.
2. Identify the Lumber Requirements
During home construction, lumber material is used for various purposes like framing, sheathing, or flooring. So, to get an accurate cost estimate for lumber costs. You have to clearly understand where the lumber material will be used in your home construction.
- Framing
The major use of lumber in house construction is for framing. House framing is the backbone of the structure. Generally, you would need lumber materials for framing walls, floors, and roofs.
- Sheathing
Plywood sheaths are used for the house’s exterior walls made with lumber material. So, not only the interior, but the lumber material strengthens the exterior structure of a home by providing an appealing look.
- Other Components
Consider some extra lumber material for the joist, trusses, rafters, and beams. As these, all materials are made up of lumber and help woodwork structure to stand firm and react.
3. Calculate the Material Quantities
Now, after identifying all the lumber components for house lumber work, you have to quantify the materials.
- For wall framing, calculate the number of the studs by the following formula
No. of studs = (Wall width / Wall spacing on the center) +1
Suppose your home has 6 walls, and for each wall, the width is 2000 square feet. According to the above formula;
No. of studs = 1000/1.33 (16 inches on center) +1
= 751
- Likewise, for floor and roof framing calculate the number of rafters and joists by
No. of joists = Total square feet of the floor/ spacing on the center
Let’s say your floor spacing is 2000 square feet so the number of joists you need are.
No. of joists = 2000/ 1.5 (16 inches on center)
= 1334
- Now, measure the total area of the wall floor and roof to determine the number of 4-by-8 sheets for a house construction
Suppose the total square feet area of your house is 2000 square feet so the number of sheets require.
No. of sheets = 2000 sq. ft./ 32 sq. ft. (4*8)
= 63 sheets
After you have calculated the quantities of all the lumber materials, now the time is to calculate the cost for lumber material.
4. Calculate the Total Cost
To get an accurate cost for each lumber component, multiply the number of components by the unit price. For instance, you need to calculate the price according to the above-calculated quantities.
Cost of the Studs = No. of the studs * Cost of a single stud
= 751 * $3
= $2253
Cost of the Joists = No. of the joists * Cost of unit price
= 1334 * $5
= $6670
Cost for sheets = No. of the total sheets required * Cost for a single sheet
= 63* $20
= $1260
5. Add all the Costs
At the end, add the costs of all the material that you have calculated in the above step.
Total Lumber Cost for a 2000 sq. ft house = Cost of studs + cost of joists + Cost for sheathing
= $2253 + $6670 + $1260
= $10,183
6. Consider Waste Factor
Adding waste factor into your cost estimate is crucial as it ensures that you have enough material for the project completion. During the lumber block cutting, a significant amount is wasted. So, always consider 5% to 10% for material wastage. This percentage saves you from unexpected delays or any inconvenience at the time of your home construction execution. = Total lumber quantity cost * 1.10 (10% waste)
= $10,183 *1.10
= $11,201
Factors Influencing Lumber Cost
Lumber is the largest variable cost that can impact your overall project budget. So, while you estimate the cost of your lumber project always take into account various factors that can influence the overall cost. We have shared some major factors that hugely affect the lumber cost. Stick with us.
- Demand and Supply
According to the fundamental principle of economics, the balance of demand and supply commands the price of any commodity. Likewise, lumber cost trajectories are affected by these demand and supply changes.
So, it is a matter of fact that if the demand is exceeded from the current supply then the lumber price touches the sky. In the same vein, if the availability of the lumber material is higher than the need then ultimately lumber cost decreases. This fluctuation also impacts the industries that rely on lumber such as the construction or furniture industry.
- Global Economic Market Trends
Lumber is a globally traded commodity, so, its price influences with global economic events. Moreover, currency fluctuations, changes in trade policies, and evolving economic conditions can impact the lumber material cost significantly.
- Technology Integration
In today’s digital world where technology makes its way into every aspect of life, it also advanced the lumber industry. Nowadays, during the logging and processing of lumber blocks advanced tools are used that increase the lumber material cost.
On one hand, when producers use digital tools during lumber processing they sell lumber material at higher rates. On the other hand, with these advanced tools, operational efficiency increases which eventually lowers the prices.
- Environment Regulations
Due to the abrupt climate changes, strict regulations are being imposed on the logging process. These restrictions and certifications imposed additional costs on the lumber material. Although traditional logging practices are cost-effective but not sustainable. While eco-friendly, sources bring high price tags.
- House Market Trend
The housing market trend significantly impacts the lumber cost. Lumber material is an essential material that is used for house construction. So, when house construction increases the demand for lumber material increases so as its cost.
- Climate Factor
Weather conditions greatly influence the harvesting process, so these environmental changes also impact the lumber cost. Natural calamities such as pest infestations, wildfires, and droughts can cause damage to the forests impact the overall lumber supply, and eventually increase the prices.
Tips to Control Lumber Cost
Being a home builder, you need to adopt a proactive approach to control the lumber cost for your house construction. Below we have mentioned some tips that can help you in controlling your lumber cost.
1. Verify Your Lumber Drop
Always verify that you have received the lumber material that you paid for. Go to your lumber yard, and confirm whether your lumber package is complete or not. Because once your order is delivered at your residential construction site, you have to accept the delivery parcel as it is.
Visiting your lumber yard saves you from mismanagement chaos at the time of the construction. This confirmation also helps you to control your lumber cost. For instance, the vendor missed 10 sheets from your order which are worth $600. At the time of your home construction, when you go to buy these missing sheets you have to spend $600 extra so this little negligence costs $1200. So, you should check your delivery against your purchased order.
2. Buy Lumber In-group
When you buy lumber material wholesale, it will lower your overall lumber cost. So, at the start of your house construction, quantify all the lumber materials that are required for the project completion. With the help of this quantification, you can one-time single order for all your lumber needs and get a discount from a wholesaler.
3. Monitor Waste
One of the greatest factors that increase your lumber cost is the waste. On your construction site, lumber can be wasted in many ways as it can be damaged during delivery, many OSB sheets end up becoming walking surfaces, weather can affect your lumber material, and sometimes low-quality materials are mixed with your material. To take control of your lumber material cost, keep a check on your waste material.
4. Contact Various Lumber Vendors
In today’s evolving chain management world, it is crucial to have more than one lumber vendor. When you start your house construction, try to get quotes from different vendors to ensure that you are getting the best possible prices.
Moreover, it is not a good strategy to depend on one vendor for all your lumber. Sometimes your primary vendor is not available to cater to your needs, so you have other options that can provide you with what you need.
5. Value Engineer Your Product
You must hire a value engineer who ensures the accuracy of your purchase orders and lumber estimates. This engineer also analyzed your project details and optimized the cost of your lumber materials by providing cost-effective solutions for your project. This professional also helps you to understand each type of lumber material and guides you about the proper use of these materials.
How Much Does Lumber Cost Per Square Foot?
The lumber cost has increased dramatically in the last few years so this makes houses less affordable. As per the latest report, in the United States, the lumber cost for a house ranges from $15 to $30 per square foot. That means the lumber cost for an average house falls between $35,000 to $55,000. However, this cost range can vary according to the home’s size, design, and structure.
Conclusion
Do you want to know the lumber cost for your house construction? Then we are sure that after reading this blog guide, you know to to estimate the lumber cost. The average lumber cost for constructing a house is ranging between $15 to $30 per square foot.
No doubt, the prices of lumber materials have been increasing rapidly in recent years. This cost rise also influences the house construction cost. You can control lumber costs by following some of the expert tips that we have mentioned above.
FAQs
How accurate are lumber cost estimates?
As the leading lumber estimating company in the United States, we ensure that we deliver 100% accurate and precise cost estimates for lumber material. To attain this high accuracy level we utilize advanced estimating tools with the combination of our extensive experience.
Can I reduce lumber costs without compromising quality?
Yes, by getting assistance from some professional estimators, you can get accurate cost estimates that help you to reduce your lumber project cost without compromising on quality.
What should I do if I exceed my lumber budget during construction?
Keeping your project under your budget is important for successful project completion. But if your lumber project exceeds your budget, then you should hire some cost management experts to handle this situation.
How can I ensure accurate measurements for lumber estimation?
For accurate lumber measurement, follow the below-mentioned tips.
Make a detailed list of the materials aria-level=”1″Consult some professionals
How much lumber do I need for a 2,000-square-foot house?
In general, the lumber material quantity for any house depends on the house design and the size. However, according to our professional, you need
16000 board feet for a 2000 square feet home.
How much does it cost to frame a 12×12 room?
According to the Home Advisor, the average cost to frame a
12×12 room can be anywhere between$7 to $16 per square foot.
