Labor - % cost of total? [Archive] - Home Construction Forums

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TimmCane

03-27-2008, 06:41 AM

I am trying to ballpark what a remodel to my home might cost. I've used architecture software to sketch out the design and estimate materials, so I can estimate what the materials might cost. What I'm unsure about is how much more I would need to pay for labor (especially for framing/roofing).

In other words, as a general rule, if the materials cost is "$x", what % additional should I budget for labor?

I know this is a broad question, but I'm just exploring the idea right now and am looking for a "rule of thumb".

Thanks- Tim

ps- I live in Ohio, if that's helpful.

woodall83

03-27-2008, 07:23 AM

2/3 of the total cost of the job is typically labor. This is probably overestimating but it's a ballpark.

Rich

03-27-2008, 10:13 AM

It depends on what scope of work you're looking at. On the overall project considering all the subcontract work it probably works out pretty close to 50/50 for new construction.. and, as woodall suggested, probably closer to 40/60 or 30/70 mat to labor for remodels.

TimmCane

03-28-2008, 05:34 AM

I guess I should clarify, it is more of an add-on than a remodel. Most of the labor will be for an addition on my 2nd floor that doesn't expand the footprint of my house (built over an existing first floor room).

dantheman9727

11-25-2008, 11:02 AM

I usually work close to 50/50 but maybe a bit heavier on the labor-side. It depends on the job.

Richard A Hetzel

11-25-2008, 11:53 AM

Labor on such work as remodeling is greater than labor on new construction, and it is almost always in the range of 1/2 to 2/3 the cost of the job...meaning if the cost is $30,000, labor will have been $15,000 to $20,000. Smaller jobs will have an even higher percentage of labor.

Tomn

12-01-2008, 12:15 PM

I bet RS Means would help a tad...

I have always heard like 45% or more. Really depends on the job. Labor is usually harder to estimate.

The OC Builder/Developer

12-04-2008, 10:52 AM

Let me chime in - I agree with all the generalized statements above regarding the labor percentage of the gross cost. 1/2 to 2/3 is a fair rule of thumb on remodeling projects as they are indeed more labor intensive than new construction.

God Bless! Don