How To Analyse Cast Stone Installation Costs

How To Analyse Cast stone Installation costs, Examine Methodically And In Detail.

This is only a guideline as there are too many variables to hone in on it precisely. First, I will give you some pointers as to what things can affect prices in both directions and you may be able to avoid many with the right planning and approach.

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The Check List

 

• Travelling to and from your site.
• If a commercial site with extra safety and order of preference for other trades.
• How many levels does your project entail?
• Any work above finished roofs or other work.
• Will power and water available.
• Is there good access to all areas of work and ample storage space for the product.
• Are there any restrictions regarding working hours and requirements for entry.
• Will there be any other trades working in the same areas at the same time.
• Will there be scaffolding onsite and can we have access to it.
• Is the stucco/render work completed.
• Are the work areas painted or do they have any other finished work that needs to be considered?
• Does the scope inc. a lot of flat work, decking, footpaths or driveways.
• How many columns on the project.
• What other levels have any balustrade areas above ground level.
• Are there are big areas of veneer work.

What Affects The Price By Choice Of Product.

• Is it a limestone or other dark or special finish.
• Do all areas of install have a suitable substrate?

Where To Start

 

So, as you can now see there are many things that affect price. So, I will go through the most common approaches.

First, the price you got from your supplier may have already included an installation price. If not, they might be the first place to try. If not, they should at least be able to give you some direction. The next approach would be everyone’s friend, Google. But be prepared for at least some of the questions above. If you find somebody with that method, please ask for references and take a look at their prior work.

Now, some of the larger companies have a list of approved installers, this might be an option, but the farther you go using this route, it will give you more comfort in potential installation quality and warranties that will be held to, but it will come at a price.

Another approach is to Multiply your net material cost by 55% for textured stone and around 70% for limestone projects. I have suggested net prices as tax rates vary around different states and countries.

And your best option, which combines the above outlines, is to request written quotations, not estimates from at least 3 of your selected candidates and then scrutinise the quotes and ask questions. Installers will normally ask for several things to accomplish this:

For Them

• Basic address and contact details
• Copies of plans showing the work areas marked up with a highlighter
• A copy, without prices, of your stone order and delivery schedules for larger projects and any drawings the manufacturer provided.
• The expected installation date.
• In return you should ask for copies of insurance and licenses, this is particularly important if you are having balustrades fitted as most municipalities require additional licenses for this work.
• As I mentioned above, references are very important and need following up with, and if possible take a look at their prior work and or call their customers, check on any sites, like Trust Pilot for reviews.

Cast Stone Installation Costs

This is only a guideline as there are too many variables to hone in on precisely. First, I will give you some pointers on what factors can affect prices in both directions, and you may be able to avoid many with the right planning and approach.

Factors Affecting Installation Costs

1.      Travelling to and from your site: Consider the distance and travel time for the installation crew.

2.      Commercial site considerations: Extra safety measures and coordination with other trades can impact costs.

3.      Project levels: The number of levels in your project can affect the complexity and cost.

4.      Work above finished roofs or other work: Additional safety and equipment may be required.

5.      Availability of power and water: Ensure these utilities are accessible to avoid delays.

6.      Access and storage: Good access to all work areas and ample storage space for the product are crucial.

7.      Working hours and entry restrictions: Any limitations on working hours or entry requirements can affect scheduling and costs.

8.      Concurrent trades: Coordination with other trades working in the same areas can impact efficiency.

9.      Scaffolding access: Ensure scaffolding is available and accessible for the installation crew.

10.  Completion of stucco/render work: Needs completing before cast stone installation.

11.  Finished work considerations: Be mindful of any painted or finished areas that need protection during installation.

12.  The time of year and normal weather conditions will have an impact.

Evaluating Cast Stone Installation Expense By Product-Specific Factors

1.      Material type: Limestone or other special finishes can affect costs.

2.      Flatworkcost-effective: Decking, footpaths, or driveways, price separately as other companies may be more cost-effective for this work, and the product may require different handling.

3.      Columns: The number, complexity and floor level of the columns can impact installation time and costs per floor, the materials are very heavy and difficult to manoeuvre.

4.      Balustrade areas: Above-ground balustrade installations may require additional safety measures and additional costs per floor as heavy material is more difficult to move.

5.      Veneer work: Large areas of veneer work can affect the overall cost and should be separated out, in case a tile installer can be more cost-effective.

6.      Grouting and pointing: The style and finish required for grouting and pointing can vary in cost considerably.

How To Analyse Cast stone Installation costs & Common Approaches to Pricing

1.      Supplier pricing: The price from your supplier may already include installation costs. If not, they might be the first place to inquire.

2.      Online search: Use Google or Bing to find installers, but have your answers the questions above. Always ask for references and review their prior work.

3.      Approved installers: Larger companies may have a list of approved installers. This option can provide more assurance of quality and warranties but may come at a higher price.

4.      Cost multipliers: Multiply your net material cost by 55% for textured stone and around 70% for limestone projects. Note that tax rates vary by location and should not be included in when using the calculations, some work might not have taxes in different areas. And big inner city areas like New York will most certainly be far more expensive and should be treated separately

Best Practices for Obtaining Quotes

How to analyse cast stone installation costs when you have your written quotes, check the costs of individual items, preferably in a spreadsheet. Sometimes prices can be much higher or lower on some items. It may reflect on items that you may increase your order on at some point in the contract, and it’s best to be aware of items like that.

It has been known for contractors to load the work they know will be completed early and leave little for the final items. Then they could ask for additional monies to complete or not complete the work. It’s best to be aware.

1.      Request written quotations: Obtain written quotes, not estimates, from at least three selected candidates.

2.      Provide detailed information: Installers will need:     

a,    Basic address and contact details

b,    Copies of plans with work areas highlighted

c,    A copy of your stone order and delivery schedules for larger projects

d,    Any drawings provided by the manufacturer

e,    The expected installation date

3.      Verify credentials: Ask for copies of all insurances and licenses, especially for balustrade installations, as additional licenses may be required.

4.      Check references: Follow up on references, visit prior work sites if possible, and check reviews on sites like Trustpilot.

Assessing Costs for Cast Stone Installation

This post on”How To Analyse Cast stone Installation costs” has been prepared from years of practical experience. We hope you find the above helpful and that it at least gives you an idea of what is involved if you are a homeowner. If you are a contractor who is not familiar with the cast stone, then it should help you too.

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Author Rob