Many have asked why the estimate for renovations is so high... The effects of renovation or repair on a single items (sprinklers for instance), have a cumulative effect on other requirements. For instance, running new sprinklers requires removal and replacement of ceilings. Removing ceilings requires removal and replacement of lighting. Removal and replacement of lighting requires energy code compliance and emergency lighting requirements, which trigger additional upgrades. All of this does not even begin to consider the impact of disturbance of hazardous materials. So, for example, although on a cost estimate breakdown, one might see sprinklers as a line item cost of $5 - $6/SF, it must be understood that sprinklers cannot be considered in isolation. Roof replacement is similar. When roofing is replaced, the code now requires compliance with energy codes. So that means adding insulation. Added insulation adds weight to structure, and added weight to structure requires structural upgrades (which are in themselves invasive and could not be achieved without removal of finishes on the exterior). Renovations tend to have a cumulative effect, more so in the recent building codes than in former years. This is all in a drive to provide safer and more energy efficient buildings.
Posted on: Sun, 06 Oct 2013 03:40:19 +0000