Project Costs

Back by customer demand! ¡ None of the figures ‘‘go with’’ any additional information is available.
You asked and we listened. For customer others. All individual cost items were The median figures, when multiplied
convenience and estimating ease, we have computed and tabulated separately. by the total city construction cost
made the 2019 Project Costs available Thus, the sum of the median figures index figures (see City Cost Indexes)
for download at RSMeans.com/2019books. for plumbing, HVAC, and electrical and then multiplied by the project size
You will also find sample estimates, an will not normally total up to the total modifier at the end of this section,
RSMeans data overview video, and a book mechanical and electrical costs arrived should present a fairly accurate base
registration form to receive quarterly data at by separate analysis and tabulation figure, which would then have to be
updates throughout 2019. of the projects. adjusted in view of the estimator’s
¡ Each building was analyzed as to total experience, local economic conditions,
and component costs and percentages. code requirements, and the owner’s
Estimating Tips
The figures were arranged in ascending particular requirements. There is
¡ The cost figures available in the
order with the results tabulated as no need to factor in the percentage
download were derived from hundreds
shown. The 1/4 column shows that figures, as these should remain
of projects contained in the RSMeans
25% of the projects had lower costs constant from city to city.
database of completed construction
projects. They include the contractor’s and 75% had higher. The 3/4 column ¡ The editors of this data would greatly
overhead and profit. The figures shows that 75% of the projects had appreciate receiving cost figures on
have been adjusted to January of the lower costs and 25% had higher. The one or more of your recent projects,
current year. median column shows that 50% of the which would then be included in the
projects had lower costs and 50% had averages for next year. All cost figures
¡ These projects were located
higher. received will be kept confidential,
throughout the U.S. and reflect a
¡ Project Costs are useful in the except that they will be averaged
tremendous variation in square foot
conceptual stage when no details are with other similar projects to arrive at
(S.F.) costs. This is due to differences,
available. As soon as details become square foot cost figures for next year.
not only in labor and material
costs, but also in individual owners’ available in the project design, the
square foot approach should be See the website above for details and
requirements. For instance, a bank
discontinued and the project should be the discount available for submitting
in a large city would have different
priced as to its particular components. one or more of your projects.
features than one in a rural area. This
is true of all the different types of When more precision is required, or
buildings analyzed. Therefore, caution for estimating the replacement cost of
should be exercised when using specific buildings, the current edition
these Project Costs. For example, for of Square Foot Costs with RSMeans
courthouses, costs in the database are data should be used.
local courthouse costs and will not ¡ In using the figures in this section, it is
apply to the larger, more elaborate recommended that the median column
federal courthouses. be used for preliminary figures if no

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 50 17 Project Costs
UNIT COSTS % OF TOTAL
50 17 00 Project Costs UNIT 1/4 MEDIAN 3/4 1/4 MEDIAN 3/4
01 0000 Auto Sales with Repair S.F. 01
0100 Architectural 104 116 126 59.8% 59.2% 63.7%
0200 Plumbing 8.70 9.10 12.15 5% 5% 5%
0300 Mechanical 11.65 15.60 17.20 6.7% 6.7% 8.6%
0400 Electrical 17.90 22 27.50 10.3% 10.3% 12.1%
0500 Total Project Costs 䊲 174 182 187
02 0000 Banking Institutions S.F. 02
0100 Architectural 157 192 234 60.4% 60.4% 65.5%
0200 Plumbing 6.30 8.80 12.25 2.4% 2.4% 3%
0300 Mechanical 12.55 17.35 20.50 4.8% 4.8% 5.9%
0400 Electrical 30.50 37 57 11.7% 11.7% 12.6%
0500 Total Project Costs 䊲 260 293 360
03 0000 Court House S.F. 03
0100 Architectural 82.50 162 162 54.6% 54.5% 58.3%
0200 Plumbing 3.12 3.12 3.12 2.1% 2.1% 1.1%
0300 Mechanical 19.50 19.50 19.50 12.9% 12.9% 7%
0400 Electrical 25 25 25 16.6% 16.6% 9%
0500 Total Project Costs 䊲 151 278 278
04 0000 Data Centers S.F. 04
0100 Architectural 187 187 187 68% 67.9% 68%
0200 Plumbing 10.20 10.20 10.20 3.7% 3.7% 3.7%
0300 Mechanical 26 26 26 9.5% 9.4% 9.5%
0400 Electrical 24.50 24.50 24.50 8.9% 9% 8.9%
0500 Total Project Costs 䊲 275 275 275
05 0000 Detention Centers S.F. 05
0100 Architectural 173 183 194 59.2% 59.2% 59%
0200 Plumbing 18.25 22 27 6.3% 6.2% 7.1%
0300 Mechanical 23 33 39.50 7.9% 7.9% 10.6%
0400 Electrical 38 45 58.50 13% 13% 14.5%
0500 Total Project Costs 䊲 292 310 365
06 0000 Fire Stations S.F. 06
0100 Architectural 95 121 171 47% 50% 52.4%
0200 Plumbing 9.95 13.50 15.65 4.9% 4.9% 5.8%
0300 Mechanical 13.45 18.40 25.50 6.7% 6.6% 8%
0400 Electrical 22.50 28.50 32.50 11.1% 11% 12.3%
0500 Total Project Costs 䊲 202 231 300
07 0000 Gymnasium S.F. 07
0100 Architectural 86.50 114 114 64.6% 64.4% 57.3%
0200 Plumbing 2.12 6.95 6.95 1.6% 1.6% 3.5%
0300 Mechanical 3.25 29 29 2.4% 2.4% 14.6%
0400 Electrical 10.65 20.50 20.50 7.9% 7.9% 10.3%
0500 Total Project Costs 䊲 134 199 199
08 0000 Hospitals S.F. 08
0100 Architectural 105 172 187 42.9% 43% 47.1%
0200 Plumbing 7.70 14.70 32 3.1% 3.1% 4%
0300 Mechanical 51 57.50 74.50 20.8% 20.8% 15.8%
0400 Electrical 23 46.50 60.50 9.4% 9.5% 12.7%
0500 Total Project Costs 䊲 245 365 395
09 0000 Industrial Buildings S.F. 09
0100 Architectural 44 70 227 56.4% 56.3% 68.6%
0200 Plumbing 1.70 6.40 12.95 2.2% 2.2% 6.3%
0300 Mechanical 4.71 8.95 42.50 6% 6% 8.8%
0400 Electrical 7.20 8.20 68.50 9.2% 9.2% 8%
0500 Total Project Costs 䊲 78 102 425
10 0000 Medical Clinics & Offices S.F. 10
0100 Architectural 87.50 120 158 53.7% 51% 56.3%
0200 Plumbing 8.50 12.85 20.50 5.2% 5.2% 6%
0300 Mechanical 14.20 22 45 8.7% 8.8% 10.3%
0400 Electrical 19.55 26 36.50 12% 11.9% 12.2%
0500 Total Project Costs 䊲 163 213 286

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 50 17 Project Costs
UNIT COSTS % OF TOTAL
50 17 00 Project Costs UNIT 1/4 MEDIAN 3/4 1/4 MEDIAN 3/4
11 0000 Mixed Use S.F. 11
0100 Architectural 86.50 126 207 47% 47.5% 59.4%
0200 Plumbing 6 9.15 11.55 3.3% 3.2% 4.3%
0300 Mechanical 14.80 24 46.50 8% 7.8% 11.3%
0400 Electrical 15.25 24 40.50 8.3% 8.3% 11.3%
0500 Total Project Costs 䊲 184 212 335
12 0000 Multi-Family Housing S.F. 12
0100 Architectural 75 125 167 60.5% 67.6% 56.6%
0200 Plumbing 6.40 12.75 15.10 5.2% 5.6% 5.8%
0300 Mechanical 6.95 11.70 37.50 5.6% 6.3% 5.3%
0400 Electrical 10.10 18 22.50 8.1% 8.8% 8.1%
0500 Total Project Costs 䊲 124 221 282
13 0000 Nursing Home & Assisted Living S.F. 13
0100 Architectural 70 92 116 58.3% 58.4% 59%
0200 Plumbing 7.55 11.35 12.50 6.3% 5.9% 7.3%
0300 Mechanical 6.20 9.15 17.95 5.2% 5.2% 5.9%
0400 Electrical 10.25 16.20 22.50 8.5% 8.6% 10.4%
0500 Total Project Costs 䊲 120 156 188
14 0000 Office Buildings S.F. 14
0100 Architectural 92.50 126 177 60.1% 60% 64.6%
0200 Plumbing 4.98 7.85 15.40 3.2% 3.1% 4%
0300 Mechanical 10.75 17.65 25.50 7% 6.8% 9.1%
0400 Electrical 12.35 21 34 8% 7.9% 10.8%
0500 Total Project Costs 䊲 154 195 285
15 0000 Parking Garage S.F. 15
0100 Architectural 31 38 39.50 82.7% 82.1% 82.6%
0200 Plumbing 1.02 1.07 2 2.7% 2.7% 2.3%
0300 Mechanical .79 1.22 4.62 2.1% 2.1% 2.7%
0400 Electrical 2.72 2.98 6.25 7.3% 7.1% 6.5%
0500 Total Project Costs 䊲 37.50 46 49.50
16 0000 Parking Garage/Mixed Use S.F. 16
0100 Architectural 100 110 112 61% 61.2% 64.3%
0200 Plumbing 3.22 4.22 6.45 2% 2% 2.5%
0300 Mechanical 13.80 15.50 22.50 8.4% 8.4% 9.1%
0400 Electrical 14.45 21 21.50 8.8% 8.8% 12.3%
0500 Total Project Costs 䊲 164 171 177
17 0000 Police Stations S.F. 17
0100 Architectural 113 127 160 53.3% 54% 48.5%
0200 Plumbing 15 18 18.10 7.1% 7% 6.9%
0300 Mechanical 34 47.50 49 16% 16.1% 18.1%
0400 Electrical 25.50 28 29.50 12% 12.1% 10.7%
0500 Total Project Costs 䊲 212 262 297
18 0000 Police/Fire S.F. 18
0100 Architectural 110 110 340 67.9% 68.2% 65.9%
0200 Plumbing 8.65 9.15 34 5.3% 5.5% 5.5%
0300 Mechanical 13.55 21.50 77.50 8.4% 8.4% 12.9%
0400 Electrical 15.40 19.70 88.50 9.5% 9.6% 11.8%
0500 Total Project Costs 䊲 162 167 610
19 0000 Public Assembly Buildings S.F. 19
0100 Architectural 115 156 218 62.5% 63% 61.7%
0200 Plumbing 5.95 8.75 12.90 3.2% 3% 3.5%
0300 Mechanical 13.60 22.50 34.50 7.4% 8% 8.9%
0400 Electrical 18.60 25.50 40.50 10.1% 10.5% 10.1%
0500 Total Project Costs 䊲 184 253 360
20 0000 Recreational S.F. 20
0100 Architectural 108 170 231 56.3% 55.7% 59.2%
0200 Plumbing 8.35 15.35 24.50 4.3% 4.6% 5.3%
0300 Mechanical 12.90 19.60 31 6.7% 6.9% 6.8%
0400 Electrical 15.80 28 39 8.2% 7.7% 9.8%
0500 Total Project Costs 䊲 192 287 435

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 50 17 Project Costs
UNIT COSTS % OF TOTAL
50 17 00 Project Costs UNIT 1/4 MEDIAN 3/4 1/4 MEDIAN 3/4
21 0000 Restaurants S.F. 21
0100 Architectural 123 198 245 60.6% 77.9% 59.1%
0200 Plumbing 9.95 31 39 4.9% 14.6% 9.3%
0300 Mechanical 14.55 19.30 47 7.2% 11.2% 5.8%
0400 Electrical 14.45 30.50 51 7.1% 17.9% 9.1%
0500 Total Project Costs 䊲 203 335 420
22 0000 Retail S.F. 22
0100 Architectural 54 60.50 109 73% 59.9% 64.4%
0200 Plumbing 5.65 7.85 9.95 7.6% 6.2% 8.4%
0300 Mechanical 5.15 7.40 9.05 7% 5.6% 7.9%
0400 Electrical 7.20 11.55 18.50 9.7% 7.9% 12.3%
0500 Total Project Costs 䊲 74 94 148
23 0000 Schools S.F. 23
0100 Architectural 94 120 160 58% 58.8% 55.6%
0200 Plumbing 7.50 10.40 15.15 4.6% 4.7% 4.8%
0300 Mechanical 17.85 24.50 36.50 11% 11.1% 11.3%
0400 Electrical 17.45 24 30.50 10.8% 11% 11.1%
0500 Total Project Costs 䊲 162 216 286
24 0000 University, College & Private School Classroom & Admin Buildings S.F. 24
0100 Architectural 121 150 188 60.2% 61% 54%
0200 Plumbing 6.90 10.70 15.10 3.4% 3.4% 3.8%
0300 Mechanical 26 37.50 45 12.9% 12.9% 13.5%
0400 Electrical 19.50 27.50 33.50 9.7% 9.8% 9.9%
0500 Total Project Costs 䊲 201 278 370
25 0000 University, College & Private School Dormitories S.F. 25
0100 Architectural 79 139 147 67.5% 67.1% 62.6%
0200 Plumbing 10.45 14.80 22 8.9% 8.9% 6.7%
0300 Mechanical 4.69 19.95 31.50 4% 4% 9%
0400 Electrical 5.55 19.35 29.50 4.7% 4.8% 8.7%
0500 Total Project Costs 䊲 117 222 263
26 0000 University, College & Private School Science, Eng. & Lab Buildings S.F. 26
0100 Architectural 136 144 188 48.7% 49.1% 50.5%
0200 Plumbing 9.35 14.20 26 3.4% 3.4% 5%
0300 Mechanical 42.50 67 68.50 15.2% 15.3% 23.5%
0400 Electrical 27.50 32 37.50 9.9% 9.8% 11.2%
0500 Total Project Costs 䊲 279 285 320
27 0000 University, College & Private School Student Union Buildings S.F. 27
0100 Architectural 108 283 283 50.9% 60% 54.4%
0200 Plumbing 16.25 16.25 24 7.7% 4.3% 3.1%
0300 Mechanical 31 50 50 14.6% 9.7% 9.6%
0400 Electrical 27 47 47 12.7% 13.3% 9%
0500 Total Project Costs 䊲 212 520 520
28 0000 Warehouses S.F. 28
0100 Architectural 46 72 171 66.7% 67.4% 58.5%
0200 Plumbing 2.40 5.15 9.90 3.5% 3.5% 4.2%
0300 Mechanical 2.84 16.20 25.50 4.1% 4.1% 13.2%
0400 Electrical S.F. 5.15 19.40 32.50 7.5% 7.5% 15.8%
0500 Total Project Costs S.F. 69 123 238

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