Construction Costs         DM-L2 Objectives: Apply the unit cost of materials and labour to a measured project, in order to determine an overall cost. Learning Outcome B-3

The cost of construction is a factor that must be considered when building something. If the cost is too high, the project may have to be modified or cancelled. In this lesson, you will use your knowledge of perimeter, area, surface area, and volume, as well as costs of construction materials and labour, to determine the total costs of building projects.             Theory – Intro

You plan to install a driveway as pictured in the drawing below. Sample Problem

There are two choices for finishing the driveway There are two choices for finishing the driveway. The first method is to use concrete 4" thick over a layer of gravel 1 ft deep. The second method is to use paving stones which are placed over 1 ft. of crushed limestone covered by 3.5 in. of sand, as shown in the diagram. The paving stones are 2.5 in. thick, and you need to allow 10 percent for waste because of breakage and cutting. Sample Problem – cont’d

Excavation costs: $60.00/yd3 Gravel: $12.00/ yd3 For each method of hard surfacing the driveway, the present earth driveway will have to be excavated to the necessary depth. The costs of materials and excavation are as follows: Excavation costs: $60.00/yd3 Gravel: $12.00/ yd3 Concrete: $130.00/ yd3 Crushed limestone: $15.00/ yd3 Sand: $4.00/ yd3 Paving stones: $2.25/ ft2 Sample Problem – cont’d

Compare costs for the two methods for a driveway that has the measurements shown on the diagram above. Do not include the costs of labour (you and your buddies will be doing the work). Do include the costs of PST and GST for all materials, and GST only for the cost of excavation. PST and GST are 13 percent total. Sample Problem – cont’d

Solution