Table of Contents

Acknowledgments.

INTRODUCTION.

Return on Your Home Improvement Investment.

The “Green Building” Trend.

Curb Appeal.

Remodeling an Older Home.

PART ONE: WORKING WITH DESIGN AND BUILDING PROFESSIONALS.

Working with an Architect.

Working with Landscape Professionals.

Working with a Contractor.

Contractor Evaluation Sheet.

Questions for the Building Department.

PART TWO: EXTERIOR PROJECTS WITH ESTIMATES.

How to Use the Model Projects.

Decks.

Elevated Deck.

Elevated L-Shaped Deck.

Multi-Level Deck.

Ground-Level Deck.

Roof Deck.

Dormers.

4' Gable Dormer.

7' Gable Dormer.

12' Shed Dormer.

20' Shed Dormer.

Exterior Doors and Windows.

Bow/Bay Window.

New Window.

Replacement Window.

Fixed Skylight.

Operable Skylight.

Patio Doors.

Main Entry Door.

Basement Bulkhead Door.

Garages and Carports.

Attached Single Carport.

Free-Standing Double Carport.

Attached Single Garage.

Free-Standing Double Garage.

Free-Standing Three-Car Garage.

Landscaping.

Brick Walkway.

Brick or Flagstone Patio.

Concrete Patio.

Garden Arbor.

Driveway.

Retaining Wall.

Dry Stone Wall.

Wood Fence.

Garden Pond.

Outdoor Fountain.

Drip Irrigation System.

In-Ground Sprinkler System.

Post Light and Outlet.

Low-Voltage Landscape Lighting.

Seed or Sod.

Planting Trees and Shrubs.

Outdoor Living Areas and Structures.

Outdoor Living Area.

Gazebo.

Utility Shed.

Trash Can Shed with Recycling Bins.

Play Structure.

Redwood Hot Tub.

Porches and Entryways.

Finished Breezeway with Screens.

Finished Breezeway with Windows.

New Breezeway.

Enclosed Porch with Screens.

Enclosed Porch with Glass Doors.

Enclosed Porch/Mudroom.

Porch.

Wood Entryway Steps.

Brick Entryway Steps.

Wheelchair Ramp.

Roofing, Siding, and Gutters.

Aluminum Gutters.

Attic Ventilation.

Exterior Painting or Staining.

Re-Roofing with Asphalt Shingles.

Re-Siding with Wood Clapboard.

Room Additions.

8' x 8' Entry Addition.

8' x 12' Room Addition.

12' x 16' Family Room Addition.

20' x 24' Room Addition.

10' x 10' Second-Story Addition.

20' x 24' Second-Story Addition.

Pre-Fabricated Greenhouse.

Sunroom.

Security Measures.

PART THREE: DETAILED COSTS.

How to Use the Detailed Costs.

Cost Data.

Adjusting Project Costs to Your Location.

PART FOUR: ADDITIONAL RESOURCES.

Safety Tips.

Material Shopping List.

Glossary.

Index.

About the Author

RSMeans is North America's leading supplier of construction cost information. A product line of Reed Construction Data, RSMeans provides accurate and up-to-date cost information that helps owners, developers, architects, engineers, contractors, and others to carefully and precisely project and control the cost of both new building construction and renovation projects. In addition to its collection of annual construction cost data books, RSMeans also offers construction estimating and facilities management seminars, electronic cost databases and software, reference books, and consulting services.