the thread where Rudy talks about board foot pricing is "barn conversion question" in timberframe design.... go back to show all topics from this year.
your method with the client is identical to mine, I have a ballpark for smaller structures like a porch around 30/40 per square foot, additions or homes at 50/60 per square foot, and the highest quote so far was for a 5000sq ft barn/entrance for a local zoo at 75 per square foot. For me these ballpark figures include transport, timber, cutting and raising(not design or engineering)
The finished price, like the finished plans, takes some work and nail biting. Try to get together with a co-worker and go over the estimate, this will give you more confidence with the client and 2 brains will think of more items specific to the job, including how difficult the client may be to deal with.
my price could be a bit high, the canadian dollar is small in many ways and I'm a recovering farmer so I can't afford to underquote... I'd rather stick frame that lose my land timberframing
if you're craving comparison, find someone in your general area who builds in a similar style and ask them directly how much they charge.... you may be surprised that some folks will give you some good information...
