Collin,
You asked how other framers come up with an initial ballpark estimate.
Great question.
If it something straightforward, I can fairly quickly come up with a reasonably close stick count and board foot estimate. Figure the materials costs and plug in the handy "man-hours per stick" multiplier and you have the basis for a guesstimate. Our man-hours per stick number is based on record keeping and extrapolation.
Obviously you have to have some idea what the frame would be like. Sometimes it is just guesswork.
I would love to hear some other framer's input.
Gabel
