An estimate of costs in Excel

[asudavew]

I'm pretty knew to the forum, but an accountant by trade..... so I've created an Excel spreadsheet to aid everyone in estimating the cost of a backyard oven project.

Of course the prices are local prices, so feel free to adjust any prices or amounts as needed. I locked the other cells so no one would accidentally change any formulas.

I used the plans from this site for the material list.

I hope this will help other noobs like me out there.

I break ground this weekend.
It will be a slow process, but I really want to get started.



BTW I had to zip the file to upload it to this site.
But go to WinZip® - The Zip File Utility for Windows - Zip/Unzip, Encrypt/Decrypt to download Winzip which will unzip it for you.
If you don't have Excel, Lotus will probably open the file. If you don't have that try the Google spreadsheet. Just Google "spreadsheet", sign up and open the file.

Have a good day.
Dave

[pizzaboy]

Re: An estimate of costs in Excel

Thanks, that is a big help...or maybe not if the wife sees it first.

[asudavew]

Re: An estimate of costs in Excel

Maybe she'll go for it...

I broke it down it to smaller more manageable sections, because I'm married too!



Easier to justify smaller chunks.... If you get my drift.

[james]

Re: An estimate of costs in Excel

We should ask Drew about family budgeting. I think his wife was putting the kitchen sink in his oven cost. :-)
James

[BaconGrease]

Re: An estimate of costs in Excel

This is very helpful, thanks.

[Archena]

Re: An estimate of costs in Excel

Cool!


Under Fireclay what does 'fall off" mean?

[Les]

Re: An estimate of costs in Excel

This is cool. I've been tracking my costs the old way - a pile of post-it's. I've noticed some great pricing as well. I had to pay $1.40 a brick. Dave got 4 foot of angle iron for $5.00 - that's incredible. I probably paid close to that for 1 foot.

Les...

[asudavew]

Re: An estimate of costs in Excel

Cool!


Under Fireclay what does 'fall off" mean?

Actually there should be an amount in that spot.

I wrote this before doing some serious homework, just to get an idea of the costs involved.
At the time, I assumed that the "brick dust" from cutting bricks would be enough to use for the mortar, but now I realize that I will probably need much more than that.

[asudavew]

Re: An estimate of costs in Excel

This is cool. I've been tracking my costs the old way - a pile of post-it's. I've noticed some great pricing as well. I had to pay $1.40 a brick. Dave got 4 foot of angle iron for $5.00 - that's incredible. I probably paid close to that for 1 foot.

Les...

Yeah, I know a few welders... and they always have leftovers...

and I guess I'm just lucky on the bricks...

So how many post-its have you lost?

[Archena]

Re: An estimate of costs in Excel

Actually there should be an amount in that spot.

I wrote this before doing some serious homework, just to get an idea of the costs involved.
At the time, I assumed that the "brick dust" from cutting bricks would be enough to use for the mortar, but now I realize that I will probably need much more than that.

Okay, thanks!

[asudavew]

Re: An estimate of costs in Excel

This is cool. I've been tracking my costs the old way - a pile of post-it's. I've noticed some great pricing as well. I had to pay $1.40 a brick. Dave got 4 foot of angle iron for $5.00 - that's incredible. I probably paid close to that for 1 foot.

Les...

well.. my angle iron didn't work out.. I needed two pieces that were longer.

And boy are you right, it is expensive at Lowe's....
So I thought, there must be something laying around my house or my dad's house.

And then I found it ! The last homeowner left the old garage door opener here.
And it had about an 8 foot piece of T shaped 3/16th iron on it.
Presto! 4 blades later... And I have my two pieces.
And I would imagine they are stronger because they are T shaped.

[Archena]

Re: An estimate of costs in Excel

Cool!

I thought of something earlier while reading the wet saw thread - you might want to include rental/purchase costs for tools.

Of course, you might just find them laying around your house...


Wish I would...

[asudavew]

Re: An estimate of costs in Excel

well.........


I was a carpenter for 10 years while going to school... So I did accumulate many tools..........and I laid tiles several times before my Dad (work partner) said NO MORE FLOORS!

And I do have a wet saw..... So I am very fortunate.

Wet saw, grinder, table saw...
Hopefully anything I need.

I've been blessed.

And if anyone lives around San Angelo Texas I would be happy to help with tools or muscle!

Good Day Everyone,

Dave