Masonry Magazine December 1993 Page. 14
MASONRY WALL SYSTEM
COST COMPARISON
Study underscores masonry's cost effectiveness and provides comprehensive data in comparing construction and operating costs for masonry and other construction methods.
Masonry offers advantages. Through the centuries it stands as a classic element in enduring architecture. The variety of finishes, colors and shapes makes it ideal as the stand alone material, or as one compatible with many. Masonry is easily assimilated into landscapes. Its insulation and durability properties are exceptional. Unlike most materials, weathering improves masonry's beauty. And, its handheld size makes masonry most suitable for intricate designs, or appropriate for difficult to reach sites.
But, building decisions are not always solely based on aesthetics. Financial details are equally paramount to achieving proper balance between the design of choice and the cost to build. Economic aspects include not only initial investment, but considerations such as long-term operating costs and return on equity.
Besides versatile aesthetic advantages, masonry offers key financial benefits demonstrated over the years in actual projects. In addition, independent studies conducted by manufacturers, consulting firms, trade associations and others reaffirm masonry's construction and operating cost benefits.
A study commissioned by the Masonry Institute of New York and Long Island and completed in 1992, underscores masonry's cost-effectiveness and provides valuable comprehensive data in comparing construction and operating costs for masonry versus glass curtain wall and architectural precast concrete buildings in four major cities. The study was performed by Building Evaluations, Freehold, New Jersey, a consulting firm specializing in building estimates and real estate services.
The comprehensive data generated by the study reinforces data of earlier studies and actual design/build experience. Masonry offers major aesthetic, structural and financial advantages for architects, builders, owners, developers and operators, including increased return on equity, better life cycle costs and attractive rental environment and lower short and long-term capital investment.
Study Background
The Masonry Institute of New York City and Long Island contracted with Building Evaluations in April of 1992 to survey detailed construction and operating cost estimates for seven different exterior wall assemblies: (1) Utility brick with block backup (2) Engineer brick with block backup (3) Face brick with metal stud and gypsum backup (4) Face brick with block backup (5) Architectural pre-cast concrete (6) Curtain wall comprised of 1" insulated glass with metal, and (7) High-Quality, all-glass curtain wall.
Building Evaluations was asked to compare costs for commercial and residential buildings of up to six-stories, and above six stories in four U.S. Cities-New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Chicago.
In addition, Building Evaluations provided estimates for ten year operating costs for each building's heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC), maintenance and insurance requirements.
Study Methodology
Based on dimensions of a floor-to-floor height of 12'6" and an exterior wall area of 20,000 sq. ft., Building Evaluations compiled information in three areas:
Detailed unit price (labor, materials, components, etc.) for each wall type on a building-by-building, city-by-city basis.
Summaries for total and per sq. ft. construction costs on a building-by-building, city-by-city basis.
Cost impact of each exterior wall type on a building-by-building, city-by-city basis on operating costs for HVAC, maintenance and insurance over ten years.
TABLE B (right hand page) shows construction and operating comparisons in buildings six stories and below in four major cities. Table C compares these costs for structures above six stories in the same four markets.
TABLE A
Detailed init Price Report Comparison of Face Brick/Block Backup and High-Quality All Glass Curtain Wall Corporate Office of up to
6 Stories in Washington, DC. Figures for New York, Philadelphia and Chicago were also detailed in the Buildings Evaluations study
TOTAL UNIT
TOTAL COST
DESCRIPTION
UNIT LABOR MATERIAL UNIT
QUANTITY
FackBackup
Face Brick
$177809
6.13
157
6.70
140 M
20.000 SP
134,130
Block Backup Reinforcing
028
039
458
000
10.86
Mortar
24.34
97.30
122.12
N
9037
Tool Joints & Clean
007
20.000 SP
16.200
081
077
135
20.000 SP
27.804
TOTAL
1834342
Curtain Wat Frame-Bros
Curtain Wat Spand
20.000 S
9675,000
184
5M
773
154.855
245
279
5.45
20.000 St
100.080
058
122
20,000 S
24,408
TOTAL
"Estimates
14 MASONRY-NOVEMBER/DECEMBER, 1993