Prices of Basic Building Materials

HOUSE DESIGN and Drafting and Design
Prices of Basic Building Materials

Art/NASC 214 and Art 316, Fall Semester, 1999

Marvin Bartel, instructor

Designers are sometimes told that a particular ideas might look nice, but it is too expensive to do. This page will attempt to place some actual cost comparisons before us. We can call suppliers and easily get material prices. Labor costs are harder to estimate, but contractors use books with tables to help them do estimates for labor and materials.

Cement blocks - source for prices is Fidler's of Goshen, 9-23-99

Common 8 x 16 blocks are $1 each.

These are heavy. They must be used when they are below ground for foundation. They are not damaged by freezing and moisture.

Light weight plain blocks often used above grade are $1.22 each.

Block layers like them better. They look about the same as the heavy weights.

Split face or flutted surface blocks are $1.68 each.

These are light weight but give a more unique texture to the wall.

See them on the Goshen Boys and Girls Club in north Goshen.

Colored concrete - add $0.45 per block for color.

See them on the wall next the Goshen College kiln yard.

NOTE: These prices are all for standard 8 inch blocks. Blocks are also available in thicker and thiner sizes. The actual size is a bit smaller to allow for mortar within the 8 inches.

I hope this has been helpful. If you have reliable price information, e-mail them to me. Don't hesitate to communicate you ideas, questions, and concerns.
to top of page

page updated 9-22-1999