Low-Rise Multiple Good Quality
Good Quality Multiple Residences are above average and usually exceed uniform
building codes. Good standard materials are used throughout, and workmanship is
above average with some attention given to refinements and detail. Functional
considerations are given to architectural design, and the exterior will include
some ornamentation. Interiors are well finished, usually with some decorative
wall coverings and selected fixtures.
NOTE: Enter the program with number of units in each building, not total units in
total buildings.
Good Quality is our term for a multiple residence, which is above average.
Such a residences could have easily been Rank 4, on a scale of 1 to 6, with Low
Quality equal to Rank 1, Fair Quality equal to Rank 2, etc. It is just the next
level in cost for residential housing. Good quality multiple residences are
typical of the upper middle class and from the exterior, they frequently resemble
the Very-Good Multiple Residence, but usually with less detail and workmanship
in the interior.
This quality cost level could easily be Average Quality or Very-Good Quality
in your area. The most important matter is where the cost lies for the multiple
residence that is being appraised.
Many multiple residences may require more than a casual view to determine the
construction class, and an inspection must be made of the interior for reliable
determination of quality. However, the experienced appraiser will notice the
details of workmanship, design and exterior finish materials, which often
indicate the quality to be found inside.
Some items which affect the cost and which may be observed from the exterior
are roof pitch and type. Costs of shed, gable, and hip roofs generally ascend in
that order. Typically, a cut-up roof requires more labor and materials than a
simply designed roof.
Eave soffits and gutters, or their absence, and the trim and ornamentation
should be observed, as well as the quantity and quality of fenestration.
In most cases, the interior improvements will be commensurate with the
exterior, but even when they are not, the exterior design and finish have a great
effect on the cost.
SUMMARY: Fenestration, roof pitch, design, materials, and workmanship are the major
indicators of cost from an exterior view. Fireplaces, porches and appliances are
separate items not considered in the quality of the house, although they may be
indicative of the quality of other structural items. Interiors may not conform
to the exterior quality. The costs included in this program are derived from
construction costs of many buildings and are medians of cost ranges.
- The following will further describe building components at this quality of
construction.
- Foundation: Concrete perimeter footing and stem wall with continuous foundation or piers
under interior bearing walls.
- Floor Structure: Wood structure and subfloor or concrete on slab on first level and wood
structure and subfloor on upper story floors. Sound control between units.
- Floor Cover: Carpet, hardwood, vinyl composition tile, or vinyl sheet floor covering.
Floor cover costs are not included in the basic cost. The floor cover allowance is
a weighting of those floor coverings typically found at this quality and can be
used if floor cover is not itemized.
- Exterior Wall: Wood or steel stud for frame with good fenestration using above-average-grade
sash. Some wall ornamentation.
- Roof: Wood or steel structure and sheathing.
- Interior Finish:: Interior walls are taped and painted drywall with some wallpaper or
paneling. Sound control between units. Ceilings are generally sprayed drywall with
enamel-painted ceilings in kitchen and baths. Walk-in or sliding door wardrobe
closets and guest closet. Ample linen and storage closets. Cabinets will have
hardwood veneer. Ceramic tile or simulated marble countertops and splash. Good-grade
hollow-core or panel doors. Well finished softwood base and casing.
Note: Base interior wall height is 8'. For each foot of variation, the program will
add to or deduct from the base cost only, 4% for all masonry exterior walls
including masonry veneers and 3% for frame exterior walls.
- Electrical: Adequate number of outlets and some luminous fixtures.
- Plumbing: At this quality the default is seven good-quality fixtures, white or standard
color, per unit; may include any of the following: water heater, tile stall
shower, toilet, lavatory, tub, tub with shower over, kitchen sink. Adjustments
for any deviation from seven plumbing fixtures base, or to add plumbing rough-in
should be made where appropriate.
- Built-in Appliances: None are included in the basic cost. The Built-in Appliance Allowance is a
weighting of those typically found at this quality level and can be used when
appliances are not itemized.
- Fireplaces: None are included in the basic residence cost. Add as needed.
- Unfinished Basement: Poured concrete walls, moistureproof concrete slab floor with drain, the
necessary columns and beams to support upper wood subfloor, well-constructed and
painted softwood stairways, adequate partitions, storage areas, electrical
outlets, and windows.
- Basement Interior Finish: Good-quality vinyl composition-tile floor covering painted walls taped and
painted drywall ceiling finish, good lighting, and incidental heating.
- Parking Basement: Poured concrete walls finished ceiling, concrete slab, striping, stops,
adequate lighting, and floor drains. Sprinklers and ventilation are not included.
- Garage: Concrete slab floor, overhead doors. Conforms to multiple residence in both
quality and construction.
- Open Carport: Concrete slab and structural supports. Detached also includes roof and cover.