Quality
This field indicates the quality of the materials and workmanship in the
residence, and determines the cost level in the report. Enter the quality number
for one of the following qualities:
- 1 Low (available for single-family residences only)
- 2 Fair
- 3 Average
- 4 Good
- 5 Very Good
- 6 Excellent
You can also enter a quality value between two of the numbers listed above
(e.g., 3.5 for a quality between average and good).
You should examine both materials and workmanship when determining the overall
quality of construction. The quality of materials and workmanship of
individual building components may vary. However, the overall quality tends to be
consistent for the entire residence. Furthermore, the quality of materials and
workmanship tend to influence each other.
Workmanship is often superficial, allowing you to easily observe its quality.
The following are all indicators of better quality workmanship:
- Solid and level floor structures
- Plumb walls
- Smooth finish on concrete and plastered surfaces
- Mitered joints in both exterior and interior woodwork
- Proper fitting doors and windows
As with workmanship, the quality of materials is usually apparent during the
inspection of the residence. Grade of wood, floor cover and fixtures (either
standard or custom) are primary indications of material quality.
Since quality determines the cost level used in the report, you should
exercise extreme care in choosing it. You are urged to refer to the descriptions
below and to the pictures in Section A of the Residential Cost Handbook and Residential Cost Explorer to aid in your quality selection.
The following contain descriptions of each quality level be residence type: