The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California
Estimating Frame And Brick Houses
Cornices and Ornamental Plaster Work.
We have not made any estimate for molded stucco work, cornices, or plaster center pieces. This work, at any rate, is usually done by the foot, running measure, or by the piece, the cost being regulated by the elaborateness of the design, or by the width of cornice and number of its members.
In measuring cornice work the custom is to measure the wall from corner to corner, and where there are external angles the extreme limit of the molding on the ceiling is the measure of length. Thus a wall just 12 feet from corner to corner will require 12 feet of cornice; but suppose the wall measures 12 feet from a corner to an external angle, and the cornice projects on the ceiling 2 feet, then the plasterer's measure will be 14 feet, inasmuch as it will be necessary to project beyond the external angle on the ceiling, in order to give sufficient length to form an adequate return.
We have avoided prices both for plastering and stucco work, as these are governed by local requirements, and are now prepared to estimate on the finishings.
We have now obtained close figures on excavating, stone work, concrete, brick work, timber and rough lumber, rough covering and plastering. If there are to be stucco cornices or other ornamental plaster work, note must be taken of it and charged accordingly. Cornices are usually charged for by the foot, running measure, if not more than 15 inches girt. If more than 15 inches, or if paneled, they are measured on the profile of the moldings, and are charged by the foot superficial. For each internal angle 1 foot extra should be charged, and for ex- ternal angles 2 feet or more, according to the girt of the cornice. If a cornice is elliptical or circular, as would be the case if one was put in the sitting room in the house under consideration, an extra price must be charged; in this instance about 50 per cent should be added to the straight rate. If the cornice is enriched by cast moldings, flowers or other complicated figures a corresponding charge should be added. Sometimes this may run as high as three or four times the cost of a plain cornice covering the same area, and much will depend on the design. Center pieces, brackets, angle beads and similar work must be charged for in accordance with their dimensions and design. It is impossible here to give any idea of what the prices of these should be without the designs and dimensions before us.
