You want a mountain cabin built for weekend trips, vacations, to host family, and perhaps eventually to retire in. After discussing the project with a local contractor, you receive an estimate that the total construction cost of your 2500-ft2 lodge will be $325,000. The percentage of costs is broken down as follows:

Cost Items

Percentage of Total Costs

Construction permits, legal and title fees

7%

Roadway, site clearing, preparation

17%

Foundation, concrete, masonry

19%

Wallboard, flooring, carpentry

8%

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC)

14%

Electric, plumbing, communications

10%

Roofing, flooring

9%

Painting, finishing

16%

100%