Randolph Mountain Club - Stearns Lodge - Construction Options and Costs

Stearns Lodge - Construction Options and Costs

As a result of the Building Committee's work, the costs of the project were cut significantly to a total project cost of less than $300,000. Savings were realized in nearly all aspects of the project.

The trail crew and summer caretakers will continue to use tents as their sleeping quarters and only a small section of the building would be winterized for use by the winter caretakers.

RMC Basecamp Construction Quotes

Conventional Construction:

Technique: Local contractor using conventional materials.
Pro: Attention to detail, minor changes possible during construction.
Con: Less efficient construction technique, possibly higher costs.

Quotes: $243,000, $256,000, $303,000

Modular Construction:

Technique: Built in a factory, delivered to site via tractor-trailer. RMC is still responsible for foundation and site work, septic and well.
Pro: Inexpensive, fast and efficient construction.
Con: There is less ability to change minor points during construction, and possible hidden costs.

Quote: $231,600

Panelized Construction:

Technique: Building is constructed in a factory, walls are shipped to the site and assembled.
Pros and Cons: same as modular

Quote: $293,000.

Log Construction:

Technique: Whole log home style, using an area log cabin home builder.
Pros: Aesthetically pleasing, functional, sturdy interior.
`Cons: Little ability to adjust design during construction.

Quote: $289,900

Timber Framer's Guild:

Technique: Post and beam construction. RMC uses a conventional builder to prepare the site, including foundation. The Guild brings volunteers to the site, to construct timber frame. RMC uses conventional builder to finish building after frame is constructed.
Pros: Aesthetically pleasing, good opportunity for volunteer involvement, memorable experience for Randolphians and RMC'ers during timber framing weeks, sturdy, rustic, simple design.
Cons: Greater planning and coordination required.

Quote: To be determined. RMC's application pending with the Timber Guild has been accepted, so this option is available to us if we want to proceed. The building committee needs to develop a cost estimate for this technique.

All of the above quotes include all costs. However, for your information, the core costs are budgeted as follows:

Septic $16,000
Water Well $6,000
Drivway/Parking $10,000
Site Clearing $5,000
Site Grading and excavation $15,000

The RMC Building Committee intends to use RMC volunteers as appropriate, to accomplish tasks such as staining exterior of building, to save money. However, any savings were specifically not calculated into the quotes above. This will provide the club with some leeway, in the event of increased construction costs between the date of the quote and actual construction.