292 HOW TO MAKE A COUNTRY PLACE 



complications and extra expense that will sometimes double the cost 

 and the builder is not always entirely to blame, for, unless carefully 

 watched, the work gets beyond the least expensive change point. In 

 the realm of extras lie aggravating experiences. 

 As to labor: 



1. Dirt or stone costs so much per cubic yard to 

 excavate. 



2. Stone foundation costs so much per cubic foot in a 

 wall. 



3. Stone, brick and terra cotta blocks cost so much 

 per cubic foot in place. 



4. Plastering on wooden or wire lathing costs so much 

 per square yard on the walls. 



5. Tile, shingle, slate, copper and tin cost so much 

 per square in place, and flashing can be combined with the 

 plumbing contracts. 



6. Plumbing and heating can be let in one contract, 

 and totaled to a dollar. 



7. Electric lighting, ditto. 



It's simply a question of mathematics. The foregoing seven 

 items can be figured accurately and a number of responsible bidders 

 found who will make a fair living profit and yet give you an excel- 

 lent piece of work. Add to the above items the following: 



Carpenter's labor contract to plastering line, including 

 careful cutting for the plumber and steam fitter. 



Carpenter's labor contract from plastering to complete 

 finishing of exterior and interior. 



Painter's contract, including floor treatment. 



Architect's fee. 



Manager's salary, preferably for a year, privilege 

 reserved by both owner and manager of canceling the con- 

 tract any Saturday night an essential legal form, as a con- 

 tract with an irresponsible employee is always one-sided and 

 in substance really only holds the employer. 



Material of every kind should be figured with great 

 accuracy. Have your architect, manager and a practical 

 builder figure the list separately; in this way you can ferret 

 out errors that with the greatest care are bound to occur. 

 Material men will compete to supply you and much can be 

 bought in carload lots, saving the price of an extra haul. 



Allow liberally for freight, express, cartage and even 

 interest charges. 



Figure water supply, sewage, grading, planting, and 

 general landscaping. 



Insurance. 



Insurance fire, glass, and employers' liability is also 

 especially important. 



