One of the questions we most often hear is, "What are client costs running per square foot?" Any architect, engineer or building designer will tell you there are as many answers to this question as there are projects to cost out. Possibly, this simplistic approach to such a complex subject is perpetuated by our "instant response" mind-set. It is much easier to compare numbers in a simple formula than to really explain or understand the factors involved. Without detailed information about the project involved, a simple quote on "per square foot," is foolish and downright irresponsible.

     A conversation between two doctors at a convention illustrates some of the difficulties that arise from this comparison factor. Both doctors had recently built clinics and both clinics had five operatories. Both felt their projects fit their practice needs. Here is where the similarity ends. One doctor had a large practice in an urban area which included sizeable hygiene production. He had only been practicing about ten years, and had plans to take in an associate in the near future and add several operatories to the facility. He wanted spacious areas to accommodate staff members who usually ate lunch at work rather than contend with city traffic. He also felt that his office needed to project a sophisticated image.

     The other doctor practiced in a more rural area and preferred a more relaxed practice style. She planned to consider an associate some time in the future, possibly as part of a practice sale, but she was satisfied with the volume she currently produced alone. She felt that fancy interior finishes were out of place in a small town office. For cost considerations, she was very conscious of planning only spaces that she felt were essential to an up-to-date practice.

     The urban lot was smaller, but more expensive. The rural lot was larger, but required much more site work and costs for utility access. In total, the lots and improvements were almost equal in expense.

     The urban clinic project ended up with a floor space of 3,800 square feet while the rural clinic was only 2,100 square feet. Remember that both clinics have the same five operatories - the same production area of the facility. When the final construction costs were compiled, the smaller, rural clinic cost more per square foot than the larger, urban clinic, but it's total price tag was over a hundred thousand dollars less. Here is a perfect example of a more expensive project with a lower per-square-foot cost.

     Some of the factors that can increase building costs are:

Unusual or difficult sites requiring expensive development costs

Foundations with many corners - a simple rectangle is the least expensive

Complicated roof designs

Specialty finishes (expensive wall coverings, paneling and hardware)

Unusual light fixtures

Custom windows or doors

Custom made details like stained glass and faux finishes

     When you inquire about building costs per square foot, you should visualize a patient asking your fee "per pound" for a crown. How can you answer?