Quality indicates the quality of the materials and workmanship in the residence, and determines the cost level in the report. Select one of the following main qualities:
1 Low (available for single-family residences only)
2 Fair
3 Average
4 Good
5 Very Good
6 Excellent
You should examine both materials and workmanship when determining the overall quality of construction. The quality of materials and workmanship of individual building components may vary. However, the overall quality tends to be consistent for the entire residence. Furthermore, the quality of materials and workmanship tend to influence each other.
Workmanship is often superficial, allowing you to easily observe its quality. The following are all indicators of better quality workmanship:
Solid and level floor structures
Plumb walls
Smooth finish on concrete and plastered surfaces
Mitered joints in both exterior and interior woodwork
Proper fitting doors and windows
As with workmanship, the quality of materials is usually apparent during the inspection of the residence. Grade of wood, floor cover and fixtures (either standard or custom) are primary indications of material quality.
Since quality determines the cost level used in the report, you should exercise extreme care in choosing it. You are urged to refer to the descriptions below and to the pictures in Section A of the Residential Cost Handbook and Residential Cost Explorer to aid in your quality selection.
The following contain descriptions of each quality level for the following residence types:
The following are brief definitions of each of the quality levels for single-family residences. Use the detailed description links below each definition to display a complete description of that quality level.
Low quality residences have low cost construction and meet minimum building code requirements. Interior and exterior finishes are plain and inexpensive with little attention given to detail. Architectural design is primarily concerned with function, not appearance.
Detailed Description: Low Quality for Single-Family Residences
Fair quality residences are frequently mass-produced, with low cost production a primary consideration. Although overall quality of materials and workmanship is below average, these houses are not substandard and meet minimum requirements of lending institutions, mortgage insuring agencies and building codes. Interior finishes are plain with few refinements. Design is from stock plans and ornamentation is usually limited to the front elevation.
Detailed Description: Fair Quality for Single-Family Residences
Average quality residences are typically encountered more frequently than those of other qualities. They are usually mass-produced and meet or exceed the minimum construction requirements of lending institutions, mortgage insuring agencies and building codes. By most standards, the quality of materials and workmanship is acceptable, but does not reflect custom craftsmanship. Cabinets, doors, hardware, plumbing and heating are usually stock items. Architectural design includes ample fenestration and some ornamentation on the front elevation.
Detailed Description: Average Quality for Single-Family Residences.
Good quality residences are custom-built for individual owner or mass-produced in above-average residential developments. Good quality standard materials are used throughout. These houses generally exceed the minimum construction requirements of lending institutions, mortgage insuring agencies and building codes. Some attention is given to architectural design in both refinements and detail. Interiors are well finished, usually having some good quality wallpaper or wood paneling. Exteriors have good fenestration with ornamental materials or other refinements.
Detailed Description: Good Quality for Single-Family Residences.
Very good quality residences are typical of those built in high quality tracts or developments, and are frequently individually designed. Attention has been given to interior refinements and detail (i.e., moldings and trim, etc.). Cabinetry, paneling, molding and trim are usually of well-finished woods. Exteriors are attractive with good fenestration and some custom ornamental features.
Detailed Description: Very Good Quality for Single-Family Residences.
Excellent quality residences are usually individually designed. They are characterized by the high quality of workmanship, finishes, appointments and the considerable attention to detail.
Detailed Description: Excellent Quality for Single-Family Residences.
The following are brief definitions of each of the quality levels for low-rise multiple residences. Use the detailed description links below each definition to display a complete description of that quality level.
Low quality is not available for low-rise multiples.
Fair quality multiple residences are usually constructed with minimum compliance to uniform building codes. They are built from stock plans with little or no attention given to ornamentation or architectural design. Quality of materials and workmanship is below average and interior is plain with few refinements.
Detailed Description: Fair Quality for Low-Rise Multiple Residences.
Average quality multiple residences meet or exceed uniform building codes. By most standards, the quality of materials and workmanship are acceptable but do not reflect custom craftsmanship or special features. They are usually built from stock plans with some exterior ornamentation. Interior finish is plain with few refinements.
Detailed Description: Average Quality for Low-Rise Multiple Residences.
Good quality multiple residences are above average and usually exceed uniform building codes. Good standard materials are used throughout and workmanship is above average with some attention given to refinements and detail. Functional considerations are given to architectural design and the exterior includes some ornamentation. Interiors are well finished, usually with some decorative wall coverings and selected fixtures.
Detailed Description: Good Quality for Low-Rise Multiple Residences.
Very good quality multiple residences exceed uniform building codes and can be individually designed. They have some custom features with considerable attention given to detail. The quality of materials and workmanship is very good. Interiors are well finished with decorative wall coverings and selected fixtures.
Detailed Description: Very Good Quality for Low-Rise Multiple Residences.
Excellent quality multiple residences are usually individually designed and are characterized by high quality of workmanship, finishes, and appointments. Considerable attention is given to detail. Interiors are well finished with decorative wall coverings and selected fixtures.
Detailed Description: Excellent Quality for Low-Rise Multiple Residences.
The following are brief definitions of each of the quality levels for town houses and duplexes. Use the detailed description links below each definition to display a complete description of that quality level.
Low quality is not available for town houses or duplexes.
Fair quality town houses and duplexes are constructed with minimum compliance to uniform building codes. The building shape is usually rectangular with little or no attention given to ornamentation or architectural design. The overall quality of materials and workmanship is below average and the interior is plain with few refinements.
Detailed Description: Fair Quality for Town Houses and Duplexes.
Average quality town houses and duplexes are usually constructed to the local building code and exceed the minimum requirements of mortgage insuring agencies. Overall architectural design is simple, with attention given only to the front elevation to distinguish one unit from another. The overall quality of materials and workmanship is average.
Detailed Description: Average Quality for Town Houses and Duplexes.
Good quality town houses and duplexes are above average in both material quality and workmanship. Considerable attention is given to the front elevation to distinguish one unit from another. The floor plan is usually from stock plans but includes some custom interior features.
Detailed Description: Good Quality for Town Houses and Duplexes.
Very good quality town houses and duplexes can be of custom designed stock plans or can be individually designed. Much consideration is given to both exterior and interior details and refinements. Materials and workmanship are of high quality.
Detailed Description: Very Good Quality for Town Houses and Duplexes.
Excellent quality town houses and duplexes are usually individually designed with much consideration given to both exterior and interior detail and refinements. Generally, there are many custom features. Cabinets are hardwood and countertops are commonly ceramic tile.
Detailed Description: Excellent Quality for Town Houses and Duplexes.