Occupancies: Quality

The quality of the materials and workmanship in the building, and determines the cost level in the report. Enter one of the following qualities:

You should examine both materials and workmanship when determining the overall quality. The quality of materials and workmanship of individual building components may vary. However, the overall quality tends to be consistent for the entire building. 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 building. 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. The descriptions on the following pages are only a brief guide as to the basic characteristics found at each quality level. You are urged to refer to Sections 11-18 of the Marshall Valuation Service or Commercial Cost Explorer for pictures and written descriptions to aid in the quality selection.

For more detailed information, see Cost Rank (Quality).