Comparative Unit Method (2024)

The Comparative Unit Method is a method of estimating the cost of a structure. It is the most common method of estimating costs used by residential appraisers. Although units of measure other than the square foot may be used, the comparative unit method is often called the Square Foot Method of estimating cost.

The cost per square foot (or other suitable unit) of a recently built comparable structure is calculated

The cost per square foot is applied to the subject property

Example:

If a house 2,000 square foot house recently sold for $230,000 and the site was worth $30,000 then the cost per square foot for the house was $100.

If the subject is a new 2,200 square foot similar house and the subject's site cost $40,000 then it is logical that the value of the subject using the cost approach is $260,000.

In this case the comparative unit in the case was the square foot which is generally suitable for residences. The cost per cubic foot may be suitable for warehouses; the cost per room for hotels; and the cost per unit for apartments.

The comparative unit method only works, of course, when the houses are similar in size and quality. Location is not really a factor since the value of the lot generally includes the location value.

Related Topics:

Unit-in-place Method

Quantity Survey Method

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Comparative Unit Method (2024)

FAQs

What is the comparative unit method? ›

- Comparative-Unit Method The comparative-unit method is used to derive a cost estimate in terms of dollars per unit of area or unit of volume. The method employs thknown costs of similar structures adjusted for market conditions and physical differences.

What are three reliable sources for obtaining cost data? ›

To obtain accurate and reliable cost data, it is advisable to consult a variety of sources including professional estimators, contractors, suppliers, industry publications, and online databases.

Is data from recent sales enough to establish value? ›

It is no longer prudent to rely solely on past sales of comparable property. The appraiser must use all pertinent data and appraisal methods to insure the appraised value is, in fact, the closest estimate of the price the property would bring if freely offered on the open market.

What is the comparative method of appraisal? ›

In the Comparative Method of valuation, comparisons are made between properties that are similar but never identical. In the Comparative Method there is the basic assumption that each property is unique and heterogeneous. The reasons for its uniqueness, when applying the comparative method, are related to: The Location.

How to use comparative method? ›

Application
  1. Step 1, assemble potential cognate lists. ...
  2. Step 2, establish correspondence sets. ...
  3. Step 3, discover which sets are in complementary distribution. ...
  4. Step 4, reconstruct proto-phonemes. ...
  5. Step 5, examine the reconstructed system typologically.

What is the comparative method summary? ›

Comparative methods seek evidence for adaptive evolution by investigating how the characteristics of organisms, such as their size, shape, life histories, and behaviors, evolve together across species. They are one of evolutionary biology's most enduring approaches for testing hypotheses of adaptation.

What method is used to determine replacement cost? ›

When calculating the replacement cost of an asset, a company must account for depreciation costs. A business capitalizes an asset purchase by posting the cost of a new asset to an asset account, and the asset account is depreciated over the asset's useful life.

Which cost approach method to estimate replacement cost is considered the most accurate? ›

Quantity Survey Method– This is the most accurate method for estimating cost new, but it is also the most difficult and time-consuming method. The quantity survey method estimates the cost of each individual item involved in the construction of the improvements.

What are the three methods of appraisal? ›

There are three internationally accepted methods of measuring the value of property: the cost approach, the sales comparison approach and the income approach. Depending on the nature of the property being valued, one or more of the approaches may be used by the assessor.

Does appraisal have to match purchase price or loan amount? ›

Lenders will only allow a loan amount based on how much the home is worth on the appraisal report. As you can imagine, it's in the seller's best interest to try to get the home appraised for a value that matches the selling price.

What happens if purchase price is higher than appraisal? ›

If your appraised value is lower than the agreed upon sales price, you'll have to make up the difference in cash, or cancel the deal. There's no reason to panic if your appraisal comes in lower than you expect it to, though.

How accurate is a home appraisal? ›

There's an acceptable variance when it comes to home appraisals. It usually depends on the prevailing market conditions. In markets with favorable conditions, the difference should be between 2% and 3% of the other values. For markets with challenging conditions, a 10% difference may be acceptable.

What is the comparative method based on? ›

The comparative method in historical linguistics is concerned with the reconstruction of an earlier language or earlier state of a language on the basis of a comparison of related words and expressions in different languages or dialects derived from it.

What are the advantages of comparative method of valuation? ›

The advantage of the comparative market approach is the empirical market evidence, because valuations are based on real transaction prices. The market pricing of energy performance certificates requires the availability of statistically proven adjustment factors.

What are the disadvantages of comparable method of valuation? ›

Plus, the comparable company method can value companies of all sizes. Though this method has several advantages, there are also some disadvantages. First, it can be challenging to find a group of comparable companies. Second, the market value of a company can be volatile, leading to an inaccurate valuation.

What are the three methods of comparative method? ›

A central goal of his article is to assess the comparative method in relation to three other methods--experimental, statistical, and case- study--and to evaluate these different approaches by two criteria: 1) how well they achieve the goal of testing theory through adjudicating among rival explanations, and 2) how ...

What is an example of the unit method of estimating? ›

The Unit Cost Method for Design Estimates

For example, a cost estimator might quantify the value of installing one roof at $150,000. In this scenario, if the contractor was responsible for building five identical units, they would simply multiply this unit of cost by five to account for the entire project.

What is the unit method of estimating? ›

Unit cost estimating is a common method of calculating the cost of a construction project by multiplying the quantity of each work item by a unit price. It is widely used by contractors, engineers, architects, and owners for various purposes, such as budgeting, bidding, and controlling costs.

What is the comparative method quizlet? ›

to describe differences and similarities between political systems and their features; to explain these differences; to predict which factors may cause specific outcomes.

References

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