Cost Estimation, High-Low Method Jay Bauer Company specializes in the purchase, renovation, and resale of older homes. Jay Bauer employs several carpenters and painters to do the work for him. It is essential for him to have accurate cost estimates so he can determine total renovation costs before he purchases a piece of property. If estimated renovation costs plus the purchase price of a house are higher than its estimated resale value, the house is not a worthwhile investment.
Jay has been using the home’s interior square feet for his exterior paint cost estimations. Recently he decided to include the number of openings—the total number of doors and windows in a house—as a cost driver. Their cost is significant because they require time-consuming preparatory work and careful brushwork. The rest of the house usually is painted either by rollers or spray guns, which are relatively efficient ways to apply paint to a large area. Jay has kept careful records of these expenses on his last 12 jobs:
House | Square Feet | Openings | Cost |
1 | 2,600 | 13 | $3,300 |
2 | 3,010 | 15 | 3,750 |
3 | 2,800 | 12 | 3,100 |
4 | 2,850 | 12 | 3,150 |
5 | 4,050 | 19 | 4,700 |
6 | 2,700 | 13 | 3,250 |
7 | 2,375 | 11 | 2,800 |
8 | 2,450 | 11 | 2,800 |
9 | 2,600 | 10 | 2,875 |
10 | 3,700 | 16 | 4,100 |
11 | 2,650 | 13 | 3,200 |
12 | 3,550 | 16 | 3,950 |
Required
1. Using the high-low cost estimation technique, determine the cost of painting a 3,300-square-foot house with 14 openings. Also determine the cost for a 2,400-square-foot house with 8 openings.
2. Plot the cost data against square feet and against openings. Which variable is a better cost driver? Why?
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