Managing Press Box Construction Costs

April 30, 2012 - PRLog -- What is the most efficient way to design, build and install a press box?  At American Press Box we are asked that question every day and it is a bit like asking, “How long is a rope?”  The answer depends on many variables.  This article offers a description of the various
ways organizations approach the process and a general comparison of the costs
involved.

There are six key components to the overall cost of a press box;  
1. Foundation
2. Understructure
3. The press box
4. Installation
5. Professional fees for design and engineering
6. Finish and Interior accessories

This article will not address item 6. The interior accessories and combination of options
are as varied as there are stars in the universe.  For our discussion we have chosen a
standard size of 10’W X 36’L, 18’ elevation, and standard/basic finish.  

Organizations wishing to add a press box or VIP suite have three options to accomplish
the job.  They can hire a general contractor to manage the process, manage the
process directly working their way through all six components, or work with a company
that can offer a turnkey process.  

We have found the most expensive is the first option of hiring a general contractor.  
Typically the general contractor will not have a great deal of experience building and
designing a press box, if any.  They rarely choose to purchase a prefab press box and
decide to build it themselves.  All of the design work is original and therefore costly.  

The second option of directly managing the process is much like the first but without
some of the fees and mark-ups charged by the general contractor.  This is a time
consuming job and the savings are minimal.  

The third option and obviously the one we promote is working with a company that can
offer a turnkey process.  The savings can be up to 30%.

With all that said, let’s get to some numbers.

1. Foundation – the costs for a foundation are fairly standard and vary only slightly
from market to market.  You’ll need a design, concrete foundations consisting of
a pad below frost line and a concrete pillar. For our example of a 10’ X 36’ press
box elevated 18’ expect to pay between $7,000 and $8,000.  These costs are
based on normal soil conditions.  Less than ideal soil conditions will increase the
price.

2. Understructure – the understructure is made of aluminum and steel.  It requires
engineering designs and approvals.  The costs can vary greatly depending on
the aluminum and steel supplier.  For our 10’ X 36’ example, elevated 18’, your costs can range from $28,000 to $32,000 plus the cost for design work if
managing directly of going through a general contractor.  APB virtually eliminates
the design cost and has negotiated preferential pricing with our supplier.  Our
understructure price will never be beat.

3. The Press Box – Your choice here is whether to build a custom structure or
choose a pre-fabricated building.  APB offers only pre-fab buildings for a number
of reasons.  On-site construction comes with many problems including weather
delays, security, increased liability costs, and quality control.  The cost for a pre-
fab press box can be lower or higher depending on the materials used for a
custom design.  Therefore our pricing here is for a pre-fabricated press box.  
Your cost for 10’ X 36’ press box with standard finishes and interior fixtures is
$60,000

4. Installation – this includes erecting the understructure, crane rental for placing
the press box, securing the press box, hooking up power, and final walk through.
Pricing sited here does not include any plumbing work, which may or may not be
needed depending on the options selected.  APB’s price will range from $15,000
to $20,000.  We have seen pricing for this part of the process vary widely when
managing the project through a general contractor.  In fact, we are aware of one
install that costs double.  

5. Professional Fees for Design and Engineering – APB does not charge for any
design work.  Costs associated when designing yourself or using a general
contractor can range from $2,500 to $25,000.

So, how much does a standard10’ X 36’ press box, elevated 18’, cost? Performing the
project on your own or through a local general contractor expect to pay between
$145,000 and $175,000.  Or choose to work with APB and your cost will be between
$110,000 and $120,000.  Not only will you save dollars you will also enjoy fast
turnaround.  Most projects are complete in 12 weeks or less from the date of final
design approval.

Note – Pricing in above article is for estimating only and should not be considered a
price quote. To obtain a free quote for your project please visit http://www.americanpressbox.com.