First, to judge quality, observe the cheapness or expensiveness of the materials or components. Comparative cost variations may be influenced by thickness, materials used, method of application or attachment, the type of ornamentation, the intricacy of the design, and the color or finish observed.
Second, see if the workmanship is at a level normal to the type and grade of material used. If the materials and other features generally fit a specific quality level, it usually follows that quality of workmanship will be equivalent. One or two components of a different quality are normal and should be largely disregarded as influencing the overall classification for general quality.
Third, and most important, consider the amount of the components typical for the building’s class. For example, a building may give evidence of only average workmanship and materials. The fixtures and trim may not be of the best quality. It may, however, have more than the average number of windows, doors, and plumbing fixtures. The exterior may have a great deal of average masonry, wood ornamentation, or asphalt cover on a hip roof with large overhangs. Even though these items are not of the best quality, the extra quantity causes the building to have above average cost, and for pricing purposes, you can rate it as Good. Or the building may contain expensive lobby and entry finishes but with many average upper floors, where the building size alone is making a statement and overall the building cost may be rated Good.
Another similar building may be plain in appearance and without a great deal of ornamentation, but still give evidence of excellent workmanship. The hardware, lighting fixtures and interior and exterior trim, while not fancy, may be of very good quality. You could probably price it as Good, even though the limited amount materials and workmanship may be excellent.
Lastly, you should consider the overall size and complexity of the structure. For example, small structures will tend to have higher unit costs than very large ones. This is particularly true with large open-shell structures where a 300,000 square foot warehouse may not be valued at the same cost level as a 30,000 square foot warehouse.
A forced-air heating system may have a competitive brand of heating unit and only average-quality workmanship in the ductwork. However, it may be in a cold climate which requires a larger capacity unit or extra perimeter heat, or there may be a large number of outlets or zoned areas, or overhead vs. floor registers, thus increasing the cost of the ductwork so it might be classified as Good.
If the quality is somewhere in between the qualities designated by the column headings, then use an in between cost. Also remember that Low quality doesn't mean the lowest-cost building that can be found, nor does Excellent mean the most expensive building possible. These classifications are merely the median averages of many buildings fitting the same general category.
You can usually gauge the relative quality of a building which has stood for some time by its appearance. The hardware and fixtures show definite signs of wear, doors and windows stick, fixtures become loose and tarnished, floors creak underfoot and cracks will open in a substandard, Low cost or even an Average building. The Good or Excellent building, although old, will retain its soundness and substantial appearance. Joined woodwork will stay together and fixtures will retain much of their original luster and stability.