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09-11-2010, 03:47 PM
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 12
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Looking for build time validation
Hi all! I'm looking for validation for a spreadsheet I came up with to estimate the timeline and cost for building an RV-4. The only thing I know at this point is the total time to build, and the cost estimates as given on the Van's web-site. I broke it out by phase and allocated percentages of time to each phase. Do those allocations fit reality? They don't have to be exact, I'm just trying to get into the ballpark.
Another cool feature of the spreadsheet is I can enter an estimate start date, and the average number of hours I think I can work per week, and it will estimate the calendar dates for each phase. Looks like around $50K and 3.2 years would get me a nice, basic RV-4.
I couldnt' figure out how to attach a spreadsheet, but I at least figured out how to embed images.  (And I think, based on preview mode, that the image is going to be too small... hmmm... look for a second post while I figure this out...)
Mark
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09-11-2010, 03:50 PM
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 12
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Larger image....
Got it! (Select larger size for Picasa web link...)

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09-11-2010, 04:02 PM
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 12
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I should also add...
I want to build a fastback RV-4 with the low-drag Lopresti style cowl. So, I'm sure this adds time to the Phase 3 build...
Mark
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09-11-2010, 05:56 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: The Beautiful NJ Shore
Posts: 409
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You forgot to factor in 2 variables. 'Life Happens' and 'What Money?'. Also add at least one year per family member.
__________________
Greg Piney
RV-8 2547
Empennage Done!
Beginning Fuselage Final Assembly!
(Tub finished, on to Landing Gear).
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09-11-2010, 06:33 PM
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 4,218
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Mark,
Aren't you married with at least one small child? In that situation, I believe you'd do well to average 10 hours per week unless you only sleep 4 hours a night or have some other huge advantage which lets you work on a project when the family is away or asleep. In my build, I probably averaged 500 hours a year, which is 10 hours/wk. And that was back when I was single, didn't have a dog, etc...
__________________
Kyle Boatright
Marietta, GA
2001 RV-6 N46KB
2019(?) RV-10
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09-11-2010, 06:59 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Utah
Posts: 8,151
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3rd variable
Mark,
Add one more variable - parts availability when you need it. The planned time increases if you waste a part and need to order a replacement or do not have next subkit available. (Re)ordering, shipping and remaking takes its toll. One more - any deviation from you plans will increase the time by at least 10%.
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09-11-2010, 07:58 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Posts: 2,357
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Builder experience and personality type are big factors in build time. Some folks move quickly when building, and they make very quick progress. Other over analytical folks, like me, spend many hours just pondering things, trying to find the best solution to the problem of the day. The fast mover type would have grabbed the first solution that came to mind and finished the task while I was still coming up with ten possible solutions and comparing the pros and cons of each.
The fact that you are working on this spreadsheet leads me to believe that you are the over analytical type whose build time will be at least 50% longer than average.
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09-11-2010, 08:46 PM
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kyle Boatright
Mark,
Aren't you married with at least one small child? In that situation, I believe you'd do well to average 10 hours per week unless you only sleep 4 hours a night or have some other huge advantage which lets you work on a project when the family is away or asleep. In my build, I probably averaged 500 hours a year, which is 10 hours/wk. And that was back when I was single, didn't have a dog, etc...
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Hey Kyle! Actually, two small child(s). Both two (first in years, second in months). They are both boys, so hopefully they will like rivets and tools. And 4 cats. I think the cats might be more help at this stage, but at least they don't need the attention of a dog. And at this point, I'm lucky to get 3-5 hours of sleep. I'm glad I'm not playing the role of milk truck, or I'd get less.
Mark
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09-11-2010, 08:49 PM
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kevin Horton
Builder experience and personality type are big factors in build time. Some folks move quickly when building, and they make very quick progress. Other over analytical folks, like me, spend many hours just pondering things, trying to find the best solution to the problem of the day. The fast mover type would have grabbed the first solution that came to mind and finished the task while I was still coming up with ten possible solutions and comparing the pros and cons of each.
The fact that you are working on this spreadsheet leads me to believe that you are the over analytical type whose build time will be at least 50% longer than average.
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Oh dear. I guess I'm going to be on the 10 year build plan. However, I don't have a kit in the garage, so the only thing I've got to play with right now is a spreadsheet. I think if I had a kit in the garage, I'd forget what a spreadsheet was.
Mark
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09-11-2010, 09:11 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Sumner, WA
Posts: 722
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You will have a real good idea what you're capable of and what your family is tolerant of after the first year. Get started and do your calculations in a year. 
__________________
Jeff Bloomquist
Sumner, WA
PP-ASEL, IR
RV-7A
Flying
1150 Hours
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