Cost-benefit analysis, part #2

Based solely on the plans pictured in previous posts, here is a list of what I need just for the bottom shelf:

• 4 flanges @ $10.55 each
• 8 1½-inch pipes are not available
  (substituting 2-inch pipes @ $1.42 each)
• 6 T intersections @ $3.89 each
• 2 12-inch pipes @ $5.02 each
• 1 24-inch pipe @ $11.86
• 1 24-inch wooden shelf @ $11.05

Adding all this up comes to $109.85 just for the base.  Each additional shelf requires 2 T intersections, 2 12-inch pipes, 1 24-inch wooden shelf, and another two pipes of undetermined length.  Each additional shelf will cost $38.91 maximum.  The unit is 6 shelves in height, so the maximum cost to this point is $304.40.  There are also 2 cross beams in the back, each requiring 2 T intersections and a 24-inch pipe.  This adds another $19.64.  However, each of these may also need a union, which is $8.81.  Applying sales tax and my Lowe's discount, the total to build this unit comes to $352.59.

Now that I know the price for building this unit, I need to determine the other costs.  I will be spending time constructing the shelving.  I will be spending time and gas to go to Lowe's to get the pieces.  There is also the possibility that the unit will not work.

The benefits include having a unique piece of furniture, being able to take it apart and transport in my small car, and creating the piece to use space more efficiently than a pre-made piece.

At this point, I would say the costs outweigh the benefits.  Therefore, I need to either decrease the costs or increase the benefits.  One way to decrease the costs is to have Lowe's cut longer pipes into smaller pieces, which is a service my Lowe's offers for free.  For example, I could buy a 48-inch pipe for $17.39 and have them cut it into 2 24-inch pipes, which would have cost $23.72.  This would save me $6.53.  Lowe's sells 120-inch pipe for $19.76.  This could be cut into 5 24-inch pieces, which would have cost $59.30.  The savings here is $39.54.  I would hate to do it, but if they are willing to cut a 120-inch pipe into 10 12-inch pieces, that would result in a savings of $30.44.  Approximate total savings at this point would be $72.22, making the project ≈$279.77.  there is another potential savings of $30 by using all 12-inch pipes for the risers, but that would remove one of the benefits:  more efficient use of space.

A second option would be to use ¾-inch diameter pipe instead of 1-inch diameter, as called for in the original plans.  Checking all my other pipe furniture plans, they all call for a minimum of 1-inch diameter pipe.

A third idea would be to replace the flanges with end caps.  I didn't check the price of end caps, so I cannot say at this time how much of a savings that would be.

Even with lowering the price, the costs still outweigh the benefits.  What I need to do next for this to be a true cost-benefit analysis is see if there is a shelving unit on the market that costs less than $280 that will satisfy my listed benefits.  This will probably have to wait until Saturday or may next day off of work.

I always welcome your constructive criticism.  Click on the Comment link below next to the icon of a pencil; it may say “No” or have a number in front of it.