bidding on basement finish.

[jonzlab]

I'm bidding my first job and it's a basement finish. The basemant is 900 sq. feet with 12 cans and a ceiling fan in the bedroom. My take- off shows 39 wall openings and 14 ceiling openings, and 2 phones and tv's. I figure there's a day of disconnecting the old lights and the usual stuff. I bid it at $2,500 for the rough end and $550 for the trim. Too high/low?

[tshea]

Where are you doing business? Different areas have different rates based on cost of living.

[bigjohn67]

I say that is in line.
$60 per opening I figure $3300.00
I'd say you did a good job of estimating.

[andyp]

No one generally bids the rough in and finish as 2 seperate jobs.Give them one price for the whole thing.

[highkvoltage]

Cans at $100 per can = $1200.00
Single gang opening at $35 = $1365.00
Set up demo misc. exspenses + 10% = $230
Total $2795.00

I am in Ohio so your prices could be different. But for around here your pretty close.

I figure material at $39 per can and $15 per opening. Material cost $1053.00

These are rough figures so take with a gain of salt.

[jfls41]

Forgive me for being naive, whats a "can"?

[George Stolz]

http://www.lighting-fixtures-ceiling-fans.com/store/images/HAL_H5ICAT.jpg

A recessed fixture, usually 6" diameter.

Forgive me for being invasive, but what's your background?

[sheldon]

I think your estimate is competitive,I included smoke detector and breakers,3475.00

[highkvoltage]

Great idea on the smoke detectors. Something I always suggest is an emergency sconce to light up the exit route if a power outage occurs. Most people who are having a basement remodeled either are going to entertain or kids are going to play down there. Either way they are a great selling tool to let the customer know your thinking of their best interest in reguards to safety. I have had customers let me have the job based solely on this suggestion even though I was higher on the bid. ;)

[celtic]

...and a set of door chimes.

Many times the "primary" set is not loud enough to hear downstairs with the Tv going, W/D running, and a few kids (don't foregt Fido) all making a racket.
I haven't had anyone say "no" to a "secondary" chime.