Bummed

[Alwayslearningelec]

So feeling pretty shit$y. Started with new company about 1 yr ago. Probably closed(estimated) about $4M worth of work.
One of those jobs is a $2M dollar job that we took tight. Reviewed it with the owner before putting in final price.

It's a 1.5 year job with (15) typical 1,500 sq ft areas of only lighting, power. and data drops. All work is contained to that area. Not a lot of work but think I took it low and we may lose money based on billing so far. I think the estimate was def light in some areas.

I've only lost money on very few jobs in my 20 years of doing this. Just that company is struggling for work so not the best of time to take on a loser and they really are good people.. may lose 15% based on forecasting.


Anyway, thought I'd vent.

 

[LarryFine]

It's a 1.5 year job with (15) typical 1,500 sq ft areas

If a man and a half can build a thousand sq. ft. and a half in a year and a half . . .

 

[Alwayslearningelec]

If a man and a half can build a thousand sq. ft. and a half in a year and a half . . .

Huh? There’s a little more then what I posted. Those are the main areas . There are about 85 bathrooms being renovated that have 3 1x4 fixtures and 2 receptacles

 

[Alwayslearningelec]

I know this is very general amd many factors/variables unknown to you but the job consists of the following.

Main 1,500 sq ft area being demoed and renovated . There are 15 of these IDENTICAL areas on the job.

Safe off and disconnect circuits and run temp stringers.

60 recessed fixtures mix of 6” downlights and 2x2 and a few exits. Fed with MC cable and tied to existing circuits in area.

Local switching.. about 7 wall switches …no networked lighting controls or occ sensors

About 30 duplex receptacles in new furred out walls fed with MC cable tied to existing circuits.

About 20 data outlets with 2 cat 6 cables tied to rack in main area…supported by j hooks but have to use 3/4” emt stub up to ceiling.

85 bathroom being renovated with (3) recessed 1x4’s, switch amd (2) receptacles. Feed with my cable and tied to existing circuits in bathroom.

Have about 6,000 hours for this work.

 

[LarryFine]

Huh?

It's a reference to the old math puzzle that your post reminded me of:

If a man and a half can build a house and a half in a day and a half, how long should it take for seven men to build seven houses?

Spoiler: Answer

A day and a half.

 

[AC\DC]

I don’t do that large of work, would like to. But if the owner looked with you his fault lol. I get how you feel but if he ever gives you grief he gave you the blessing.
I bet in the end once you get a rhythm down you will be making money. Let us know in a year half.

 

[AC\DC]

What do you have in estimated material cost?

 

[Alwayslearningelec]

I don’t do that large of work, would like to. But if the owner looked with you his fault lol. I get how you feel but if he ever gives you grief he gave you the blessing.
I bet in the end once you get a rhythm down you will be making money. Let us know in a year half.

Thanks. Doesn’t help production that I have a working foreman who’s 64, ready to retire and has a terrible attitude and an apprentice . Thanks appreciate the support. Hopefully I still work there ..lol. I’ve NEVER been laid off or fired in my career.

 

[Alwayslearningelec]

What do you have in estimated material cost?

Not including the fixture costs….just day to day material . $165k

 

[AC\DC]

About 25-30 k in lighting? With my labor rate at 6500 hr and all material, I would be numbing for joy at that profit lol.

Like I said I don’t do that large of job but with the material cost you posted and labor rate I would be happy

Now if your Forman is slow as hell the. 6500 may be not enough lol

 

[Alwayslearningelec]

About 25-30 k in lighting? With my labor rate at 6500 hr and all material, I would be numbing for joy at that profit lol.

Lol. Foreman labor rate is about $159 and the apprentice is about $56.

 

[Alwayslearningelec]

I don’t do that large of work, would like to. But if the owner looked with you his fault lol. I get how you feel but if he ever gives you grief he gave you the blessing.
I bet in the end once you get a rhythm down you will be making money. Let us know in a year half.

Yes but they actually know I’m more knowledgeable then them when it comes to bidding ( yes believe it or not) so they trust they don’t need to scrutinize. I did sit with him for 1/2 and walk him through job and estimate as I always do.

 

[AC\DC]

Lol. Foreman labor rate is about $159 and the apprentice is about $56.

Okay about 40 more an hour then my labor rate.
Is that 6500 based on both working so 3250 for each or
6500 for both???
Fiqure it’s divided.

If it’s 6500 divided I would still be happy with your rate

If it’s for each then ya I see why your bummed.lol

 

[Alwayslearningelec]

Okay about 40 more an hour then my labor rate.
Is that 6500 based on both working so 3250 for each or
6500 for both???
Fiqure it’s divided.

6,500 total for job .

 

[AC\DC]

6,500 total for job .

Ya that’s still a decent profit if nothing go south. And like I said on those job you get faster each time.
I think you will be happy in the end

 

[Alwayslearningelec]

Ya that’s still a decent profit if nothing go south. And like I said on those job you get faster each time.
I think you will be happy in the end

Thanks..god willing.

 

[AC\DC]

If I see you on the job section I’ll know how it went lol. Jk

 

[Alwayslearningelec]

If I see you on the job section I’ll know how it went lol. Jk

Lol….

 

[Tulsa Electrician]

Hang tuff we all have bad days.
You did you part.
Let him him run with it and move past it. When the boss complains just say sorry to hear that.

 

[Alwayslearningelec]

Hang tuff we all have bad days.
You did you part.
Let him him run with it and move past it. When the boss complains just say sorry to hear that.

Thank you.