When you give an estimate for remodels in a residence and there is no way of really telling how long it might take to do the requested work say adding in a bunch of can lights should you be able to give them a per fixture rate anyways or is always usually time and material.Thanks for any help.
Estimating remodels
- Thread starter dave81
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jimwalker
Senior Member
- Location
- TAMPA FLORIDA
Re: Estimating remodels
If forced into a bid price aim high .If you think half hour would be enough for say a can then add at least 50 % more.When possible suggest T and M as you both will get a fair deal.Would suggest thinking in terms of how many day or days for your men.5 hours work pretty much destroys the rest of the day so get enough to cover there 8 hours.Also important is an understanding as to who else might be there working and slowing you down.And be very descriptive as to what is included or not included.Remodels usually go far slower than new construction.Do not forget about demo.
If forced into a bid price aim high .If you think half hour would be enough for say a can then add at least 50 % more.When possible suggest T and M as you both will get a fair deal.Would suggest thinking in terms of how many day or days for your men.5 hours work pretty much destroys the rest of the day so get enough to cover there 8 hours.Also important is an understanding as to who else might be there working and slowing you down.And be very descriptive as to what is included or not included.Remodels usually go far slower than new construction.Do not forget about demo.
jimwalker
Senior Member
- Location
- TAMPA FLORIDA
Re: Estimating remodels
might add this.If the remodeling is just a small percentage of your normal buisness and you under estimate ,then you can afford a few jobs at low or no profit.Otherwise be on alert as some builders look for newbees that underprice and will use you.If they tell you they have a cheaper price don't believe it unless you can have a copy.It is an old trick to say i like your work or whatever to get you to re bid a lower price.All i ever agree to do is check my math to see if i made a mistake.
might add this.If the remodeling is just a small percentage of your normal buisness and you under estimate ,then you can afford a few jobs at low or no profit.Otherwise be on alert as some builders look for newbees that underprice and will use you.If they tell you they have a cheaper price don't believe it unless you can have a copy.It is an old trick to say i like your work or whatever to get you to re bid a lower price.All i ever agree to do is check my math to see if i made a mistake.
ken44
Senior Member
- Location
- Austin, TX
Re: Estimating remodels
I agree with Jim, I have installed about 40 of these down lights in the past year and they are more time consuming that you think. A 50% add-on is reasonable in my experience.
I agree with Jim, I have installed about 40 of these down lights in the past year and they are more time consuming that you think. A 50% add-on is reasonable in my experience.
scwirenut
Senior Member
- Location
- Sumter, South Carolina
Re: Estimating remodels
New construction in South Carolina is around $2.00 - $2.50/ft....... when I cant do T&M I find that the double that or $4.00- $5.00/ft seems to always cover it. that usually results in $65-$75/hr. for 2 men.
New construction in South Carolina is around $2.00 - $2.50/ft....... when I cant do T&M I find that the double that or $4.00- $5.00/ft seems to always cover it. that usually results in $65-$75/hr. for 2 men.
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