Must be those BR builder packs from the big box stores and a smell'y contractor....
With all due respect, we should blow out the burner on the pot and let it lay........ This is a great forum and and alot of nice folks...
Flat rate pricing....Who's actually doing it?
- Thread starter Mule
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Must be those BR builder packs from the big box stores and a smell'y contractor....
With all due respect, we should blow out the burner on the pot and let it lay........ This is a great forum and and alot of nice folks...That's not T&M as I understand and apply it.
Laws like what? The requirement that a fixed price be established for jobs over $500. That is a huge difference with respect to California and would fundamentally change the way things are done here.
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Mr. Wizard
Senior Member
- Location
- Texas
Did one two weeks ago, paid $471 dollars for materials, and charged $2000. It took me 4 hours to start and finish. I'll often charge $10 an amp on services. That number has worked well for me. I don't flat-rate many other things, I always end up getting bit by some unforeseen problem.
LarryFine
Master Electrician Electric Contractor Richmond VA
- Location
- Henrico County, VA
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
Define "material."
With a back-to-back meter/panel, there's the panel, breakers, a few feet of SE, and grounding. The POCO provides meter bases and does everything line-side of the meter (exc. masts.)
Home Depot pricing:
Homeline 200a MB Value Pack 40/40 w/10 20a 1p = $154.00
15a 1p - 3.25, 5 = $16.25
30a 2p - 7.84, 3 = $23.52
40a 2p - 7.84, 1 = $7.84
SEU - 3.00/ft, 6' = $18.00
Ground rod, 9.25, 2 = $18.50
Ground clamps, 3 = $9.75
Ground wires = $25
Total = $272.86
Of course, there are variables, probably more circuits, and the POCO isn't so generous in other areas, but it's doable.
I'm under the impression that in New Jersey if the work will exceed $500 then a quote (as in fixed price) must be established for a specified job.
I wonder if it has to be in writing before the job is started or if an oral agreement can be made.
Laws are like the NEC....it doesn't really say what you think it says
Well I always wondered why the flat rate contractors on this site seemed to be so heavily concentrated into one geographical area. The answer has clicked into place.
I just ran your scenario using one of my handy dandy spreadsheets:
[old picture for illustration]
Material came to $650.49 w/o tax.
In NJ, we are responsible for the mast [POCO will give you a pan in some areas]
Why were you under that impression?
I do not think you are understanding the concepts.
No offense.
What is Ca. law?
Post a bit of it :wink:
Dont know, my head is spinning........:smile: This is educational to me, and sure makes me apreciate the conservatively governed state that I live in...but I guess if contractors cant be trusted and are screwing the customer the goverment has to step in and establish a method to quote jobs over a certain amount....
Can you legally run up an hourly based tab of say $30,000 dollars in New Jersey with out prior specification of the amount for a specifically delineated project?
California is silent on the issue.
Sure.
"Firm numbers" only apply to residential and non-commercial jobs :wink:
For resi., like I detailed previously in post #53:
As folks in business, we have to have some idea of how long it's going to take to fix/install something.
Sometimes, the path is not clear on how we are going to achieve this...troubleshooting is one example...sometimes it's clear, sometimes not so much.
A "not to exceed w/o additional authorization" figure covers the bases....for the HO, the EC, and the "legal department".
Silent?
I thought a contract was needed on jobs over a certain dollar amount as well as amount of deposit allowed [I forget if that number was $ or % based]
Put down the wine glass
j/k Mule :smile:
Hey, that sounds pretty good actually......
LarryFine
Master Electrician Electric Contractor Richmond VA
- Location
- Henrico County, VA
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
Put down the wine glass
"Young man, sit down, and whatever you have in your mouth, swallow it immediately!"
"Hey, thanks a lot, Sister!" ~ Cheech and Chong
This is where the left coast differs from the right...
In NJ, we are not allowed to take final payment until after final inspection ~ but the State does not dictate a dollar or percent we must wait for....I like 1%.
jmsbrush
Senior Member
- Location
- Central Florida
Mule I agree, Demographics play a big part in pricing. As long as you know your true cost and making a profit thats comfortable for you and you are where you are in your life. Then I think that is Fine.
I use flat rate for all service work and small jobs. The best thing I ever did!:smile:
I use flat rate for all service work and small jobs. The best thing I ever did!:smile:
Mr. Wizard
Senior Member
- Location
- Texas
Aorund here we provide the meter base, not the meter itself, but the enclosure it goes in. No offense to anyone, but I tend to shy away from SqD Homelite. If I use SqD, I go with the QO series. A little more pricey, but it helps me sleep better at night.
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