Re: Florida bound contractor looking for some advise
I live and work half way between Sarasota and Fort Myers. The going rate in this area is anywhere from $70 per hour to as high as $95 per hour for a typical service call.
The new construction market is outstanding at this time. There is a huge demand for quality workers and contractors. I am currently contracting for a builder in the City of North Port whom is building just over 500 houses just this year, and they are only one of several dozen builders doing the same. Land is cheap, taxes are low, and there are plenty of jobs.
There is almost no help available. There are currently over 30 adds for electricians and helpers in the main area newspaper, and it has been this way since the hurricanes. A person right off the streets with no experience is going to demand roughly $10 an hour, an experienced worker will trend around $15-$19 per hour plus benefits, and they will most likely want a truck and gas expense.
The biggest issue is probably the suppliers. The local vendors which are national chains can't keep up and stock is always low. It is a real problem when you are closing on over 9 houses a week.
