How much would you add $

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acrwc10

acrwc10

Master Code Professional
Location
CA
Occupation
Building inspector
I am bidding a residential job that has 11' ceilings on the main floor and 9' ceilings in the basement and top floor. I normally bid unit pricing on a job, 1 outlet = $xx.xx, I was wondering what I could reasonable use as a multiplier for such high ceilings ?
 
I can't see how the high ceilings would add very much to the bid. Tack on three hundred bucks to cover the extra material and the extra steps on the ladder........Now strap on the belt and get a roughin'
 
A/A Fuel GTX said:
I can't see how the high ceilings would add very much to the bid. Tack on three hundred bucks to cover the extra material and the extra steps on the ladder........Now strap on the belt and get a roughin'
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Over 100 lights in an 11' ceiling, everything you have to do from a ladder that could be done previously from the floor. This is not a track "throw the romex over the truss" and go house. All the Joists and beams that could have been drilled from floor level now you need to be 5 steps up a ladder to do. Ceilings over 9' add a fair amount of labor to the job.
 
acrwc10 said:
... All the Joists and beams that could have been drilled from floor level now you need to be 5 steps up a ladder to do.
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How tall are you?...I would need a ladder anyway.:mad: :grin:

5 steps up a ladder for 1-3 more feet?
 
acrwc10 said:
Over 100 lights in an 11' ceiling, everything you have to do from a ladder that could be done previously from the floor. This is not a track "throw the romex over the truss" and go house. All the Joists and beams that could have been drilled from floor level now you need to be 5 steps up a ladder to do. Ceilings over 9' add a fair amount of labor to the job.
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The only difference I can see is using an 10' ladder versus a 6' ladder and a little more wire......
 
A/A Fuel GTX said:
The only difference I can see is using an 10' ladder versus a 6' ladder and a little more wire......
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I agree. To add: a little more time.

11ft is not that bad!
 
acrwc10 said:
Over 100 lights in an 11' ceiling, everything you have to do from a ladder that could be done previously from the floor. This is not a track "throw the romex over the truss" and go house. All the Joists and beams that could have been drilled from floor level now you need to be 5 steps up a ladder to do. Ceilings over 9' add a fair amount of labor to the job.
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A shot gun drill with a long bit should work fine.. maybe a little rough on the shoulders.....Just imagine having to drill a seperate hole for every wire....
 
acrwc10 said:
Ceilings over 9' add a fair amount of labor to the job.
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Some people bid jobs by the square foot which make little sense. Bidding by the cubic foot could work out better for a house with high ceilings. By adding 2 ft of ceiling height ( 9' to 11') you are actually adding 22% more volume to a room. We do live in a three dimensional world.

I'm not sure how much you could get away with addding to labor but a 10% extra charge for 22% more volume seems fair to me.

If you can't dazzle them with brillance then baffle them with BS. :wink:
 
acrwc10 said:
All the Joists and beams that could have been drilled from floor level now you need to be 5 steps up a ladder to do.
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Not with one of these dudes:

48062860.jpg
 
In the ruff guideance given in the M. Holt Elect Estimating guide started at working over 12 feet off a ladder,( 12 feet was +3% increase). I think it was also suggested you develop your own labor unit modifications, which work in your own local area. I suppose because of the difference in construction techniques used you might also bump up you job factors, and building conditions factors. If you add small increases over several areas your profit will increase and you bid will not seem all based on ladders.
 
LarryFine said:
Not with one of these dudes:

48062860.jpg
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I have one of these and use it all the time, If you think your going to drill 11' ceilings with that and not be on a ladder you are dreaming. Unless you want all your holes at 45 degree angles from the floor, Personally I would rather have a straight run of holes to pull through if possible. It cuts down on the time.
The funny thing that I am seeing in most of the replies are that it should make no difference in price 8' to 12' ceilings, but given the choice of wiring an 8' ceiling or 11' you would choose 8' because it is easier to work. Common sense would tell you that if 8' is easier it should be cheaper ? So how much less would you get for an 8' height from an 11' ?
 
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