Labor units

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chrsb

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I have been learning estimating for awhile, I read Mike Holts books, and a couple others. I got the process down good. I also bought Vision infosoft software. My question is what labor units do different contractors use? I have been using the ones that came with my program, but was going through Mike Holts labor units in his book and his are higher on most items. You then compare to NECA(which I know is high) and wonder how far off you could be. I guess after years of doing this you can fine tune the units, or do most people use one of the ones that come with their programs?

[ September 04, 2004, 12:29 PM: Message edited by: chrsb ]
 
Re: Labor units

I HAVE BEEN CONTRACTING FOR 15 YEARS AND SORRY TO SAY, BUT USE A OLD STYLE BIDDING PROCESS,I figure out , geusstimate how long it will take, figure the take off, pad this, pad that,and wa,la the price. I am how ever very interested in learning a better more reliable, professional, faster process. Even with upscale resi I use 6 or 7 dollars a foot mabey extra for 4 way or under counter or high numbers of flush lights, where do I start to learn what Ineed to know to be competitive, still turn a profit. Any help will be appreciated. Thank you
 
Re: Labor units

I am also curious as to what pricing service contractors are using, I am using EPIC now, but the prices so far have been way off, some high some low. On the last bid I did the high and low actually worked itself out to be inline, but not all jobs will be like that.

Sparkster, I don't do to many house any more, but I always used the per opening prices. I just count every light, plug, switch and multiply by 30-35 and add in cans, 200V stuff, service and there was a price. I took Mikes class on estimating and found it very informative and eye opening on the bidding process.
 
Re: Labor units

Most of the time anyone can nail the material cost. Labor cost is nothing to be considered standard.
To many factors to consider. An employee has to be on his game 5 days per week/ 8 hrs a day. This does not happen.
The best way is to figure labor is to know your employees and educate them on what was figured in for the job and hold them accountable

Find the select few, educate them, pay them well to stick with you.

For me, estimating programs do you not work because they do not have the "human factor" option.

IE: hangovers, sick, ect.
 
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