Looking for Electrical Remodeling Tips

[JHezlep]

For the past year and a half 90% of my business has involved residential additions. The only problem I have is these can be time
consuming since half of the job tends to require fishing wire in existing walls, altering circuits in the attic etc... Any one who has leared a trick or two and would like to share Im all ears. Im allways looking at a way to becouse more efficient in my work.

 

[mdshunk2]

You might not realize that your answer will necessarily be a small book.

Is there some particular task or tasks that you feel you spend too much time on?

 

[Kessler4130]

if the demo and general rewiring is extensive make sure you charge for it, or you will be killing your profit in labor hours.

 

[satcom]

QUOTE "The only problem I have is these can be time consuming since half of the job tends to require fishing wire in existing walls, altering circuits in the attic etc..."

One of the tricks we learned, early on, with remodel work, was we had to estimate it at 3 to 4 times the new work price, if you think you can become more productive, just remember, your not working in a new production built home.

 

[celtic]

Try running the time it takes to do a remodel vs. new construction....after you've completed a few of these scenarios, you'll see Satcom's figures are fairly accurate.

 

[GUNNING]

Label, label label and oh yea charge a lot more, its not new construction. I find when I get my stride on a remodel I discover I'm not charging enough. The contractor gets put off about having to pay more for the next job and I get stiffed on the third job because the contractor has a flat learning curve. It depends a lot on who is doing the demo and rough in. They can make it hard on you or impossible. When you start putting in the wire mold drop the contractor and go find another deep pocket.

 

[U. P. Chuck Electric]

Residential remodels are an easy learning curve.
Materials are fairly cut & dry
Labor can be different depending on wether the walls are open or not.
You have to ask these questions.
Basements or attics can be clean and easy to work in or cluttered with years of storage. You have to look & bid it accordindly.
Monitor your hours spent on every job & change your price as is necessary.
We Debrief every job....why did it go so fast? why did it go so slow? why did we have to make so may trips? Why were there not more Extra$?
Next is your a licensed professional & deserve to charge accordingly.
Stop trying to bid low, or price it as if the job is for a friend or family, Its not!
On remodels we make $150-$200 per hour by the time its all said & done.