Question for all the contractors/Handymen if we have any.

Chingas · 10-12-2010, 12:39 AM

Damn. I know nothing about pricing bit I know I got the tools. If only you lives on Jersey John, we could bang that f-er out over a few smokes and cost you only 2 or so for material!

My general rule of thumb when I'm having someone else do work for me is three quotes. Then compare the quotes with the presentation and credibility of character. Then roll from there. Most guys will match the lowest bid anyway, even if it's way lower than original.

Just about everyone needs work, and getting paid half of what you would normally get and getting nothing makes a big deal today!

RGD. · 10-12-2010, 02:03 AM

30 + years in the trades here - so this is my take on it:

Not accounting for tools wear and tear, vehicle to get there (fuel, insurance, etc), any license he has, etc.

$750 minus say $150 max for materials leaves $600. 8 hours at 3 days start to finish means he is working for $25 an hour. Takes him any longer than that and he is working for less than $20 and hour and most likely not making any money/profit. After all when anybody works towards a paycheck they want to have money left over after the bills are paid which means they make a profit (as such). In addition when most people go to work they know one trade or skill. When a handyman/contractor comes to work he has to know several trades/skills. In this case, rough carpentry, drywall, trim and finish.

Sooo - at $750 I think you are getting a good deal as long as the job meets your approval on the finish project.

Ron

RGD. · 10-12-2010, 02:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chingas

. . . Most guys will match the lowest bid anyway, even if it's way lower than original. . .

And that's just sad. True but sad. I've always said that I can lose money by staying at home rather than having to go out and work to lose it. In all my years I have absolutely refused to ever lower a bid. And I've had customers say well so and so will do it for x amount cheaper. Well then have them do it is my answer.

My other favorite is when a customer wants a cost breakdown: materials and labor. What they really want to know is how much I'm making. And my answer is always the same: Sure - just as soon as you show me your tax returns so I can see what you are making. Funny how I've never had any takers -

Ron

10-12-2010, 12:39 AM	#1
Chingas Death Is Waiting Join Date: Jun 2010 First Name: Chingas Location: Slayerville, Jersey Posts: 5,295 Trading: (35)	Re: Question for all the contractors/Handymen if we have any. Damn. I know nothing about pricing bit I know I got the tools. If only you lives on Jersey John, we could bang that f-er out over a few smokes and cost you only 2 or so for material! My general rule of thumb when I'm having someone else do work for me is three quotes. Then compare the quotes with the presentation and credibility of character. Then roll from there. Most guys will match the lowest bid anyway, even if it's way lower than original. Just about everyone needs work, and getting paid half of what you would normally get and getting nothing makes a big deal today! __________________ ---Chingas--- ---Team Death Bomb Squad: Captain---

10-12-2010, 02:03 AM	#2
RGD. God Like Status Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Ron Location: Alexandria, Virginia Posts: 971 Trading: (1)	Re: Question for all the contractors/Handymen if we have any. 30 + years in the trades here - so this is my take on it: Not accounting for tools wear and tear, vehicle to get there (fuel, insurance, etc), any license he has, etc. $750 minus say $150 max for materials leaves $600. 8 hours at 3 days start to finish means he is working for $25 an hour. Takes him any longer than that and he is working for less than $20 and hour and most likely not making any money/profit. After all when anybody works towards a paycheck they want to have money left over after the bills are paid which means they make a profit (as such). In addition when most people go to work they know one trade or skill. When a handyman/contractor comes to work he has to know several trades/skills. In this case, rough carpentry, drywall, trim and finish. Sooo - at $750 I think you are getting a good deal as long as the job meets your approval on the finish project. Ron