I am new to this forum (just found it) so I hope my questions are okay with everybody.
I have a customer who wants me to finish a deck that he framed. He is tired from doing the framing and decking so wants me to do the railing. The main portion of the deck is 8×26, about 10′ off the ground. in the middle of one of the 8′ sides is a 10 riser staircase to a 4×4 landing, with a stairs coming off that landing with 6 risers. The railing detail is as follows: Posts are 44″ above deck with chamfered tops and a v groove cut about 2″ down from the chamfer. The 2×4 top and bottom rails will be dado cut 1/2″ in the posts and fastened with screws. 2×2 balusters within a ladder of 3/4″x2-1/4″ top and bottom pieces. This assembly will fit between the top and bottom rails. The posts will be notched and bolted to the outside of the rim.
Material is already on site so I don’t have to figure anything for that. Everything is PT SYP.
I usually work by the hour and haven’t done much work like this so don’t have any records to fall back on. My SWAG is $10/ft. for the level work, and then adjusting the stair work by a factor of 2. The total lineal feet (no factor involved) is 94. With 58 feet level and 36 feet on the stairs, the total would be $1300. I don’t want to soak the guy because I’m not totally sure how long it will take but also want to retain my shirt. I have strongly urged him to pay me hourly but he wants a firm price. Is my thinking and estimating accurate?
Curt Miller
Replies
Our cheapest railing we figure at $15/lf. The railing you describe is a little more expensive, around $20. This includes materials but the materials are a small part of the overall cost. That is, if they are on the jobsite and are of suitable quality to do the job right. Make sure that the owner understands that he will have to pay extra if the materials are not adequate. If you are worried about soaking the owner, you can always give him back anything you feel you don't deserve. After you are finished.