I have this entertainment/book case I built and was wondering what you would build this for in labor. I spent about $1200.00 in materials, for everything. I am in the south. I am going to bid on two of them this next week. The ones I built were 11’wX8’h the ones I will be bidding on will be 9’wX11’h.
I purchased the doors. The partitions are 2×4’s sandwiched between two layers of plywood with fluted columns on the front. Bases are simple cabinet designs. Crown and shelf trim. Thanks.
I hated to use that word sandwich with Gunner around, maybe he won’t see it.
By the way the room is quite finished. So, no grief about the crown missing around the room…….. 🙂
Semper Fi
“To be young and a conservative, you have no heart”
“To be old and a liberal, you have no mind”
Winston Churchill
“Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don’t have that problem.”
PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN, 1985
Edited 1/14/2007 11:20 pm ET by Jarhead
Replies
Jarhead ,
On the unit pictured at 11' wide X 8' tall personally I would bid $3750 - $4500. On the one you speak of to build you said 9' wide and 11 feet tall , are you sure about how tall ??? 11' is unusually tall for most any cabinets , but especially a wall unit , access will be difficult at best in the top 2 or 3 feet .
dusty
Thanks Dusty for responding. I thought it was strange too, but yeah, 11'. I guess the whatnots will be placed then never moved without a step ladder, unless they want some sort of library ladder installed that slides along the floor attached to the book cases.The room is steepled. The walls are 11.5' then goes to God where...........The book cases will go on either side of a fireplace.
That bid you gave me, was that labor only?
Semper Fi
"To be young and a conservative, you have no heart"
"To be old and a liberal, you have no mind"
Winston Churchill
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem."PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN, 1985
Edited 1/14/2007 11:55 pm ET by Jarhead
No , sorry that bid was complete not just labor .
I bid by the running foot with upgrades for materials and finish , glass, lighting and any other extras .
I guess you could subtract what your actual costs were including overhead , not just materials and come close to the labor cost .
Typically on case work like this my cost runs about 35 - 40 % of the total .
dusty
I'd be about 6500.00 total. I might be slow, but I am expensive!.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
The secret to a long life is knowing when its time to go. M. Shocked
You slay me! LOLSemper Fi
"To be young and a conservative, you have no heart"
"To be old and a liberal, you have no mind"
Winston Churchill
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem."PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN, 1985
Knowing that you paid 1,200 for materials, I'd say probably $3,500 total.
(Edit: Maybe $4,000...)
Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
Your Friendly Neighborhood Moderator
Edited 1/15/2007 9:02 am ET by JFink
Thanks Justin, I have had good input on this and it help to get ideas and experience from ya'll. I just need more time in the trenches. Funny, the first one I had built I actually took some colonial stop and cut them up into dentil because I was trying to keep costs down. Glued them into place! I would rather take a butt wupin.
Semper Fi
"To be young and a conservative, you have no heart"
"To be old and a liberal, you have no mind"
Winston Churchill
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem."PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN, 1985
Edited 1/15/2007 3:48 pm ET by Jarhead
I'm no stranger to that mindset - I cut these dentils on the table saw:
View Image
Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
Your Friendly Neighborhood Moderator
Edited 1/15/2007 4:06 pm ET by JFink
Edited 1/15/2007 4:07 pm ET by JFink
That's nice work Justin, is that a bed you are building?Semper Fi
"To be young and a conservative, you have no heart"
"To be old and a liberal, you have no mind"
Winston Churchill
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem."PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN, 1985
It was actually mantel (without the cap).Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
Your Friendly Neighborhood Moderator
I have no idea on cost, but nice work!
Thanks!
Semper Fi
"To be young and a conservative, you have no heart"
"To be old and a liberal, you have no mind"
Winston Churchill
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem."PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN, 1985
Edited 1/15/2007 3:39 pm ET by Jarhead
wow, some low bids here. I would'nt touch it for less than 6 grand - unpainted
just a suggestion, nix the kick space in favor of a wrap around baseboard. those bases look like hashed over kitchen base cabinets. its not like the owners are going to be bellying up to the cabinets on a daily basis.
if i can find some pictures I'll show you what I mean
Hey mav, I like those pics you sent. How did you do the bottoms? I did do them like a kitchen cabinet but like the way you present yours. Did you set the bases on a frame work then add the base or the base goes to the floor, have a false bottom inside the base and then add base, just curious. I have never built a cabinet that went to the floor that utilized a bottom inside the cab. I set mine on 2x material and can't "see" how to do this if it is sitting on the floor. Thanks again for the insight and pics.Semper Fi
"To be young and a conservative, you have no heart"
"To be old and a liberal, you have no mind"
Winston Churchill
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem."PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN, 1985
on my project the bases had kick spaces already. when I took the job the client had already purchased the base cabinets from depot so i blocked out the kick space and applied colonial base,
gives it more of a furniture look IMO
Ok I see what you are talking about!Semper Fi
"To be young and a conservative, you have no heart"
"To be old and a liberal, you have no mind"
Winston Churchill
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem."PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN, 1985
My cost would depend on a number of things not mentioned.
The quality of paint varies all over the place and it's not unrealistic to say the very best oil-based finish could easily be 5x what a simple latex paintjob would run.
The use of hardwood in key areas makes better shelves, but takes longer and drives the price up.
Overall quality dictates some of the price. For a picky client it's easy to double the cost for more exactness througout.
Special features and how well things like existing wall outlets are incorporated into the design add costs.
Customizing the shelving spacing around the clients items takes time, but produces better results. More than once I've heard clients complain about a cabinet built by joe blow that is just a touch too small in some dimension for a prized possesion of some sort.
As a builtin of above average quality I'd guess there's $1,500 in labor to build and finish what you have there. If the client didn't want to do T&M I'd bid it at $2,250 plus the cost of materials. If the client seemed like a high risk the bid would be materials plus $2,500 to $3,000 depending on how likely they are to be a pain in the ars.
Good building
Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.
As a builtin of above average quality I'd guess there's $1,500 in labor to build and finish what you have there
That is funny you stated that particular amount. That was what I originally had in mind. I know it is my fault but I have know idea of time to build something! What I need to do and plan to do the next one I build is to keep a log and keep track of every minute. Then I can get a better idea the amount of time I am investing in a project. I have thought about it previously but get so wrapped up that in the end I am like, dang forgot again.
What really got me to thinking about this whole thing is that my FIL, when he lived in Chicago had something very similar built and he paid something like $35,000 for it! Now I know I can't get anywhere close to this but still got my wheels turning......FIL is way OCD, he started helping on this particular project and got frustrated at how it was going. Me too for that fact, but knew the outcome would be good and he couldn't see "it". The walls were not square, plaster...... Anyway, trim was my friend. I told him when he builds his next house he wouldn't have those problems due to new construction. He was like I hope not. :-) He is in the process of building a new house this year and wants to do his own built-ins and trim for the house to save money. I even considered building the house for him but have reconsidered the thought, even DW was opposed to it. I will put him with a good builder.
What was funny was after the book case was built, especially the doors installed, he was standing there with a glass of wine just staring at them. He said they look good. :-) He doesn't do that often..... The verbal appreciation of something.Semper Fi
"To be young and a conservative, you have no heart"
"To be old and a liberal, you have no mind"
Winston Churchill
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem."PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN, 1985
That is funny you stated that particular amount. That was what I originally had in mind.
Two years ago I scratch built a project of similar size, maybe a little larger, and it seemed like 10 hours to design the thing, order doors, and rough cut the materials. Day 2 (10 more hours) consisted of building the bottom cabinets. Day 3 was spent installing the cabinets and building the shelves. Day 4 consisted of cutting shelves, sanding and working out some kinks. The last 10 hours included finishing, installing hinges and shelf pins, caulking to wall, touchup wall paint and cleanup.
Hmm...I suppose my rate has gone up a little this year so it would be $1,400. :-)
Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.
"wow, some low bids here. I would'nt touch it for less than 6 grand - unpainted"I have to totally agree with you. Really low ball figures here. I'm thinking maybe $7000 fully painted, and for an extra $300 I'll give it to you with a smile!I didn't look too closely but is there built in lights in this thing? I go along the lines of Duane...I may be good, but I'm expensive.
there actually are kitchen bases but I covered over the kick space
Mav
Great pictures! You might have to resize for the dial uppers though!
I'm with you on price and the idea of the toe kick, all for the same reasons.
I try to talk people out of toe kick if I can but its surprising how many people think they need it in those places.
Doug
I'm resizing these pic's for ya, everybody should get to see them.
Nice details there Mav.
I couldnt see it all until I saved it and opened it on the whole screen.
Doug
Add a Putnam ladder too :-)
Semper Fi
First you need to figure out your shop rate... Labor + Time+ Tools ( new ones and wear on/replacement on exsisting) + profit, then add materials.
Most people here add finishing extra. they will either hire a finisher or do it them selves. Either way they charge for that. Then install price. Cab maker has a national survey every year which break down actual projects. Ones that were actually bidded on make and completed by someone then has people accross the country bid on the project. Its a definate eye opener. Ill see if I can find it for ya.
View Image Official Jeff Buck Memorial Tagline "
AHHHH, I didn't know the name but described it. Thanks. Putnam Ladder, I'll try and remember that! Semper FiSemper Fi
"To be young and a conservative, you have no heart"
"To be old and a liberal, you have no mind"
Winston Churchill
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem."PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN, 1985
Here ya go. Hope this helps.
http://www.cabinetmakeronline.com/
look for pricing survey on the left..follow the link
View Image Official Jeff Buck Memorial Tagline "
Edited 1/15/2007 12:29 pm by Sancho
Thanks Sancho for the link, that will help.Semper Fi
"To be young and a conservative, you have no heart"
"To be old and a liberal, you have no mind"
Winston Churchill
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem."PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN, 1985
I think you're in the $4,000 - $5,000 range. If you're going to charge $7,000, you're at risk of losing the customer. Some might pay that amount and others might laugh at you.
I gave a quote last week for about 3 times that amount of cabinets for just under $10,000. The customer didn't even want to talk about it with me. I think they were floored by the price. I was also the first person they talked to. Once they start checking around, they're either going to end up at Ikea or they're going to be getting a lot less then they wanted in the first place.
“The richest genius, like the most fertile soil, when uncultivated, shoots up into the rankest weeds..” – Hume
I have those types, your price didn't seem out of range. People have no concept what goes into a project. I work with someone that wanted something built. He went and found something at a store for about $1400. He came to me and wanted me to build something that would "fit" in the hole. I told him just the materials were going to be 800-1000. I was going to do the labor free. He has helped me in the past. I thought he was going to faint! I said damn dude, go buy that piece of sh!d then. Made me even wonder if he would appreciate something that I do build for him. If it were turned around, I have jumped the moon!
I am way low compared to what ya'll are putting on here. I may need to readjust a little. :-) I don't need to make a kill'in but don't want to give away my services either. Thanks for all the help and suggestions on this thread everyone!!!Semper Fi
"To be young and a conservative, you have no heart"
"To be old and a liberal, you have no mind"
Winston Churchill
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem."PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN, 1985
You have to balance what people will pay in your area, how good is your work and how much do you need to make to keep it profitable.
I do this work on a very small scale - only about 10-20 hours a week depending on what customers I have at the moment. I'm not making a killing, but I know I'm making a lot more then if I worked 10-20 hours a week at Home Depot, and it's a lot more fulfilling. I'm also building up a decent collection of tools and equipment.
The customer I mentioned is the first customer I've had that had a problem with the price quoted. To me, that means I'm probably close to the price I should charge for my area and work experience. If you don't get a couple of customers who think you're too expensive, then you're not asking enough. “The richest genius, like the most fertile soil, when uncultivated, shoots up into the rankest weeds..” – Hume
I've built a few projects like this for people, and one thing I tell an prospective client is that I will build them what they want but I have to have some artistic lee-way. Meaning that I have to be free to do things that look good and compliment the home-to my eye. You have to be careful too with money, make sure you're getting some money up front-enough to cover all your material. I tell people there are no refunds or returns on custom built furniture or built ins- whether it turns out like they hoped or not. You know there's always someone who will say " I wish it was a shade darker!"
The customer I mentioned is the first customer I've had that had a problem with the price quoted. To me, that means I'm probably close to the price I should charge for my area and work experience. If you don't get a couple of customers who think you're too expensive, then you're not asking enough.
I totally agree with that statement! But in your case, you may have gotten someone that is totally ignorant of what it really costs to have something built versus something purchased, not to mention the difference in quality. Also you might have been working on word of mouth. WOM, has a way of passing on the intricacies, like price, so people have a ball park what it will cost for a project ahead of time.Semper Fi
"To be young and a conservative, you have no heart"
"To be old and a liberal, you have no mind"
Winston Churchill
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem."PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN, 1985
Beautiful work. My only concern is that the TV space fits the TV. With all the changes in TV sizes the last few years, when that one packs it in, will you be able to replace it with one that fits?
I recently made a tidy sum altering the built-in Tv space to fit the new bigger set in a high end house in a better part of town.
I primarily build custom furniture. To "pre-qualify" a new customer and avoid wasting time with "tire-kickers", I suggest to them that if they can find something they like in a store they should buy it because I can't compete. But, If they can't find what they want then I can build it for them, though it will cost more then something similar in a store. Then, if they're still with me, we can work together to figure out what I can build for them for which they are willing to pay.
Paul
Beautiful work. My only concern is that the TV space fits the TV. With all the changes in TV sizes the last few years, when that one packs it in, will you be able to replace it with one that fits?
Thanks. I did think about that. Also have a friend that wants one built and the same question came up. He wants one built for his tv. He has a big set. Wants book cases built on either side of a fireplace. We decided for resale he needed to keep both side the same regarless of the tv, if the tv won't fit for instance, put it on a cart or another cabinet and not in the book case. In the one pictured, that is a 42", if someone wants a larger tv the shelves can be moved as to not tell the true intended purpose of the area, basically another set of book shelves. The tv will have to be put elsewhere. I couldn't imagine a tv much bigger in that room due to the distance from the current tv from the sitting area. bad on the eyes if you know what I mean. Would be like watching a tennis match sitting on the end of the net!Semper Fi
"To be young and a conservative, you have no heart"
"To be old and a liberal, you have no mind"
Winston Churchill
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem."PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN, 1985
Nice looking stuff Jarhead. I sub most of my cabinet work out, so I would plan to pay between 400-500 per foot for this type of work. One thing I would want in built ins would to have the shelf pins installed with holes( can't remember what you call that) rather than the track system. Great looking stuff. I am also in the south (South Carolina)
One thing I would want in built ins would to have the shelf pins installed with holes
Thanks. You know, I have built both ways. I started with the hole system but they started failing. The shelf "pins" themselves would break where they are pressed together, the "L" shape would spin on the pin. Had a tv hit the floor in my own place. So, I opted for the metal standards with metal clips, less work too installing them. I have seen people just screw the standards in place without dadoing a groove but I dado a groove for the standard to sit in. Semper Fi
"To be young and a conservative, you have no heart"
"To be old and a liberal, you have no mind"
Winston Churchill
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem."PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN, 1985
" I have seen people just screw the standards in place without dadoing a groove but I dado a groove for the standard to sit in."About a year or so ago Mike Smith posted some picture of cabinets. They might be in the photo section.He uses standards and don't dado them.I installs them on the sides and then adds 1/4" plywood between and besides the standards..
.
A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.