I may be installing BIL’s monster kitchen.
Lots of angles and different counter hieghts, counters wrapping aroung walls and corners.
Angled Island with raised sitting area
Crown
Looking back at past kitchens I have done, this will be one of the most, if not THE most complicated.
I told him to get a price from the designers guy if he wants a ballpark.
I am thinking 4-6 weeks maybe more, but definately not less.
I will probably end up doing some trim work to fill in any “down time”
Hanging doors etc.
My first instinct is 1K$/ week flat rate
if he wants a total then 5-6 K$
I am probably gonna stay at FIL’s which is within walking distance.
So I see 10-12 hour days.
But there will be free beer and food and jetski and kayak breaks as needed.
Any one with any thoughts?
Mr T
Happiness is a cold wet nose
Life is is never to busy to stop and pet the Doggies!!
Replies
Take the breaks and sub out the rest..
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming....
WOW!!! What a Ride!
THAT is why I come here!!!!
GREAT advice!
And free too!!!Mr T
Happiness is a cold wet nose
Life is is never to busy to stop and pet the Doggies!!
1K/week? Way too low. Even at 40hrs/week that's way too low.
And you say you're gonna have to live in someone else's house to do the work?
If a contractor hired a carpenter who had the skill to pull off a complicated kitchen remodel alone, what would he have to pay that carpenter/hr? Then you have to add overhead. And profit. Then you gotta talk about per diem for this carpenter not eating/sleeping at home.
Maybe I'm missing something, T, but that seems way too low.
Yeah it does seem low.
Thats why I asked!!
The 10 + 12 hour days won't be constant.
It would probably kill me!
I am giong up Monday to build thier Xmas present (ent. center/Fire place suuround)
So I will see how it goes and adjust accordingly.
I am curious to hear what the KD's guy bids.
I usually figure my side jobs at my time and a half rate ~30$
so I guess 12-1500$/week might be better.
I'll let Youse guys Know how it turns out.
Mr T
Happiness is a cold wet nose
Life is is never to busy to stop and pet the Doggies!!
1. This is a job, not summer camp.
2. If you set a salry at $1K/week and plan to work 12hrs/day you'll be making $16.67/hr before taxes.
3. If you work 60 hrs / week, when will you have the time/ energy to go jet skiing, let alone drink?
4. You are being offered the fun and games but don't even for a moment think that during every minute you are playing, they will be thinking that you could/ should be working, not playing.
5. I they are family then those "bonuses" should be available to you regardless of employment.
6. You are confusing work, play and family. You can be sure that the BIL and FIL aren't.
7. If you want to give them a good price, charge what you normally charge and do great work and finish on time. If things take longer due to an expanding scope of work or discovery of unforseen issues, submit - in writting - the add'l time required and related cost.
8. Work regular hours. If you want to work 10hrs/ day, fine. But they should be the same 10 hrs each day and only 10 hours. You must dicipline yourself to stop. The moment you allow your time to be flexible and your work day to expand to please the client, will be the moment the client looses respect for you and your time. You will be expected to work even longer days. That is sure to bring on compensation renegotiations. Also, you will be consulting during your "off" hours.
9. By staying at the FIL, however tight you guys are, you will have no privacy. ALL your actions, habits, and priorities will be up for discussion/ judgement.
10. This is business. I don't beleive ATT or IMB offers free beer and jet ski to employees.
11. Have a contract. Spend a lot of time on it. It will be the only thing that won't change during the project. Very important. Everything MUST be in writing. No hand shakes, winks, or verbal okays.
I've got more, and could relate stories regarding working for family, compensation other than money, and "great oppertunities." They need you more than you need them. They could go with a stranger being in their house for 5-6 weeks or have you. They could hope the stranger will show up and do good work or they can have you. Get the picture?
So, does this mean you quit your job? Do tell. Is the boss back from vacation?
F
Having "been there done that" You need to forget the "per week" money and work it out just like it was a real project for someone. You will have no forgiveness on this project, every little error or iffy detail will be pointed out for years to come. Be very careful with this project.
We have heard a lot of horror stories in past threads about working for family. Some of the best advice has been to only work for free. That way all expectations are moot and there will never be any hard feelings. While I have been able to do paying work for my family, money has never been my prime consideration. Good family feeling is the main goal since you will be living with these folks and mutually depending on each other for a long time. If you keep this foremost in your mind, the work that you do will bring you all closer. Good luck.
Call this semantics if you want; but, don't take money for doing work for family/close friends: do the work for free, but ask them to top up your wallet for the "real" work you're not doing elsewhere. Then, so long as you put an honest effort into the work, there'll be no questions about hours worked, breaks taken, food consumed, etc. 'cause you'll be a family guest doing them a favour instead of a tradesman doing a job. This has the added benefit of them feeling free to put a shoulder to the wheel and helping too.
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario
that's how I handle it..keep it simple
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.