FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Lead carp rate?

| Posted in Business on June 9, 2004 02:16am

For doing multimillion dollar vacation homes in a little ski resort town.  Whaddaya think?

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. User avater
    JeffBuck | Jun 09, 2004 02:18am | #1

    $15 to $50/hr.

    Jeff

    Buck Construction, llc   Pittsburgh,PA

         Artistry in Carpentry                

  2. DanH | Jun 09, 2004 03:03am | #2

    Hell, I'll carp for free. What do you want me to carp about??

  3. davidmeiland | Jun 09, 2004 03:11am | #3

    I think it depends on the nearest large city, and whether or not you're talking about California.... but I'd say $25-30/hr. plus some benefits, probably medical and a bit of profit sharing but no paid sick leave or national holidays or anything governmental like that.

  4. Mooney | Jun 09, 2004 03:23am | #4

    Ah , but a wide question. My guess ;

    25 plus or minus bennies.

    Tim Mooney

  5. User avater
    G80104 | Jun 09, 2004 03:26am | #5

    Where?  We live in Ski Country USA! Do I have a 1099 @ years end? $50 an hr would be a good starting point.

    1. bartmy | Jun 11, 2004 01:53am | #6

      I'd say 40 to start with a 5 or 10 dollar an hour raise after a month if everything is working out. Maybe 40 plus a reachable incentive based on performance.

      1. Snort | Jun 11, 2004 02:44am | #9

        Multi-million dollar houses, eh? A million still a million,what's it matter where it is? He's keeping you from getting dirty, and taking care of your problems. I'd pay him what he wanted, and then a little...happy campers Don't worry, we can fix that later!

  6. User avater
    EricPaulson | Jun 11, 2004 02:40am | #7

    I'd say Buck's closest with his high end............

    You guy's are giving yourselves away!

    Why would you build homes for millionaires for $35.00hr.?

    I wouldn't talk about it for less than 50 to start. He said vacation town; NOT "you are on vacation"

    Eric

    1. davidmeiland | Jun 11, 2004 02:42am | #8

      Where are you located and what does this job description pay there? What's your involvement in the industry?

      1. User avater
        EricPaulson | Jun 11, 2004 03:53am | #10

        David.

        I'm in NY. I've been in residential construction and remodeling for around 25 yrs. I have been mostly s/e for the last ten or so. I try to bill out for at least 40-45 per hr.

        To answer your question though, I'm not sure what the rate around here would be. A GOOD carp could easily make 40-45 working for a good contractor plus some bennies.

        I don't understand why people in our trade consistently under rate their skills and abilities by working for so little. At the rates I bill, I can barely afford to provide myself with a healthy benefit and retirement package. As a matter of fact I can't right now.

        Why aren't we entitled to that? We certainly aren't going to acheive that at 25 hr.

        I'm not building anything in that price range unless someone is willing to slide plenty of green my way. I'm trying to be done with working for nothing, I only have another 15 or 29 at best to go, I need to make the most of it. I've adopted a new saying; "if I'm gonna work for nuthin, then I may as well go work for the church".

        Lead carpenter is a g/c in disguise or will be once his boss discovers how much responsibility he can dump on the guy.

        I can't think our economies differ that much. What do you think? What are rates up there?

        Eric

        Edited 6/10/2004 8:55 pm ET by firebird

        1. davidmeiland | Jun 11, 2004 07:19am | #11

          Eric,

          I think Bob's question was about payroll, not s/e billing rate. My experience is that in the SF Bay Area, good leads working on and running the job for a high end company are going to get between $25 (very low end) and $35 (highest I've heard of). That's gross hourly wage and on top of that would be benefits, although not the level you get as a federal employee or professor. Same guy with a license and insurance would be $50-65. Here in San Juan County there are a lot of expensive new homes going up and I think the rates are about $5 lower. Bob's ski resort community sounds similar to here, in terms of (I'm assuming) an overall lower wage level for everyone with a lot of wealthy folks living there part time. Maybe a few people are making more, but not many.

          As far as giving away your work, you can't charge a whole lot more than the market will bear, and that level is determined by what the majority of guys charge. Most contractors are not sophisticated businesspeople, in my experience, and as a group we're charging less than we should. I don't know if that will ever change. There are always young guys coming into the business and willing to work for less that you. Certainly some contractors manage to become very well established and charge a lot of money, but that's a few not the majority. Oh, and add to that the fact that plenty of 'contractors' are unlicensed, uninsured, work for cash, pay employees cash, and don't pay their taxes. Hurting themselves and the rest of us too...

          1. shedhappens | Jun 11, 2004 04:13pm | #12

            I'm with you.  it's a shame that there are some talented people out there who are giving their work away.  On the other hand it's disgusting that so many hacks are managing to charge a relatively high dollar owing to demand. 

            Here in Jacksonville, I increased my rates steadily until I felt comfortable -- comfortable that I was still delivering a fair job for the money, and comfortable that the hacks couldn't come close.

            i bill myself out at $65 hr., my lead man at $55 and skilled apprentices at $45 hr.

            interestingly enough, it seems about right -- I pay my bills and make a buck. imagine that.

          2. davidmeiland | Jun 11, 2004 04:18pm | #13

            Those numbers sound correct--way to go. I wanna grow up to be like you....

          3. SonnyLykos | Jun 12, 2004 12:14am | #18

            Pete, keep pushing that rate by about $3.00 per hour and about ever 3 months. If still gettting a lot of jobs, push it another $3.00.

            And that lead carpenter should be charged out at the same rate as yourself.

            I recently rasied mine from $82 to $85, but I also use what some call a FPS - Variable Prcing Structure. By that I mean I charged much more - up to $150/hr. for more talented work or solving problems others have not been able to solve. For example, cutting in to replace a 2' x 2' ceiling drywall due to water damage is charged at my regualr rate. But skip troweling to blend in with the surrounding texture is done at a min. of $125/hr. Just did the same thing on a complete interior job of a small house to match the knock down texture walls for about 50 holes here and there.

            I'm curently looking for a full time employee who can do various trades well, but most important, have great a PR talent with customers. I'll probably pay him around $25 - $30/hr with perks and truck, and charge him out at the same rate as me.

            If in Naples, I can get what I get, you can too.

          4. shedhappens | Jun 12, 2004 06:39pm | #20

            I'm coming down to work for you.  seriously.

          5. SonnyLykos | Jun 12, 2004 06:56pm | #21

            When ever you're ready. I have a guy who can do almost anything and well - in his mid 30s, who was working for himself and charging about $30-$35/hr when I met him last year. I told him to charge me $45/hr because I want him to make money for himself as well as for me. Only draw back is that he still works out of an older Explorer - not too practical.

            I use him about every couple of weeks when I get backed up. In fact, I stopped doing remodels due to the hassles. I'm back at doing small ones (under $20K) again for repeat customers and referrals. Son Pete also needs a good guy since he specializes in jobs under $40K.

            Naples is in a constant state of explosion between new construction, remodeling, and servicing condo association. You should drive here and check us out.

          6. shedhappens | Jun 12, 2004 07:13pm | #22

            A little adventure might do me some good. I did a job in Naples about 5 years ago. -- don't remember the name of the building but it was across the street from the newspaper. my buddy and I installed routed mdf panels in a huge ceiling. I'm changing my boat over to a center console, and it sounds like a good excuse to finish it and drag it down to Naples for a weekend. Send me some info (phone number, etc.) and we'll hook up. Pete Herman 904-673-0537 [email protected] ps. I'm trying to attach a sample of my work.

          7. User avater
            EricPaulson | Jun 11, 2004 09:47pm | #16

            I think Bob's question was about payroll, not s/e billing rate.

            Ok so less than, I guess 35-45 per hr.

            I was just reading a short article about Jet Blue. They have become the most sucessful domestic Airline in the US.

            The CEO states that it is because they pay their employees ver well and offer profit sharing and stock options. Something like 84% of the company stock is owned by employees! Talk about incentive to do a good job.

            Not entirely on topic, but I wanted to share that.

            Eric

            Edited 6/11/2004 2:51 pm ET by firebird

        2. JRuss | Jun 11, 2004 05:52pm | #14

          I agree with your rates. You must have a competent person, it's a complicated and demanding project, requiring significant experience and responsibility, getting someone one to handle that for $40 to $50 bucks an hour, is cheap at twice the price.Never serious, but always right.

          1. User avater
            EricPaulson | Jun 11, 2004 09:46pm | #15

            Look at it this way (justification time)

            What do you own or use that gets serviced at $25-35/hr??

            Ok, I'm waiting...............

            DW and I had a bbq last w/e. Got to some good construction talk with one of her girlfriends. Yada yada........get out some pics. Yada yada WOW, oooo, oohh. But I hear that you're expensive!!!!!

            I went for the throat, nicely! How much to you make Mrs. 15 yrs with same big corp? per hr if you add in all your bennies, 401k. vacay, continueing ed.?? Best guess was around 65- 75/perhr, probably more.

            And you want me to work for less than you? Why? Justify it in plain simple terms.

            She sarted to mumble something about college or what not and then gave in sort of, when I convinced her that she is no more skilled at what she does than I am at what I do.

            Eric

            Eric

          2. ClimbOn | Jun 11, 2004 10:53pm | #17

            "And you want me to work for less than you? Why? Justify it in plain simple terms."

            Lots of reasons why it happens.

            Supply and demand/competition/caliber of people in the field etc...

            May not be fair but reality never is.

            If it was much harder to get involved in the building industry, like being an engineer, doctor, lawyer, CPA etc... then there would be less people and prices would be higher. Also, if more people actually had the experience, intelligence and know how to figure out what they needed to charge to make a decent profit and EXPECTED to make a certain amount of money (like a lot of other professionals do) they would only go so low in what they charged. 

            Look at what guys make who work as project managers for large multi million dollar commercial projects compared to the lead guy on a simple addition or a basic new home.  Same reason, supply and demand, skill set, salary expectation.

            When I work, I bill my self out at $125/hr. Facility design and manufacturing engineering consulting.

            Now if there was plenty of other people with the credentials, experience, skill etc..... all looking for work in my field, I too would have to lower my rates. It would also be harder to bill a high amount if there where other people who could do the job and where willing to work for wages etc...But there is no way we are going to just work for wages, we know what we have to charge to turn a profit and we expect a certain amount etc..... so are billing rates will only get so low and then that is it, no one will go lower.

            I do have a question though.

            Why does it seem that plumbers on a whole, charge what they should to make a decent profit, but other tradesman in the building industry are willing to work for low rates and go broke?

          3. User avater
            EricPaulson | Jun 12, 2004 03:05am | #19

            Why does it seem that plumbers on a whole, charge what they should to make a decent profit, but other tradesman in the building industry are willing to work for low rates and go broke?

            Or electricians.

            You answered your own question I think.

            There are plenty of tradesmen out there, but there are far fewer GOOD ones. You just need to convince your clientele of that!

            Eric

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

A Classic Paint Sprayer Gets a Thoughtful Refresh

The Titan Impact X 440 offers great coverage with minimal overspray.

Featured Video

Builder’s Advocate: An Interview With Viewrail

Learn more about affordable, modern floating stairs, from design to manufacturing to installation.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 693: Old-House Hazards, Building Larsen Trusses, AI in Construction
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding Hazardous Materials in a Fixer-Upper
  • A Classic Paint Sprayer Gets a Thoughtful Refresh
  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data