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Yes, there’s always a difference. Unless you’re working for the same builder, doing the same basic paint grade/stain grade application, then each bid will be somewhat different.
When hanging doors and trim, especially with a new builder, you must always look at the framing and rock work to determine how hard the installation will be. I’ve done houses in the six million buck range that has $20,000.00 framing. We fought those houses each step of the way, trying to make a 30 foot run of base and wainscotting look straight.
It took two weeks to install two inside corners of six step crown on one house, because the ceiling dropped six inches in six feet on the left side, and eight inches in four feet on the right! Needless to say, I lost my ass on that one!
You’ve got to base any bidding on what it is YOU want to make for money. I can hang and trim doors, windows, etc. in about 1/2 hour each. I can do a basic winder staircase with full blown inset panel wainscotting in about four days. If I want to make $40 an hour gross, then I base my charges on my installation times. It really can’t get any simpler than that!
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Yes, there's always a difference. Unless you're working for the same builder, doing the same basic paint grade/stain grade application, then each bid will be somewhat different.
When hanging doors and trim, especially with a new builder, you must always look at the framing and rock work to determine how hard the installation will be. I've done houses in the six million buck range that has $20,000.00 framing. We fought those houses each step of the way, trying to make a 30 foot run of base and wainscotting look straight.
It took two weeks to install two inside corners of six step crown on one house, because the ceiling dropped six inches in six feet on the left side, and eight inches in four feet on the right! Needless to say, I lost my ass on that one!
You've got to base any bidding on what it is YOU want to make for money. I can hang and trim doors, windows, etc. in about 1/2 hour each. I can do a basic winder staircase with full blown inset panel wainscotting in about four days. If I want to make $40 an hour gross, then I base my charges on my installation times. It really can't get any simpler than that!
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Thanks Dann.
Why I am asking is because I am finding guys out there who each have these new estimating programs and quoting prices accordingly.
I dont have any programs and as yet, dont know which ones I might consider. They always seem off from what I work up.
I know in tract work the base guys were charging a buck a foot. And that was blasted in place.
And, new construction is a lot different than remodel, where the lady of the house gets a no-dust environment, and the house has to look like no work is going on...
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I basically concur with dan what these programs might do for you is give you a gage to go by but the best way is to keep accurate records oand time studies. these studies don't have to be elaborate just accurate. then you get the feel for what you can accomplish in a hour divide that into your hourly rate and you a per foot charge. personally I charge 40$/hour .
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Any changes to the cost if paint-grade, stain-grain or prefinished?
Thanks.
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A "good" price would be one that makes the one that pays you wince, but he still pays you.