[bartstop]

I sit down and figure out all the material it's going to take. That includes every single connector, strap, screws, bushings, trencher rental, permits, etc.. Then I add 15% - 20% because I'll probably forget something. Figuring out how much time it's going to take is the hard part. Without being there I'd say four 8 hour days would be about right. I charge $50 per hour for residential. This would easily be a $3000 - $4000 job.

 

[bartstop]

Why would you ask what to price your job? Some questions blow me away on here! Heck if you were closer do you you want us to come do it for you too?

Probably because pricing the work is the hardest part of going out on your own. I've done work waaaaaay too cheap and I've put some ridiculously high bids out there. It takes time and experience to learn how to price jobs accurately.

 

[bartstop]

and an estimator.:thumbup:



you need FR software.......takes all the thinking out of it.

Tried it. It didn't work out. It made my prices too high and I missed out on most of the jobs I bid with it. The economy is still pretty tight here.

I have found that bidding on a time + material basis works better for me. I have a $150 minimum (plus material) or it's not worth my time and gas money. If it's more than a 2 hour project I figure it in 4 hour increments.

I also have an "a-hole charge". If the customer acts like anything more than FREE is too much, I double my labor. Convenience store owners seem to be the worst.