After years of bidding projects I came up with the solution of 1st figuring out all the materials for the project and the cost of those materials !! Then I will take that number x 2 and that’s my starting point ! Then add in what I need for over head ! After years of keeping a hourly log , it’s seems it works out pretty close after the project is complete ! Example : it cost 20,000 for framing materials then I charge 20,000 to frame it !
I come up with material cost add tax then figure how long the job will take me and add on labor cost
Per outlet, plus materials and labor.
I use a combination of day / half day task pricing.
Using square foot estimating alone is rarely accurate for remodeling because there can be many variables involved.
We’ve all been surprised by the displayed price per square foot something not being close to the final estimate.
Taking a kitchen floor as example: The finished estimate often balloons to 3x as much as the salesperson estimated because he/she didn’t consider the 5 doors in your kitchen requiring thresholds, the uneven floor requiring leveling, and damaged baseboards,
I always suggest using square foot price only as a starting point, not a buying point.
I get a VERY clear picture of my client prior to any work being done in their home. From their personality to their lifestyle, I see how they live and what makes them comfortable.
First, we sit down and write out their remodeling plan, I bring pictures and books. Second, I go out and get a material list that I later present to them. This gives them a clear idea of most of their budget (material). Thirdly, I get prices from sub contractors if needed. Last, I put together the hours/time to complete the project, put all the numbers together and present.
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Pricing costs comes right down to many years of experience and the comprehension of the situation along with knowledge of the materials required to complete the project. Anyone who just gives a blanket square foot answer has not taken into account any anomalies that will exist on each project.
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We estimate number of hours to perform the task plus material costs. Giving a “price per square foot” is usually inaccurate and causes extras in the long run.
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We have been permitting for 13 years, and we know how long a project should take to complete. We have transparent proposals that outline all of our fees.
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There really is no exact science to this, and you kind of already answered your question. How can one give an accurate estimate if one has not picked out every specific material. My last client spent $500 on a toilet for the bathroom, but another only spent $100. The safe bet is to only price out labor, and once they pick out the finishes add it all up. If something they chose is more complex and required more time and labor you simply explain this
and add addition labor to the bill.
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There is no easy formula for pricing a powder coating project. It depends on what kind of object needs to be coated. A simple surface would be priced by square foot, railings by lineal feet, and heavier items like cast-iron radiators would be priced by size, weight, and number of fins. The amount of powder needed and any prep - like sandblasting - also contributes to the budget. If you ever have any questions about your quote, you should never hesitate to ask. We’re happy to explain our process and the scope of work!
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To estimate our pricing, we mainly use materials in combination with how much that specific material will cost per square foot. Not all of our workers get paid equally based on their experience so we factor in the worker pay into the equation. If we have to commute to a farther location we also factor that in.
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Our break down is fairly simple. We charge based on material costs and labor based on the work to be performed.
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We generally try to break everything down by division and materials, labor, equipment, etc. for ourselves. For commercial clients we find they either want a more generalized division breakdown or a breakdown according to task (something like “remodel two ADA bathrooms”). For residential clients on small jobs we generally give a lump sum price and for larger jobs we try to break it down by task.
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For big and small jobs it comes down to 5 steps. First step is the direct costs meaning: Labor, Materials, and Travel costs to and from the project. The second step you have the indirect costs, such as office costs, equipment and indirect costs. Third step is the contractors profit that is added to the project. Fourth step is to have all of the questions answered for a client before they even ask them. The fifth step is to ensure your client understands all of the items in your estimate and feels comfortable with hiring you for the job.
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Materials pricing is important, especially on the west coast right now. Your lumber costs can jump quite high right now. For example some lumber yards are only holding quotes valid for 2 weeks at this point. The other main cost is labor, also on the west coast finding qualified workers who are available may be difficult in certain categories. A good contractor will let you know the current construction environment and let you know what those specific things are.
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I calculate my time and Labor to completion , Calculate my Materials
And Add 35% overhead.
Simple
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As a tiling contractor, we generally charge per square foot. Depending on the material, layout, and size of the tile, square footage can vary. Porcelain, for instance, is much cheaper to install than Botticino marble, a more delicate and natural stone. Then we will tack on a bit extra depending on materials used to install, any custom niches needed to be made, and any installation of marble/quartz saddles. This gives our customers a fair price for their bathroom remodel, depending on how custom they want it to be! Floors and backsplashes are generally priced by square footage, also varying between types of tile and layout involved.
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The first thing we want to know is your budget. We will make good recommendations to keep you comfortable with your budget. If during our initial consultation if you want something that is not in your budget financially we can make changes to what you want so you still get what you want but you stay on budget. I have been doing this for a long time, there are always cost effective options. We start out by asking what is on your wish list what must this project have when it is done to satisfy you.
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with over 38 years in business I price my job proposals on a material and labor basis . from experience i know how long a project should take , and then i obtain a current materials price to combine with labor and come up with a total contract price .
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Estimation is an art. many forms of pricing start low to medium to high end. Your customer needs to set the parameters
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