Hi,
I just moved to AZ from CA. I’m the kind of carpenter who while I don’t profess to know it all yet I have an extensive back ground in construction. I specialize in finish work and am most valuable in remodels of baths and kitchens.
It seems the contractors I’ve spoken with are only willing to offer me 1/2 to 2/3 tops to what I’m used to. Seems like $15 is the top for high end work. I had no problem getting $25-$30+ for the same work in the San Diego area.
Am I just expecting too much or what? I don’t think the contractor I’m dealing with is low balling or penny pinching just the way he used to doing business.
Any input appreciatted,
Warnie
Replies
What's the cost of living in your new area vs. San Diego? While I agree that $15 in this day and age borders on the ridiculous, I'm willing to bet that it only costs 1/2 to 2/3 to live in your AZ location vs. your old one.
Doesn't really offer a solution, but worth factoring in to your equation.
1/2 tp 2/3??
It's likely that real estate prices are lower, but a Ford truck and a gallon of gas for it, a bag of groceries, a pair of Levis, a filling in your tooth... that stuff all costs about the same and I bet there's no way he cut his cost of living in half.
Well..Cost of living, for me, is about the same actually. We get to own a home instead of rent but it's the same monthly payment.The price of gas, cell phone and Milwaukee tools is exactly the same too , so's my student loan and truck payment and credit card come to think of it.I've noticed some groceries less expensive and apparently the utilities will be less but that remains to be seen.I can't find my Mean Estimating guide but I don't recall a swing of more than about 10%-15% at extremes of what to bid on jobs per city your in.Decisions decisions.....Thanks,W
Edited 9/28/2005 11:26 pm ET by Warnie
Warnie,Maybe you need to get your license in AZ and deal directly with the customers. More hassles, more money, and potentially much more job satisfaction.Bill
My only point of reference is my SIL, who couldn't afford to use his newly minted teachers credential in AZ - starting pay in Phoenix area was only around $20K for high school science. This was 3-4 years ago. And we wonder why we have so many issues in this country!
OK, rant over - back to our normally scheduled programming...