Cost more to install larger water htr
I installed a 60gal HWH today for someone. Been a while since I installed one, wanted my cost to be competitive, so since this was a Kenmore HWH I called Sears to ask what they charge to install one of their models. They charge $219 for a 50gal or less htr and $40 MORE for anything larger. Now, why charge more for a larger heater? There really is no difference. Fittings to make water go in, and out, same plumbing, etc. Why more? By the way, I charged him $180 plus $15 in materials.
Replies
Does that break the one person install vs. two person install--based on the weight of the heater? I'm just guessing. Maybe they have a limit to how much each employee can lift?
I don't remember there being much of a weight difference between the 40 and 60. At least not enough that it was noticeable. But maybe you are right, I can't imagine what else would warrant charging more.
I've never installed a WH. I was just pulling things out of my butt.
If they don't weigh that much more, it's a nice luxury tax. If you can afford a bigger heater, you can also afford a bigger install fee. My wife is worth a fortune by their parts book.
You're right, not a big weight difference. I was able to lift the 60 gal.If at first you don't succeed, try using a hammer next time...everything needs some extra persuasion from time to time. -ME
The only other thing I can think of is that you have less of a chance of just using the old connections with a coupling if you replace a 40 with a taller 60. Maybe its a $40 fee for the ten minutes it takes to adjust the 3/4" copper.
The WH really doesn't weigh a whole lot more than a 40gal. The HO had a 40gal to begin with. They replaced it with a 60gal because it was a floor model and cheap for that reason, so why not was his rationalizing of it. I was able to lift the 60 gal, empty of course with some struggle. I "walked" it over to its resting place, though. It was heavier enough that walking it made more sense than trying to heave ho it over.If at first you don't succeed, try using a hammer next time...everything needs some extra persuasion from time to time. -ME
well ...
U should be very proud.
U just made $40 less than someone else would have.
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
EXACTLY what I was thinking!!
And to the original poster... What if it was located in an attic area or down a rough set of steps to a cellar basement? Probably one guy could handle the smaller model but a 60 gallon is a little harder to maneuver by yourself in some situations. My other though was that maybe Sears removes the old unit as well and charges more for that?
A woman I know in a condo just paid $1050 to get a water heater replaced. A non emergengy job and I'm sure a $250-300 tank. She didn't even blink.
Dave
friends often call me for "home repair advice" if it's a water heater issue... i tell them to get a price... if it's a $200 labor deal... i just let em know it sounds fair... if it's a $300-$1000 deal I'll pick one up on my way home and a few compression fittings and install it for free... i just hate see'n people get the shaft.... some may deserve it but... this is usually friends older parents homes that i know are on a budget...
besides this is the only thing i do fast... the thanks are well worth it...
btw... by law here this work is to be permited , inspected and brought to current code... ie strapped ... they charge sometimes $300 for the strap install..
p
Yea thats right about the strap. The same lady, when I told her that $1050 seemed a bit much, she said, "oh they are going to earthquake proof it too". She seemed a little disappointed when I told her it was just a couple of metal straps and some screws.
Dave
Larger water heater would seem to imply more expensive water heater.
when you install something--- you assume some liability for the possibility of damaging it during the install( like dropping the 60 gallon job down the basement stairs cause you are doing the install solo)
more liability-more cost
larger hot water heater------larger install rate.
stephen
Uhh, maybe they bid on a cubic foot basis...
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.
I'm with Buck on this one.
Unless this was a family member or something similar, what were you thinking?
Just to be competitive you called the cheapest people and then undercut them?
Congrats, you just screwed yourself, and everyone who actually does this for a living.
I am the first person to jump all over someone who is using ignorance to overcharge a customer, but I am the second person to jump all over someone who is so dense as to screw the whole structure of what things are actually worth.
I really don't know why they would charge more for a 60 gallon, it doesn't make sense to me either, but I also don't know why tou would charge LESS.
Remodeling Contractor just on the other side of the Glass City
I think he should charge what he needs to to make a decent profit based on how long it takes him. If he works alone, and can easily supply and install at least two a day making $360, why should he alter his price to match what others might charge?
Thank you. I posted back to Jhole that I did make a nice profit.If at first you don't succeed, try using a hammer next time...everything needs some extra persuasion from time to time. -ME
I charged a fair price for 4hrs of labor. I called HD, they charge a flat $289 rate to change out a HWH. I called Sears they charged $260. For what it's worth, I AM a professional, fully insured, been doing this for YEARS. My question was entirely around the fact of why charge more for a larger tank because it was the first time I encountered this. I dont' have a lot of overhead being a one man deal. I"m not going to charge $289 just because HD does. HD contracts the service out to an installer, mark up his price and then take their cut. I'm not HD, I dont' need to do that. Also, I"m not Sears, and I don't have the overhead they do. So what is wrong with me charging $65 less than Sears? I thought this was a Capitalist economy, I took an installation job from Sears because I was cheaper and warrant my installation. Not only that, I get face time with the HO whereby I can sell other services that Sears charges ridiculous rates for. My business is home improvements, I do everything and I love doing everything. It's my job, I chose it, I"m good at it, and I'm dang well better than most. But I won't charge $260 just because Sears does. If I want to undercut them it's my business. For 4hrs work I made a nice profit if you ask me. I didn't even have to empty the heater, junk the old one, or carry it down to the basement. The HO did all of that for me. What a deal!!!!!!!!!!If at first you don't succeed, try using a hammer next time...everything needs some extra persuasion from time to time. -ME
Just a nod of agreement from me.
Why, thank you :)If at first you don't succeed, try using a hammer next time...everything needs some extra persuasion from time to time. -ME
"For 4hrs work I made a nice profit if you ask me. I didn't even have to empty the heater, junk the old one, or carry it down to the basement. The HO did all of that for me. What a deal!!!!!!!!!!"
So you installed HALF of a hot water heater.
You neglected to include that information in your post.
I guess you didn't pick up and deliver it either?
One hour on the front side and one hour on the back side would effectively change your $45/ mh to $30/ mh.
And, I did answer your question - I don't know why they charge more.Remodeling Contractor just on the other side of the Glass City
No, HO delivered and everything else. I just showed up. Disconnected old, reconnected new. It was only 4hrs work because he had CPVC piping and a gas line that needed tweaked a little bit, plus time to fill, allow CPVC cement to cure long enough to pressurize, etc.If at first you don't succeed, try using a hammer next time...everything needs some extra persuasion from time to time. -ME
Just my thought:
While the brand new 60 gallon WH might weigh nearly the same as a new 40 gallon unit, it's possible that due to mineral build up over years that an OLD 60 gallon unit (what would normally be replaced by that new 60) would weigh ALOT more than and old 40 gallon unit - requiring 2 people on the job instead of one.
My last home I replaced the old one with new, keeping it the same size. i could almost hold the new one with one arm. I could just barely walk/drag/cart/roll the old one out. Mineral deposits had sealed the bottom so I couldn't drain it.
Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!