I am bidding on an LP replacement project in the pacific northwest. It is a single story house without a lot of fancy trim. I am interested in knowing what people are charging per square foot to remove and replace. I want to reality check myself. The new siding will be Hardiplank with 6.5″ exposure. No painting.
Mark
Replies
On jobs like that (any renovation, actually) I don't find it practical to bid on a sq. ft. basis. I walk the job...how much tear-off, does the client want to insulate, how are the soffets going to be affected, do I need scaffolding, what are local disposal costs, window and door trimming and flashing, porches, utility lines (one job I did had a real rats nest of phone and electrical), is there landscaping to protect and/or in the way, security lights, security systems, is there a potential of finding deterioration from leaks, termites, etc. Are there things I can suggest to the home owner that he/she is not foreseeing (when you spruce up and paint a house, all the things you DON'T do often look raunchy!).
If you're asking the question because you have no experience on this type of job, you might consider, after scrutinizing the project, doing a T & M with a not to exceed price (give yourself a little maneuvering room), put in some language about the unforseens (rot, bugs etc.) and use the job as a baseline for future work.
In my experience, most potential clients appreciate your taking the time to scrutinize the job. You can often get acquainted and land a job simply because of customer relations.
Good Luck!
Some people would bitch even if they were hung with a new rope.
Edited 5/23/2002 9:38:50 PM ET by Notchman