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I was asked to do a handrail installation. Although I’ve done a some before I am recently self employed and uncomfortably short on bid/pricing experience. The job involves installing about 20Lf of rail, 8′ of rake, and 12′ flat, newel to newel, open tread, pin top balusters.
I’ve learned from some good people and have become a fairly efficient finish carpenter but, I sometimes find that I end up selling myself short because I’m still thinking about my wages and not what the job is worth. What is the going rate for rail installation. I’ve heard everything from $30-$85LF. The contractor told me to just give him the bill but, I’d like to do work for him in the future and do not want to establish myself as a “cheap guy”.
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Rates vary from place to place alot. If you're talking about some nice, interior rail, I'd think your rate should start around $20. That means your company needs to charge probably twice that or nearly twice that.
About your "just do it and bill me", don't just do it and bill him!!!!
We've talked about this before. We've all gotten into trouble with this. You think the job should cost $3.00, he thinks it should only cost $2. When he gets the bill, he'll think you ripped him off. Even though he'll probably pay it, he'll never call you again (nor will anbody he knows).
Give him a firm price before you start and get his ok. Best to get it in writing. You're a pro, not just a handyman. Give him the price, show him your contract with the details of the job all there and get a signature.
figure out what your company needs to make, charge more because you figured it out wrong, and be proud of your price. When he says "That's alittle high" remember that he would have said that if you showed him a price that was half what it is.
I'd just pretend we never had the "do it and bill me" conversation and I'd stop by to see him with the contract.
Of course, I don't always follow my advice. But I know I should. I usually agree with me.
*Just do it, give him the bill and don't spend it before you get it.you probably won't receive the entire amount.blue
*I as a rule...give written estimates...even if the customer doesn't say they want one...A little CYA goes a long way...That being said...I have one customer who I have, and continue to do tons of work for. No official estimates here. (I wouldn't be able to keep up) I do always give them an off the top of the head estimate verbally though. We have a mutual trust, and they feel(and so do I) that I am providing the best value.(not the cheapest...but I don't cut corners)Charge a FAIR price...do EXCELENT work, in a professional manner...and most importantly educate the consumer as to why the other guys are cheaper!!Do this, and you'll sleep better, and reap the rewards!
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I was asked to do a handrail installation. Although I've done a some before I am recently self employed and uncomfortably short on bid/pricing experience. The job involves installing about 20Lf of rail, 8' of rake, and 12' flat, newel to newel, open tread, pin top balusters.
I've learned from some good people and have become a fairly efficient finish carpenter but, I sometimes find that I end up selling myself short because I'm still thinking about my wages and not what the job is worth. What is the going rate for rail installation. I've heard everything from $30-$85LF. The contractor told me to just give him the bill but, I'd like to do work for him in the future and do not want to establish myself as a "cheap guy".