How or where do finish carpenters get their quotes from?

Answer 1

Both 1 & 2 offer valid suggestions. There is no strict standard however; in pricing a job. Variables happen all the time; even in hours or materials.

What most often happens; does so through experience and comparisons with other like contractors. Obviously for me as a small but solid operation; I don't have corporate costs; or a fleet of trucks; large crews; or capital expenses in a warehouse full of stored equipment and materials. My usual fee ranges between $25 to $50 per hour; although not all work is bid by the hour. That second example also takes experience.

I also GIVE AWAY many jobs. By that I mean some fees might depend on the customer. I also may charge more if expected to commute 100 miles round trip for a 3 day or one week job.

Certainly I may be a bit biased; being in the trades; but I rarelt equate cost to a quality job. The customer is obviously free to choose from multiple bids; and make a choice; hopefully based on more factors than just price. I offer two examples.

NASA might shoot shuttles into the sky; with STUFF from lowest bidders??? I'm remediating 11,000 sq. ft. of tile in a school; installed by the lowest bidder. Obviously there are Pirates and Saints in the trades.

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

Believe it or not, there is actually a book that tells how long the project should take. They then multiply that by their own hourly price. To that they add materials and such and that is your final price. It's the same thing that a lot of Auto-Mechanics do. It's kind of a crappy way of pricing. If you find an independent contractor that works out of their house, they will probably be a little cheaper with better quality work.

Answer 3

90% of contractors work is figured by square footage and includes finish. The averages are $65 - $75 per square foot.

Answer 4

ussually comes from cost of material + labor, sometimes + degree of difficulty in doing the job