Question From Lawyer Trying To Help Contractor

wireless

Don't we try to do nothing for something?

simplejack

And he's a "construction lawyer?!

why not just come on and say: "I want to know if my contractor is trying to rip me off, on some extra work I had him do for an hourly rate"

simplejack

This Will be the home owners next attempt...


Ahh yes, greetings fellow contractors. How 'bout that standard mark up rate we all enjoy? hmmm, any comments?

...Hey SCP! come back we were only kidding!

modterry

Let's give him the benefit of the doubt. I have worked for a lot of lawyers and they have all been great. 1) When you bill you have mark up and it covers your overhead, secretary, rent, etc. You came up with an hourly charge to cover your expenses, pay you your wage, as well as cover your expenses, and god forbid a lawyer makes a profit. Have you seen the charges for copies, etc. that are charged?



Our hourly rate is lower than most but, you need to also have a factor for down time with the worker. When I estimate the hours a task might take I use an hourly rate that includes the direct labor plus taxes , plus an amount for error, down time etc. as well as some overhead expense.

I estimate that on a remodel project labor might only be effective 75 to 80% of the time. You can't be accurate all the time down to the hour , especially if something takes longer than you thought. I need to have a cushion to keep on track.

You need to have your contractor create his labor tasks and start collecting historical data on how long something takes. For instance - Install Prehung interior door; standard rate 1.25 hrs. etc.

Have your client take copious notes on each step and function within his next few jobs and build his database of knowledge.

JCL in LA CALIF

Carpenter Cost per hour
Base Wage for a open shop.
Any fringe costs? (retirement etc.)
Payroll taxes (including SS, EDD, IRS, state, etc)
Supervision
Worker's Comp (boy this cost more than taxes!)
Subtotal above; than add approximately 45% for your overhead and profit.
There is more risk using your self perform labor, so you should be paid for it, your subs charge you for it.
My humble advice is to read some real time estimating books.

TxElectrician

Seeing as how the OP was Dec '08, and he hasn't returned, I doubt he is still seeking advise here.

Or that poor contractor is going to have one hell of a bill.

jawtrs

In a cost plus a fixed rate or time and materials contract we charge an hourly rate for our employees, and of course we increase the amount above their wages. You ever heard insurance,gas,maintenance on company vehicles, GL insurance, WC insurance. Nothing is free.

I would think they should teach you that in law school, if your learning construction law. JAW

hughjazz

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Willy is

You had me at;

Did you ask him to "Show me the money!!!?

Willy

blackbear

this thread is BS. my wife is an attorney and no way in hell would she ever join a contractor forum to find out information. You are a CROCK OF SHT. I have had enough of cheap A$$ homeowners trying to pull one over on us. Im about done with this business. Let the hacks run around and cut each others throats. When your house implodes I hope your in it. Greedy crooked sneaky aholes.

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blackbear

whoops.. didnt see the thread was from 2008. got my panties all in a bunch for no reason. rough day

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skyhook

a 1 post wonder that got more hits than a T-ball game.

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rallen

I mark up all my labor to cover costs associated with employees and to make profit.