ch0mpie

I met with a GC to day who has a bunch of vinyl replacements to be installed on a few different jobs. He wanted a price per sq.ft. of window area. I told him it depended on the number of windows and site conditions. He told me that $7/sqft was more than fair to: measure for order, remove sashes, install replacement, insulate, wrap outside with Al, and caulk in and out. Based on back calcs from a few other jobs I did, $7/sqft doesn't even seem close especially if there are only a couple of windows. We didn't agree on anything yet and are going to look at a job together next week. I was wondering if any of you guys price windows this way and what you charge.

Thanks,
Jon

Bob Kovacs

Why would you possibly charge by the sf? Does it take 50% longer to do a 36x36 window than it does a 24x36? No- they take the same amount of time. On top of that, his price is ridiculously low- a 36x36 (probably the most common size I see around here) would make you $63- most subs here in NJ wouldn't even wrap the windows for less than $75 each.

And why would he want you to measure the windows? Well, so he can blame you when they're mis-measured, of course. Now you've got to make a separate trip to measure the windows for him- why wouldn't he measure them when he sells the job?

I wouldn't even waste the time going to look at the jobs with him- he's looking for a lowball sub, and I'm sure he can find some uninsured south-of-the-border illegal to do the work for him at those prices. If you run a legitimate operation, you'll never make money with this guy.

If you really want to work for him (for whatever reason), I'd structure the deal like this:

- $XX trip charge to measure windows. I'd set this at 2-3 hours times your hourly rate, since you'll have to drive there, do the measuring, drive back, and fax him the info. It'll easily take that much of your time.

- $YY per window to remove sashes, install replacement and wrap exterior. With the window wrap, I'd figure these at around 2 hours each as well, and have an adder for a 1/2 hour of labor for second story windows (to account for all the up and down).

- $ZZ per picture window, or large unit that will require two people. You can typically do replacements yourself, but with the big units, you'll kill yourself without a helper.

I can't tell you what the actual numbers to charge are, since I don't know your costs of doing business. I can tell you that if you let him dictate your pricing, you're sure to lose- especially with that nonsensical payment plan he's proposing.

Bob

ch0mpie

Thanks for the advise Bob. I an definately going to use that format for my proposals. After reading it I'm sure he'll refrain from any urdges to call me back. Like I said before, I figured from back calcs that this guy is out of line.

Grumpy

Windows are bid by the window and by the united inch plus features. F him and his budget. Bid it your way. Who the hell bids windows by the square foot?!

Hey Bob I make my subs measure the windows for that very reasons. Now I have already measured the windows and if their sizes and my sizes are way off we have to talk but usually we are all within 1/4" and have never yet had any problems with sizing. I do pay the subs a trip charge to measure.

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IHI

Years ago when I was sub contracting windows and siding, we got $5/window to measure, $45 to replace, and $18/opening to cap. Of course if inside trim was needed it was more, inside stop was more, outside stop replaced/any rotten wood replaced pricve jumped up a little bit. Double windows units we got $65 and triple window units we got $80, same with capping-price increased with added widths. I hear that same company is now paying $50-55/opening and $20 cap for a standard replacment window.

Having been on "salesman measuring end" more than once, 90% of slaesman have no idea what's involved with actualy construction and would mis order more windows than they ordered right, so after a few times I told them I wanted to measure all the windows I install and life was great after that since I could tweak if need be on sizes to make it work right and not having to make the opening bigger because my salesman has no clue...found this working through 3 of the bigger comanies in town.

In the right situation you can make great money doing only replacement windows, I still have a special place in my heart since that was originally my starting point, but it got boring doing the same stuff everyday thus new venues. Typically you can average once you figure it out and use a good window and good helper, you can average 20 windows a day and add another half day if you need to cap all of them too...kinda like selling drugs with the quick cash

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ch0mpie

I sent the guy my price sheet today. He called me back imediately and asked if that included assemblely of the new windows (screw vinyl frames together, put hardware on, and hang sashes before installation). I couldn't help but laugh.

Bob Kovacs

I don't think I've EVER seen a vinyl window that needed to be assembled- the come shrinkwrapped and banded and get popped in the hole complete. Either he's selling some half-azzed windows, or he doesn't know what he's talking about, or there's something new out there that I've never seen.

Bob

notillegal

Vinyl windows come shrink wrapped. They are priced by the opening.
I charge 90 bucks a window to pop them in, that includes re-installing the stops, caulking, and insulation. I dont do coil work but I would assume it is bid by the foot

Double-A

What Bob said, plus this thought. What if there are 10 1'x1' windows?

Your GC is an a first class ninny for even suggesting a price to you in the first place.

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dougchips

Ask your gc if he prices a remodel job by the linear foot or a flooring job by the cubic foot, did he work a Burger King yesterday?

I charge a per window price and pay my installers a per window price. The labor price is the same for a 12"x12" dead light as it is for a 36"x60", if the window opening is large and two or more windows need to be mulled together then they get paid for two or more windows plus the extra for help.

house bldr

I spent quite a few years putting in replacement windows for $50 installed and wrapped.made pretty decent money at that,8-10 windows per day.Same price regardless of size,unless multiple units.Sounds like rates are a little lower here!