Design/Estimate charge? - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Jason W · 04-11-2008, 06:04 PM

I've seen some really nice drawings here. I have a multi level deck appointment to go to tomorrow. I was wondering how most of the deck builders here go about things when selling the job. Do you give a rough estimate and then get paid for your design work or is it something you do to help sell the job? In the later case, I'm sure you don't leave them with a copy of your design until they hire you right?

Just wondering because this will also have a hot tub on it too. I will definatly want an approved drawing before jumping into a contract.

silvertree · 04-11-2008, 06:17 PM

I can't speak for decks, but I charge about $1000 to design a bathroom, 4% for kitchens and baths, I would probably get $400 to design a deck.
$40,000 kitchen is $1600 design fee. Well known designers in this area can get 3 to 4 times what I charge.

buildenterprise · 04-11-2008, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason W

I've seen some really nice drawings here. I have a multi level deck appointment to go to tomorrow. I was wondering how most of the deck builders here go about things when selling the job. Do you give a rough estimate and then get paid for your design work or is it something you do to help sell the job? In the later case, I'm sure you don't leave them with a copy of your design until they hire you right?

Just wondering because this will also have a hot tub on it too. I will definatly want an approved drawing before jumping into a contract.

I will usually just sketch something up quick to submit with my bid, then do a more detailed drawing when they bite.

John Hyatt · 04-11-2008, 06:37 PM

Well Shucks Jason, just get in contact and DeckMasters will get you a plan/drawing lickey split. Usually the money is not all that bad!! A $500 retainer will do just fine.

Let me know!!! John Mon

rbsremodeling · 04-11-2008, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silvertree

I can't speak for decks, but I charge about $1000 to design a bathroom, 4% for kitchens and baths, I would probably get $400 to design a deck.
$40,000 kitchen is $1600 design fee. Well known designers in this area can get 3 to 4 times what I charge.

I think the design side can be a lucrative portion of our jobs that is often overlooked by many. I have a contractor friend that is really talented and does over a 100k a year just on designs, he rarely does actual construction anymore mostly drawings. Not a bad way to make a living as we get older. Hint Hint

But that said, consider getting E and O insurance to cover you if you can, incase you make a mistake or someone gets sue happy. Most designers and architects etc carry it

Jason W · 04-11-2008, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Hyatt

Well Shucks Jason, just get in contact and DeckMasters will get you a plan/drawing lickey split. Usually the money is not all that bad!! A $500 retainer will do just fine.

Let me know!!! John Mon

Thanks, but I can handle the design and drawings. Just wondering what is acceptable to the industry in decks of this nature. Like Silvertree, I charge for design estimates for remodels and additions. Wasn't sure if it was the "norm" for this type of work or not.

John, I see you do spas. Whats your opinion of Dimention One spas?

silvertree · 04-11-2008, 08:48 PM

To those of us that charge and those thinking about it.
I got serious last year about charging for design and got the last 3 of 3 jobs I designed for. At a Roundtable meeting yesterday one of the members who is a good designer thought he got 9 out of 10 jobs where he charged for a design.
I still hesitate (emotionally) if asking for a design fee, but I go through with it and am still surprised how well this is received. This choice of careers (home improvement) still requires us to keep learning and trying out new ways to succeed. Few professions require the expertise and continuing education our profession demands of us. We take a lot of risk for the money we earn. We should get paid for what we know. We are craftsman, salesman, estimators, politicians, psychologists, mentors, and of course "Lovers of Women"

to name just a few.

PA woodbutcher · 04-14-2008, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason W

I've seen some really nice drawings here. I have a multi level deck appointment to go to tomorrow. I was wondering how most of the deck builders here go about things when selling the job. Do you give a rough estimate and then get paid for your design work or is it something you do to help sell the job? In the later case, I'm sure you don't leave them with a copy of your design until they hire you right?

Just wondering because this will also have a hot tub on it too. I will definatly want an approved drawing before jumping into a contract.

I usually take drawings and use them as my selling point, if they bite its good, if they don't it blows, file the drawings away for possible future use. NEVER leave a copy of drawings or material listings. I would also plan a quick trip to see the building inspector with plans if I was putting a hot tub on it. Just a precautionary measure to make sure he wasn't going to want something different.

John Hyatt · 04-14-2008, 05:00 PM

Latley I work behind the hot tub installer if its an inground,with portables I recomend hot springs.Never been around dimention one but its all up for grabs now with that kind of product way too many outlaws in the mix. J.