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Topic: Does this sound crazy???!!!!!!

User: staticcontrol, Location: Massachusetts

Asked on: Saturday, June 4, 2011 at 6:39 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 6:12 am EDT

Question: Hello,I'm bidding on a new home. Just finished the estimate. First new home to do with my new company.Home is approx 5,000 sqft. My material is $17,000 with tax and mark up.My total cost in estimate for labor and material is $47,500I used craftsman estimator with a crft/hour rate of $90.00 per hour.Does this sound right? Is my hourly wage to high or low?Thanks you.static

Based on the information provided, it is difficult to determine if your estimated labor and material costs are reasonable without further context and a more detailed breakdown of the project.Here are some factors to consider: Local Market Conditions

The cost of labor and materials can vary significantly depending on the location of the project. It's important to research local market rates and compare them to your estimates.


Type of Construction and Complexity

The complexity of the project will impact the amount of labor required. A 5,000 sqft home with intricate details or custom features will generally require more labor hours than a simpler design.

Labor Efficiency

The efficiency of your labor crew can also influence the total cost. A well-organized and experienced team can complete tasks more quickly, reducing labor hours.


Material Quality and Availability

The quality and availability of materials can affect the overall project cost. Higher-quality materials may cost more, but they can also lead to longer-lasting results.

Hourly Wage Benchmark

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for construction laborers in May 2023 was $32.46. However, skilled tradespeople such as carpenters (who typically work on residential construction projects) may command higher hourly rates. The average hourly wage for carpenters in the United States is around $35-$45, depending on experience and location.

Based on these factors, your hourly rate of $90 per hour appears to be relatively high.


However, it's essential to consider the following:
Your company's overhead costs

These costs include insurance, equipment, and administration expenses. If your overhead is high, you may need to charge a higher hourly rate to cover these expenses.

Your labor productivity

If your crew is highly efficient and can complete tasks quickly, you may be able to justify a higher hourly rate.


Your profit margin

You need to determine a profit margin that is both competitive and profitable for your business.

Recommendation:


I recommend the following steps to ensure your estimates are accurate and competitive: Gather data on local market rates for labor and materials. Break down your project into smaller tasks and estimate the number of labor hours required for each task. Consider the efficiency of your labor crew and factor that into your estimates. Compare your estimates to those of other contractors in your area.* Adjust your hourly rate and material costs as necessary to ensure your estimates are competitive while still allowing for a reasonable profit margin. Flag for review

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