Employee Benefits for a Construction Business
If a company offers no sick pay or vacation pay…but is about to start – which is more important to offer first, anticipating that the next year we can offer the other?
Labor Rate for Construction
I’m frequently asked for the “industry standard” rate per hour for various types of work. There isn’t an industry standard markup, and there isn’t an industry standard hourly labor rate.
Is It Gouging or a Fair Price?
An earlier post of ours is getting a few homeowners riled up. The post discusses homeowners who have contacted us, unhappy about the prices their contractor is charging.
Is a Contractor’s License Important?
Why would you choose someone that has chosen to work without a business license for 30 years?
Running a Business or Being a Craftsman?
Earlier this year I had the opportunity to interview with Brian Javeline for The Contractor Show. Our episode was just posted.
Markup for Insurance Work – What’s Fair?
The truth is, no contractor can survive on 10% overhead and 10% profit.
Becoming Part of the Solution – from Dakota Supply Group, Part 2
If being a lawyer is just like any other job, why do so many people regard it as a better career than that of a tradesperson like an electrician, carpenter or plumber?
Becoming Part of the Solution – from Dakota Supply Group, Part 1
All of the industries that we work with share one thing in common: they employ tradespeople . . . But there’s a problem: there’s not enough of you to go around.
Downpayment on a construction job
Got a phone call recently from a contractor doing a job in the $150K range. Everything is fine, contract signed, and the job is going great.
Free Estimates: when you don’t give your work away
The contractor presented a design agreement with a $3,000 fee to design the job, 1/2 of the fee would be credited back when a contract was signed for the final job.
General and Specialty Contractor relationships
In the last month I’ve heard from more specialty contractors having problems being paid by generals than I’ve heard in years.
Fixed Price Quotations or Itemization?
I read an article telling general and specialty contractors to give itemized estimates. Oh joy. It talks about goodwill, trust, comparing estimates, and other tripe.
Using a Variable Markup to calculate Construction Job Price
A young lady told me her husband is using a variable markup on jobs. He marks up labor 3 or 3.5 times and materials 1.5 times. He adds 10% to subcontractor quotes …
Why You Need a Well-Written Contract
A client decided to change the rules of their contract. She decided not to pay the full amount or on time as the contract specified.
Overhead Expenses in Accounting Software
I was reminded again this week by a dear friend who is an expert in the use of QuickBooks of the necessary care that needs to be taken when you set up your accounting.
Construction-Related Franchises
“I was wondering if you had any advice for contractors when approached about a franchise opportunity.”