Calculate and estimate a job

[JJM]

I am trying to establish a better method of estimating jobs. My current manpower cost is $60 / hour, which includes a climber and (2) ground men. I own a dump truck, large pickup, large dump trailer, chipper, and skid steer. What would be a fair hourly rate to run (3) employees and use all my listed equipment in NC?

 

[jefflovstrom]

I am trying to establish a better method of estimating jobs. My current manpower cost is $60 / hour, which includes a climber and (2) ground men. I own a dump truck, large pickup, large dump trailer, chipper, and skid steer. What would be a fair hourly rate to run (3) employees and use all my listed equipment in NC?

Are you serious?
Jeff

 

[KenJax Tree]

[emoji1]

 

[TheJollyLogger]

What are you paying your guys, minimum wage?

 

[Tree94]

well i dont even have a dump truck or chipper and i charge more than that....

 

[climbhightree]

I think he is saying his total man hour cost is 60...just actual total cost of the employees wages.

Not including workers comp, liability insurance etc.

As to the equipment costs per hour, a good place to start is how much does it cost to rent sdid equipment per hour??

"Kiss My Axe"
Associate degree in forestry from PSU Mont Alto
Certified Arborist
Owner/operator of Climb High Tree Service established in 2002
www.climbhightree.com
https://m.facebook.com/ClimbHighTreeService
https://www.youtube.com/user/climbhightree
https://www.youtube.com/user/2treekiller2

 

[JRoland]

I'm hoping this is saying that there are three employees and they each make $20 an hour. I wouldn't think that an hourly approach would be best for bidding though, it would depend on how difficult the work is,and how skilled the employees are. Even just figuring hourly wages and not counting overhead, I'm doubting that for $60/ hour you would have a crew with a foreman, climber and groundsman. Seems to be too many variables to bid that way.

 

[climbhightree]

I'm hoping this is saying that there are three employees and they each make $20 an hour. I wouldn't think that an hourly approach would be best for bidding though, it would depend on how difficult the work is,and how skilled the employees are. Even just figuring hourly wages and not counting overhead, I'm doubting that for $60/ hour you would have a crew with a foreman, climber and groundsman. Seems to be too many variables to bid that way.

If you don't bid hourly, how do you bid?

Just pick a number out of your head what it will cost? No figuring out how long it will take and what equipment you will need?

"Kiss My Axe"
Associate degree in forestry from PSU Mont Alto
Certified Arborist
Owner/operator of Climb High Tree Service established in 2002
www.climbhightree.com
https://m.facebook.com/ClimbHighTreeService
https://www.youtube.com/user/climbhightree
https://www.youtube.com/user/2treekiller2

 

[JRoland]

I have a dart board in my garage and just throw a dart and come up with a number...

Seriously, what I was trying to say is that to put an hourly number on it I think you would need more info than what was given. Also, he needs to figure out what he wants to make per hour and add that on to the $60/ hour rate, unless he's the one climber or one of the two groundsmen.

 

[gorman]

Going rate is 60 to 80 per man per hour. Pick a number according to what you own and what you can get.

 

[Axmeaquestion]

Ask your customer what they are willing to pay, cut that number in half, then double it. It's how i bid.

 

[TheJollyLogger]

Way too much math.

 

[treesmith]

I just pick a number and double it

 

[ScottinAK]

Our goal is minimum $100/hr/ person. We shoot for $150. That's typically 1 climber and 2 groundie.

 

[ScottinAK]

Brush piles are hourly at $250/hr which includes 2 people, no mini skidsteer.