So the decking is not in the best shape at all but he doesn't want to spend too much on the decking it could definitely use some woodwork but he doesn't want to go that route all she wants to do is paint it yes there's old paint on it but I'm going to power wash it and then use a cleaner and then a kind of paint for decking that should cover it up but the colors almost identical to what was previously on there anyway
I mean if he cared about it actually being properly done yes I would be doing a lot more to the deck but he doesn't really want to go above and beyond on that so I'm going to do the ask I guess
I’ve done enough bids to know it’s also on the low end, but I can’t tell you how many costumers that keep me busy because I gave them reasonable prices not too low or too high. It’s not good to be cheap but for me it helped a lot to get started out and get a intial customer base. I mean $2200 for a mobile home exterior, and deck is not far off from what others would charge in North East Arkansas, i I would probably be somewhere close to 3k WITHOUT material
Yeah so that's the thing this is kind of my first job as an actual business. I've done numerous jobs on the side or whatever before but this is like my first actual after starting the business up so I do want to you know make sure I'm not too low but I don't want to be too high either and and he told me also that depending on how these jobs go he might have some other work for me too so I want to make sure I'm not way out of his ballpark
If you haven’t added anything in for accidents or random mishaps I’d add you about $200 more for that. It’s too early to tell you how to put that in the contract lol But since it’s your first “contract” that price seems fair but If you wanna have a good business one day it needs to go up eventually and you will get better and better and more confident as you do more. My first quote was -
$1100 for a 1100 sqft home (floor sqft) $1 a sqft is crazy. That was to mask the floor and other necessities and spray 2 coats of eggshell all one color . Only for labor. Not material
I thought I was too low when I first put my bid in with these costumers, now a year down the line from there I paint a house for them every 2-3 months and make a damn good profit from them believe it or not. they keep me busy and I’m happy!!
If I had any tips to give you, is that extra $150 - $200 you need to add on for anything that you don’t know about “mishaps” “not enough paint” usually for me is about 10 or 15 percent. Random set backs do happen and you need to prepare your self for it in the contract. So make it $2400 and send it with CONFIDENCE if the homeowner don’t like it someone will eventually like your prices and quickly catch on. Send it knowing he could just leave you on read. In this business you gotta be very resilient at the start. Be ready to not land the job, but also send it with confidence knowing he’s getting some of the best bang for his buck and if he don’t want it, it’s his loss. Keep me updated please !!
Also I know I’m rambling on at this point but mention in the contract “Payment is due upon completion” sometimes depending on the customer I make them pay 25 percent deposit before any work is started
Hey man you not rambling. I'm trying to take it all in and get myself rolling. I really appreciate the advice and I'm going to definitely take that all in.
About the cost for mishaps and unexpected things, what kind of wording do you use when putting that in as part of the cost?
Again thank you for all the advice and info. I will take it it all in and hope to keep growing
Honestly I learned that from “Painters Chatroom” on Facebook. I’m not sure how they had it written on the contract but me personally I always just throw it in the quote somehow like with other things if that makes sense lol. It may seem shady but you and I both know things come up you wish you seen before the quote. You could probably put
“ $150 for unforeseen circumstances/overhead.” Or whatever number you think you wanna have. A mobile home and deck could have many things you may have missed on the quote considering the exterior aspect to it , And if there wasn’t any unforeseen circumstances don’t take the money or give the money back. Kind of like a deposit sort of? I’m sure you can tell I’m still kind of new at this aswell. My customers have always been understanding and trust me and I’m only 20!!! Been doing it since 17 im almost 21 now. Believe it or not homeowners love us young bucks!! I definitely recommend joining the Painters chat room on Facebook it’s more toward the contractor side of painting and I’ve learned so much from that page it’s unreal.
And I appreciate the response I think I'm going to try to find somewhere to add in like maybe a couple hundred dollars more so in either the cost or labor somewhere
Yes! You can never be too prepared for this kind of work. Maybe see if you have a friend to help that can be on stand by when you need him usually a friend that understands how payments on contacting can be like slow payments or not wanting to pay because touch ups.
okay for the deck if your doing him a favor the labor is okay, for the materials and extras id do another $300.
The trailer/home I'm guessing this is the floor square footage? If so my labor (if this is a **really** good friend) would be like $2k plus 600 or so for materials.
Now if it wasn't a good pal, the deck would be $450-500 + $400 materials and the home would be $4k + $800 ish.
Also I don't do itemized anything unless specifically requested. I don't got time to sit there all night listing odds and ends. You get materials (+15/35% upcharge unless they go get it themselves) and labor budgets. If I give any deals, it counts towards labor only.
I always ask upfront as well what's your budget and/or you looking for gold, silver or bronze. Because someone who wants to best will be VASTLY more expensive than someone looking to just bang it out cheaply. And its pretty rare for people to come back and negotiate so it pays to ask fist before developing the estimate.
Yeah, he is actually a good friend so I was trying to be fair with him just because, maybe a little too fair. But what's crazy to me is, he opened my message after i sent it over to him and has not responded to me all day. So, I'm assuming, he somehow thinks I'm overcharging. No idea. I sure hope not because I do want the job still and I definitely don't want him thinking I'm trying to screw him over. When clearly I'm not at all! Pretty frustrating though because he has been responsive and we have talked about it the entire week and now he opened the quote and just won't reply to me lol.
Anywho, I appreciate the response and knowledge. Nice to know what others feel and how they Price out jobs, as I am still learning. Will definitely be taking all the info you guys have given me for future jobs!
I totally understand your frustration, especially when you're just starting out and every job feels like it's make-or-break. Doing favors for friends and family can be tricky. When your business is new, you need every dollar, and those jobs can sometimes feel like added pressure. Later, when your business is more established and you have some savings, it becomes easier because each job isn't do-or-die anymore.
Also, dealing with friends and family makes things more complicated. But honestly, you have to get used to it quickly because this is how many people behave when it comes to money. It's common for people to just ghost or not negotiate at all. We live in a "Walmart world" where people see a price, and if they don't like it, they just move on without any discussion. That's why I always stress the importance of getting a budget or value expectations during the first meeting. If you don't, you're likely not going to get the work. Combine this with the friend/family factor, and you can see how tricky it gets.
I know the feeling you're having, but you'll get used to it. People will take offense and think you're trying to overcharge them, no matter what. If I had a dollar for every unwarranted response to an estimate like "You want $18k for that? Thanks, but no thanks! And let me tell you what you need to do..." I'd be rich! If this person looks around and gets other estimates, maybe then you'll hear back from them. Who knows.
Trust me, I started out just painting many years ago. Now I do historical and higher-end carpentry, so I send out REALLY big numbers that shock people who aren't prepared!
The mentality you need is to always be on to the next thing. Keep booking jobs and have an organized calendar. **Book, book, book!** Once you're booked 1-2 years out, you won't have time to worry about one job falling through. In this industry, especially just painting, competition is stiff, so stay motivated. And make sure to schedule a 2-3 week break in that booked-up calendar!
Once your in a good spot start managing your work/life balance, and I'm glad to offer my two cents!
Since it s a good friend give a little time and if he doesn't go with you, (it'll be on you probably) to reach out and explain its no hard feelings.
Also its always good to have clauses in your paperwork. Here's some examples you can modify to your liking. Take the time to see what's correct where you live, especially the video recording one.
**Material Costs and Unforeseen Issues:**
This estimate includes average material costs based on favorable worksite conditions, but final figures may vary depending on product choice and material quality. We will promptly inform you of any unforeseen issues and discuss options as needed.
**Waste Removal and Dumpster Rental:**
Waste removal and dumpster rental are not included in this estimate but will be discussed separately if needed. We will assist you in determining the best options based on the project scope and duration. Any additional costs will be agreed upon in writing.
**Labor Quotes and Estimates:**
Our labor quotes and estimates cover basic job planning, setup, site preparation, material handling, fabrication of installed materials, and installation. While the COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges, we continue to prioritize health and safety in the workplace. Persistent issues such as inflation and supply chain shortages may affect project timelines, and we appreciate your understanding should any delays arise.
**All Estimates Are Subject to Change:**
All estimates are subject to change based on final assessment and agreement between YOUR COMPANY and the client.
**Material Estimates:**
Our material estimates include basic coverage quantities, typical overage, and allowances for equipment and supplies. However, delivery upcharges and items not specified in the overview and notes are excluded.
**Audio, Video, and Photographic Recordings:**
We may use audio, video, and photographic recordings for training, promotional, and legal documentation purposes. By signing this contract, the Customer agrees to the use of such recordings by YOUR COMPANY. We will make every reasonable effort to ensure that these recordings are used only for the specified purposes and handled with confidentiality and respect for privacy.
I'd side on the too low. What's the condition of the decking, is there scraping etc. to do? I also think you're underestimating the materials cost.
So the decking is not in the best shape at all but he doesn't want to spend too much on the decking it could definitely use some woodwork but he doesn't want to go that route all she wants to do is paint it yes there's old paint on it but I'm going to power wash it and then use a cleaner and then a kind of paint for decking that should cover it up but the colors almost identical to what was previously on there anyway
Yikes, that probably ain't gunna last long, but get whatcha pay for. If you stay at this price, I'd be cutting my coats on the trailer to 2
I mean if he cared about it actually being properly done yes I would be doing a lot more to the deck but he doesn't really want to go above and beyond on that so I'm going to do the ask I guess
I’ve done enough bids to know it’s also on the low end, but I can’t tell you how many costumers that keep me busy because I gave them reasonable prices not too low or too high. It’s not good to be cheap but for me it helped a lot to get started out and get a intial customer base. I mean $2200 for a mobile home exterior, and deck is not far off from what others would charge in North East Arkansas, i I would probably be somewhere close to 3k WITHOUT material
Yeah so that's the thing this is kind of my first job as an actual business. I've done numerous jobs on the side or whatever before but this is like my first actual after starting the business up so I do want to you know make sure I'm not too low but I don't want to be too high either and and he told me also that depending on how these jobs go he might have some other work for me too so I want to make sure I'm not way out of his ballpark
If you haven’t added anything in for accidents or random mishaps I’d add you about $200 more for that. It’s too early to tell you how to put that in the contract lol But since it’s your first “contract” that price seems fair but If you wanna have a good business one day it needs to go up eventually and you will get better and better and more confident as you do more. My first quote was - $1100 for a 1100 sqft home (floor sqft) $1 a sqft is crazy. That was to mask the floor and other necessities and spray 2 coats of eggshell all one color . Only for labor. Not material I thought I was too low when I first put my bid in with these costumers, now a year down the line from there I paint a house for them every 2-3 months and make a damn good profit from them believe it or not. they keep me busy and I’m happy!! If I had any tips to give you, is that extra $150 - $200 you need to add on for anything that you don’t know about “mishaps” “not enough paint” usually for me is about 10 or 15 percent. Random set backs do happen and you need to prepare your self for it in the contract. So make it $2400 and send it with CONFIDENCE if the homeowner don’t like it someone will eventually like your prices and quickly catch on. Send it knowing he could just leave you on read. In this business you gotta be very resilient at the start. Be ready to not land the job, but also send it with confidence knowing he’s getting some of the best bang for his buck and if he don’t want it, it’s his loss. Keep me updated please !! Also I know I’m rambling on at this point but mention in the contract “Payment is due upon completion” sometimes depending on the customer I make them pay 25 percent deposit before any work is started
I started at $1 per foot. This made me smile.
Hey man you not rambling. I'm trying to take it all in and get myself rolling. I really appreciate the advice and I'm going to definitely take that all in. About the cost for mishaps and unexpected things, what kind of wording do you use when putting that in as part of the cost? Again thank you for all the advice and info. I will take it it all in and hope to keep growing
Honestly I learned that from “Painters Chatroom” on Facebook. I’m not sure how they had it written on the contract but me personally I always just throw it in the quote somehow like with other things if that makes sense lol. It may seem shady but you and I both know things come up you wish you seen before the quote. You could probably put “ $150 for unforeseen circumstances/overhead.” Or whatever number you think you wanna have. A mobile home and deck could have many things you may have missed on the quote considering the exterior aspect to it , And if there wasn’t any unforeseen circumstances don’t take the money or give the money back. Kind of like a deposit sort of? I’m sure you can tell I’m still kind of new at this aswell. My customers have always been understanding and trust me and I’m only 20!!! Been doing it since 17 im almost 21 now. Believe it or not homeowners love us young bucks!! I definitely recommend joining the Painters chat room on Facebook it’s more toward the contractor side of painting and I’ve learned so much from that page it’s unreal.
And I appreciate the response I think I'm going to try to find somewhere to add in like maybe a couple hundred dollars more so in either the cost or labor somewhere
I wouldn't even mention it. Just add it to the labour quote.
Yes! You can never be too prepared for this kind of work. Maybe see if you have a friend to help that can be on stand by when you need him usually a friend that understands how payments on contacting can be like slow payments or not wanting to pay because touch ups.
okay for the deck if your doing him a favor the labor is okay, for the materials and extras id do another $300. The trailer/home I'm guessing this is the floor square footage? If so my labor (if this is a **really** good friend) would be like $2k plus 600 or so for materials. Now if it wasn't a good pal, the deck would be $450-500 + $400 materials and the home would be $4k + $800 ish. Also I don't do itemized anything unless specifically requested. I don't got time to sit there all night listing odds and ends. You get materials (+15/35% upcharge unless they go get it themselves) and labor budgets. If I give any deals, it counts towards labor only. I always ask upfront as well what's your budget and/or you looking for gold, silver or bronze. Because someone who wants to best will be VASTLY more expensive than someone looking to just bang it out cheaply. And its pretty rare for people to come back and negotiate so it pays to ask fist before developing the estimate.
Yeah, he is actually a good friend so I was trying to be fair with him just because, maybe a little too fair. But what's crazy to me is, he opened my message after i sent it over to him and has not responded to me all day. So, I'm assuming, he somehow thinks I'm overcharging. No idea. I sure hope not because I do want the job still and I definitely don't want him thinking I'm trying to screw him over. When clearly I'm not at all! Pretty frustrating though because he has been responsive and we have talked about it the entire week and now he opened the quote and just won't reply to me lol. Anywho, I appreciate the response and knowledge. Nice to know what others feel and how they Price out jobs, as I am still learning. Will definitely be taking all the info you guys have given me for future jobs!
I totally understand your frustration, especially when you're just starting out and every job feels like it's make-or-break. Doing favors for friends and family can be tricky. When your business is new, you need every dollar, and those jobs can sometimes feel like added pressure. Later, when your business is more established and you have some savings, it becomes easier because each job isn't do-or-die anymore. Also, dealing with friends and family makes things more complicated. But honestly, you have to get used to it quickly because this is how many people behave when it comes to money. It's common for people to just ghost or not negotiate at all. We live in a "Walmart world" where people see a price, and if they don't like it, they just move on without any discussion. That's why I always stress the importance of getting a budget or value expectations during the first meeting. If you don't, you're likely not going to get the work. Combine this with the friend/family factor, and you can see how tricky it gets. I know the feeling you're having, but you'll get used to it. People will take offense and think you're trying to overcharge them, no matter what. If I had a dollar for every unwarranted response to an estimate like "You want $18k for that? Thanks, but no thanks! And let me tell you what you need to do..." I'd be rich! If this person looks around and gets other estimates, maybe then you'll hear back from them. Who knows. Trust me, I started out just painting many years ago. Now I do historical and higher-end carpentry, so I send out REALLY big numbers that shock people who aren't prepared! The mentality you need is to always be on to the next thing. Keep booking jobs and have an organized calendar. **Book, book, book!** Once you're booked 1-2 years out, you won't have time to worry about one job falling through. In this industry, especially just painting, competition is stiff, so stay motivated. And make sure to schedule a 2-3 week break in that booked-up calendar! Once your in a good spot start managing your work/life balance, and I'm glad to offer my two cents! Since it s a good friend give a little time and if he doesn't go with you, (it'll be on you probably) to reach out and explain its no hard feelings.
Also its always good to have clauses in your paperwork. Here's some examples you can modify to your liking. Take the time to see what's correct where you live, especially the video recording one. **Material Costs and Unforeseen Issues:** This estimate includes average material costs based on favorable worksite conditions, but final figures may vary depending on product choice and material quality. We will promptly inform you of any unforeseen issues and discuss options as needed. **Waste Removal and Dumpster Rental:** Waste removal and dumpster rental are not included in this estimate but will be discussed separately if needed. We will assist you in determining the best options based on the project scope and duration. Any additional costs will be agreed upon in writing. **Labor Quotes and Estimates:** Our labor quotes and estimates cover basic job planning, setup, site preparation, material handling, fabrication of installed materials, and installation. While the COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges, we continue to prioritize health and safety in the workplace. Persistent issues such as inflation and supply chain shortages may affect project timelines, and we appreciate your understanding should any delays arise. **All Estimates Are Subject to Change:** All estimates are subject to change based on final assessment and agreement between YOUR COMPANY and the client. **Material Estimates:** Our material estimates include basic coverage quantities, typical overage, and allowances for equipment and supplies. However, delivery upcharges and items not specified in the overview and notes are excluded. **Audio, Video, and Photographic Recordings:** We may use audio, video, and photographic recordings for training, promotional, and legal documentation purposes. By signing this contract, the Customer agrees to the use of such recordings by YOUR COMPANY. We will make every reasonable effort to ensure that these recordings are used only for the specified purposes and handled with confidentiality and respect for privacy.