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-   -   How to bid plumbing jobs (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=495370)

  • Aug 5, 2010, 09:26 PM
    bassballr
    How to bid plumbing jobs
    What is the average service charge for plumbing service in Denver, Colorado and surrounding areas? Also, what is the per hour rate and/or duty rate? For instance, if I was the customer and my pipes were leaking for my main bathroom and the pipes are cast iron and they need to be replaced. How much would I charge while the supplies equal 80.00 at Home Depot? The job took 6 hours.
  • Aug 6, 2010, 04:01 AM
    massplumber2008

    Hi Bassballr...

    I don't think we have anyone from your area so can't really help you on the pricing. Did you already do the work? Pricing is always best when established up front... not after the job is done.

    Some things to consider in bidding any job like this will include:

    Are you a licensed and fully insured plumber... or an uninsured handyman doing this repair? This will make a difference to your customer. In other words, if you are bidding against plumbers and you aren't a plumber but you try to go in at the same rate as a plumber your customer would be silly NOT to go with the licensed/insured plumber... right?

    Any permits required? If not a plumber then you can't pull a permit... important when it comes to liability should something go wrong on the job.

    How about insurance... you insured? You should be if working on anything in anyone's home.

    Anyway, not trying to discourage you, but if you aren't a licensed/insured plumber you shouldn't be charging the same rate as a plumber.

    Finally, for a fair comparison, chat with a couple handymen and/or plumbers in the isles over at your local home depot or Lowe's... get an idea of average costs in your area. Most guys I know never mind helping someone get started... ;)

    Good luck!

    Mark
  • Aug 6, 2010, 05:15 AM
    speedball1

    Excellent advice from Mark. You don't sound like a working plumber to me either if Home Depot is your supplier.
    Quote:

    How much would I charge while the supplies equal 80.00 at Home Depot? The job took 6 hours.
    In your case, (if you did the job correctly and stayed in code) I would charge 20$ a hour which would give you $200.00 total for the job. Good luck, Tom
  • Aug 6, 2010, 08:07 AM
    Milo Dolezal

    I agree with Mark's comment...

    As far as the pricing goes: I would suggest not to try to hire a plumber by the hour - but by the job. Call several plumbers and get written estimates. They may be lower than paying somebody by the hour.
  • Aug 6, 2010, 09:23 AM
    bassballr

    Thanks for all the help. I am a licensed plumber and have five years experience. Mostly New construction, some commercial and some service. I am new in town with another child on the way. Jobs are scarce and I am getting calls for certain service jobs. Just checking to see if I am charging the right amount. Everyone seems happy to pay for my services thus far.
  • Aug 6, 2010, 09:34 AM
    massplumber2008

    Since you are a licensed and INSURED plumber I would pop over to the local plumbing supply store and chat with some of the other plumbers and maybe even the manager.

    In my area, the manager of the local supply house knows more about pricing in the area than most of the plumbers do!

    This way, you'll get a fair wage, for sure!

    Good luck!

    Mark

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