[meh428]

I'm installing a One-Piece Seamless Tub Surround. How much I should I charge? I don't have to do any plumbing work. Just installation.

Charge by the hour?
Or
For the job?

[BuilderBrent]

Yes, the ever important question.

From a builders perspective. Charging for time and materials (hourly plus cost of materials used) is much safer for you. You won't run the risk of not making enough money for your time and you won't end up paying for unexpected materials.

The problem with "time and materials" comes into play if you you end up taking too long to complete it, thus turning a $300 project into an $800 project and making someone very upset. Also, many homeowners are very skeptical about paying someone hourly, especially if the person doing the work is not a professional.

What I have done in the past for small projects like this, is written a contract for time and materials but placed a maximum cost that I would not go over. (It's basically a bid except that if you complete it for less, then they pay less.) This way you are protected as long as you take a reasonable amount of time, and your customer is protected if you completely overlooked something or bit off more than you can chew. (which is your responsibility anyway.)

I have signed many smaller projects this way. Its good way to build trust, and as long as you know what your doing there should never be an issue.

Sorry, I forgot to answer your first question.

How much? Unfortunately, you are the only person who can answer that. I have given a few up and coming builders this advice. "Charge what you need to charge, not what you need to charge to get the job." Don't sell yourself short. If you think you are worth twenty dollars an hour, then that is what you charge. Or if you are doing this as a side job, put a value on what you would have been doing had you not taken the job and then charge accordingly.

hope this helps.

[mtconc]

I agree.. that's a good idea to help both parties

[pattyg2]

The first thing you need to do is find out if the one piece surround will fit through the bathroom door.
I had to cut mine up into pieces to get it out of the bathroom since the installed it before walls were done and door installed.

[cyberheater]

All above is good advice.

Some issues to consider for your install: Do you have rough frame in, or is the walls completely finished?

The walls will never be exact in plumb if someone else did this. Count on using shims and other materials. It is not as easy just to think you can just slide it in there without having to make adjustments. I wish it were, but I know it's not from doing it.

Also look at the manufacturer's installation instructions, and the area you are installing to ensure you are prepared for any problems. Then you can have an idea of how long this will take you and give a better rate/bid. Make sure the plumbing is ready for you to place that piece in. Can't tell you how many times this has happened. A job not being ready for you to do yours. You may need two people, and if you have to slide this piece over the rough in plumbing, it can be tricky.

[Milo Dolezal]

One Piece Tub with Surround is installed in new houses during the framing stages. Good question was raised above: How the heck do you plan on getting it in now ?

Lasco sells same concept tub with surround but the surround and tub are two separate pieces.

As far as charges go: without any plumbing required - just putting it in, setting it in mortar, leveling it and attaching it to the walls - you and your helper should be done in 30 minutes. So figure what you want to make...

Plumbing is what makes this work more expensive. Without plumbing labor charges are your call...