Originally Posted by
Welder
I normally don't do quotes or estimates at all; I work on a time and materials only basis for most jobs. For this one, a solid quote was required. When that happens, I multiply my normal hourly rate x the expected number of hours x a significant multiplier to allow Murphy to not only show up but open up shop on my jobsite.
I get what you're saying. I was in the building trades for 30 + years. Self employed carpenter for 16 of those years.
Most of my work was time and material. I might have made more money doing bid jobs but i just didn't have the appetite for risk. Was always very prudent in the way i ran the business. Maine is one of the worst states in the union in which to run a business. Over 90% of the new business startups here fail within the first five years. It only takes one or two bad decisions put you under.
I remember when the recession of 07-08 hit. Net profits dropped by 48 % that year. Construction really didn't start to pick back up for another ten years after that.
I've kinda been through the school of hard knocks .... ya know ? It makes a fulla cautious.
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