Any Home Builders want to make a fast buck? Need a favor

[nightfighter]

Originally Posted by fishgolf

One consideration about building is the current cost of lumber. 2.5 to 3 times the cost of a couple years ago. We just had an estimate balloon from 175K to 350k as a result (building addition and large deck). Now on hold. And, builders bidding on the project were reluctant to bid because they are concerned that lumber will continue to go up. Not to scare you, but something to think about.

Very good post. It is crazy... Rethinking my business plan re-entering the full time work world after knee replacement and pandemic.... Likely limiting myself to smaller projects and renovations to start. Yet the phone hasn't stopped ringing...

[piemma]

Originally Posted by nightfighter

Very good post. It is crazy... Rethinking my business plan re-entering the full time work world after knee replacement and pandemic.... Likely limiting myself to smaller projects and renovations to start. Yet the phone hasn't stopped ringing...

Ross, I have had a construction side business for years. I'm at Franklin CC on the grounds crew but do little jobs like rebuilding a small deck, put in an exterior door, etc. The cost of lumber is crazy. I don't feel confident quoting a job. I quote the labor and then tell the customer that I will give them the receipt from the yard once i pickup the material.

[clambo]

I have been in the building trades for over 40 yrs. I have seen elevations on a hill where the water table was at 6 ft. If you are able to get a machine there and dig a hole you can look for the rust line in the soil. That will determine the elevation of the water table. I built one house across from a river that has overflowed and had no problems.
local knowledge would be valuable, don't be afraid to knock on some doors.

[nightfighter]

Originally Posted by piemma

Ross, I have had a construction side business for years. I'm at Franklin CC on the grounds crew but do little jobs like rebuilding a small deck, put in an exterior door, etc. The cost of lumber is crazy. I don't feel confident quoting a job. I quote the labor and then tell the customer that I will give them the receipt from the yard once i pickup the material.

Paul, I have usually given the client a bid with a "budget" number on items that could blow budgets, like tile, fixtures, appliances. It would give them a ballpark number to work with, and they were responsible if they went over, due to their selections. Going forward, it will be an estimate of material costs "for quote purposes only, with no guarantee of final material acquisition prices." And on bottom of form I have, "Basis is Time plus Materials."