Another struggle for me.
A friend is remodeling an older home from studs out, adding a huge addition, replacing HW floors, roof - the works. I have done work for his commercial marine supply business before (a couple of thousand dollars worth) and currently have some repeat work to do for him for nearly the same amount. I charged him as I would any business, minus 10-20% because he is a friend. He asked my opinion on kitchen cabs to save some money and I suggested he buy the box store's unfinished line. After a week of discussing the kitchen workload with his wife (he's got a lot in the fire, plus running his business) he asked if I would do the job (he expects to pay me). Thus my delema - how should I charge him?
The job: layout/select the (above) cabs, modify where necessary, apply the finish and do the install (minus counter-tops - granit). Mind you, some extensive "modifying" needs to be done to a few cabs, plus the island will be two-teired - wrapped with a 16" wide elevated serving bar 44" high - their idea, my design. The L-shaped island's short leg will house a 12 deep dual glass-doored lit 2-shelfed cab reveal.
I'm tracking my hours and expect to end up around 70 hrs (+/-). He's my friend and with that in mind, I 'd be happy with 10 bucks an hour (I think)! On the other hand, doing a kitchen in a "one-man shop" (handling cabs - lifting them up/down from tables, moving them around - with my back - I'm a young 59), I "twitch" thinking about such low compensation. Also, my wife is not so "enthused" with so much of my time for such a low wage. I routinely receive $25-35 per/hr over expenses. Even on accidental "under-charged" jobs, I average at least $20.
So what do you think? I'm struggling. I thought of telling him I'd be happy with multiplying my hours by 10, but would ultimately leave the amount to him. Is that a good idea? Please help me get some sleep.
thx before-hand, and happy WWing,
Bob
A friend is remodeling an older home from studs out, adding a huge addition, replacing HW floors, roof - the works. I have done work for his commercial marine supply business before (a couple of thousand dollars worth) and currently have some repeat work to do for him for nearly the same amount. I charged him as I would any business, minus 10-20% because he is a friend. He asked my opinion on kitchen cabs to save some money and I suggested he buy the box store's unfinished line. After a week of discussing the kitchen workload with his wife (he's got a lot in the fire, plus running his business) he asked if I would do the job (he expects to pay me). Thus my delema - how should I charge him?
The job: layout/select the (above) cabs, modify where necessary, apply the finish and do the install (minus counter-tops - granit). Mind you, some extensive "modifying" needs to be done to a few cabs, plus the island will be two-teired - wrapped with a 16" wide elevated serving bar 44" high - their idea, my design. The L-shaped island's short leg will house a 12 deep dual glass-doored lit 2-shelfed cab reveal.
I'm tracking my hours and expect to end up around 70 hrs (+/-). He's my friend and with that in mind, I 'd be happy with 10 bucks an hour (I think)! On the other hand, doing a kitchen in a "one-man shop" (handling cabs - lifting them up/down from tables, moving them around - with my back - I'm a young 59), I "twitch" thinking about such low compensation. Also, my wife is not so "enthused" with so much of my time for such a low wage. I routinely receive $25-35 per/hr over expenses. Even on accidental "under-charged" jobs, I average at least $20.
So what do you think? I'm struggling. I thought of telling him I'd be happy with multiplying my hours by 10, but would ultimately leave the amount to him. Is that a good idea? Please help me get some sleep.
thx before-hand, and happy WWing,
Bob