Hi budsrevival,

I too have wrestled with trying to price my own jobs.I have seeked advice from others and
have never found what I feel always works.However,here are some options I use depending on the situation:

a)Figure on what you want to make per hour.
b)You can estimate some jobs based on how long you think they'll take.
c)Price by the job.If you'll be utilizing your skills in an hour that are worth far more than the hourly rate,then you need to price the job out that way.
d)Don't forget to charge for getting materials.Trips to the lumber yard can kill you.
e)There's nothing wrong with negotiating a tough job.Sometimes you just don't know what you'll run into.Commmunicate with the customer and give as best an estimate as possible and communicate as you go.

If you give people a fair deal,they'll call you back.Part of the fair deal though is also being fair to yourself.Hope this has been of some help...Best of Luck!

Hi budsrevival,

I know there are books out there on these. Try the bookstores including the ones on-line.

My best to ya and hope this helps.

Jay J -Moderator

Another important tip is to keep track of your jobs and how long they took, any complications, etc. Keep a record so at some time you can give jobs priced by the square foot based on these figures. Record keeping is very important. Good luck....Mark Hammond

Try volunteering on a few Habitat for Humanity projects or others like it and see if this is the businees you want to explore.
Many general contractors voluteer and you may be able to find one that would take you on as an apprentice.