Pricing
I charge based upon
(Labor + Materials + Other Costs) + 12% = Total Bill
I charge different rates depending on the job
General Skilled Labor, Handyman, Carpentry, & Other Billable Hours - 80/Hr
Plumbing, Lead Removal, Hazardous, or otherwise Dangerous, Filthy, Extra Complicated, or Specialized Work - 120/Hr
What Are Other Costs
Other costs that typically occur on jobs include; Dump Fees, Dump Trailer Use, Permits, Gas, Equipment Rental, Port-A-Potty Rental, etc.
What Are your Billable Hours
Most jobs require between 2-10 hours of planning, design, shopping, returns, dump runs, paperwork, etc. I like to keep conversation open with clients, so I do not charge for professional advice or answering client questions or texts. Billable hours are included in estimates.
What does the 12% Cover
This is a percentage I charge to do business legitimately. This covers all overhead, profit, tool depreciation, local taxes, etc.
estimates
Any job over 1 day or over $1,000 will have a written estimate for the work discussed. Any small job can also be provided with an estimate. I can generally provide free ball park estimates via text/email (provided the job is explainable & sufficient pictures are provided). Traveling to a job, meeting with a client, seeing the job, & preparing a proper estimate usually accounts for an hour of work or $80
Repair work can be difficult to estimate & repairs may require several visits due to hidden damage, availability of parts, dry times, etc. Sometimes a set price will be agreed upon before the repair, sometimes an estimate will have a range in final price (based upon factors in the estimate). Sometimes a client will have a set budget & I provide them with a list of all the repairs I am able to do within that budget.
Each repair & situation is unique. I do my best to accommodate the client’s needs in preparing estimates & do my best to be upfront with costs.
Other FAQs
Where Are you Located & Where Do You Serve
I am based in outer SE Portland. I work in the greater Portland area, Gresham, Happy Valley, Clackamas, Milwaukie, Lake Oswego. Work in Beaverton or other outlying neighborhoods on the west side may require compensation for travel time. I am not licensed to work in Washington (sorry).
What is LBPR
This means I am a certified Lead Based Paint Removal Contractor. If your home was built before 1978, it is important to test any work surface for lead before disturbing it. If the test comes up hot, I can still perform the repair work, it just means that Lead-Safe work practices must be followed. It is an ordeal & not cheap, but it is important for the safety of any children who could potentially be exposed.
When do you work
I prefer to do all physical/on-site work Tuesday-Friday 7-4 however this can be flexible depending on the situation. Monday is usually reserved for clients, planning, and business upkeep. I am available for clients via call or text most all reasonable hours & am usually quick to respond. If there is an emergency at 2am on a Sunday; Yes, I can help. My hourly rate is double.
What type of Payments do you Accept?
I accept cash, check or Venmo. I accept credit cards via tap-to-pay through Venmo (+2.3% fee)
Do you require a Down Payment?
This is largely dependent on the job. Small jobs (under $1,000/1 day) do not usually require it. For larger jobs, a down payment between 20-50% of the estimate may be required to cover materials and other considerations.
If You were a Hot Dog & you Were Starving, would you eat yourself?
Yes, I think so. I get cranky when I don’t eat & am likely to take a little nibble.
Is there Any Way to Lower the bill
There are a few things you can do to streamline the process & make projects cheaper.
1) Prepare the area so I have clear access & don’t have to spend extra time carefully moving & replacing objects in your home.
2) Purchase your own materials. The Home Depot/Lowes Apps make it easier to send information as to what to purchase. Depending on the complexity of the job, it may not be possible to purchase 100% of materials, however it can help.
3) You can choose to take care of any garbage and recycling yourself.
4) You may be to take care of some, or all of the painting yourself.