HUH?!?!
This makes no sense. Let me see if I can apply some algebra here:
You pay X
your competition pays Y
X > Y from what you say
Now...You are concerned that X =~15, which means your competition is going to be FUCKED. How in the hell is that bad for you? Those other bozos are going to drop like flies in cyanide gas, leaving MORE contracts for you to pick up because you can manage under the new paradigm, ceteris paribus. This means you'll be able to be more selective in your contracts, and likely be able to charge MORE because of it since there will clearly be a supply and demand issue.
Don't waste your time worrying about that. Focus on bagging larger contracts. Do you know anyone in larger construction outfits? Has your little name made it on larger tongues, yet? Maybe it's time for you to go mingle? Larger Co's used to swing contracts my way because they didn't have the volume which would allow them to maintain a dedicated steel crew. What can you do that the big Co's can't?
Not sure if you read all my posts, but im not in this to make a million bucks, i like being a small fish. I like the personal relationship with clients, and i like that most of my clients are repeats and will always come back.
And here is an example of why its worrisome. Im just pulling the numbers out of my ass though.
Wages range from 12.00-18.00 without overtime
My total labor to build deck now =1500
Competition = 1000
Wages range from 10-20 (vast majority between 10-15)
After wage increases i give my crew a wage increase to reflect the fact that they deserve more than min wage.
My wages 19.75 - 25.75
The competitor wages 15-20 (most at 15)
Now figure in that a couple guys on my crew work nearly 80 hours a week, quite often....
My cost of labor to build deck, (including a small amount added per job to cover overtime) after. 2,500ish
Competition- 1,500ish
Most of the contractors in direct competition with me, rarely will allow overtime. They use larger crews, usually they arent even working weekends unless its a big contract that requires it, or something time sensitive.
All of our costs will rise, but by treating my employees right, i am yet
sounds like your classic shoddy, shitty, craigslist CRAPenter.
No, sounds like someone who does lots of quality work at great prices and pays his crew well....
a 3 bedroom here in denver runs about $2,000 a month.
you are a naive little child who lies constantly on the internet, gets caught lying, blames the person who catches him lying (instead of blaming yourself for lying), has a hssy fit, and cries.
it really is hilarious.
but back to what i was saying: what you call a "comfortable living" for a family of three is actually the poverty line. that is a fact.
go cry some more now, craigslist contractor.
Go look at rental prices in small towns in northeast PA.
And where did i lie? When i said i was 11 instead of 10 on 9/11? Oops.... It was a mistake.
Your Fucking retarded. How come the others with your veiws dont need to resort to blatantly bashing people in every post.
My family lives quite well off qhat i pay myself, and my wifes job as a cook in a diner where she jas worked since she was 14.
The poverty line isnt something you can draw in the sand. If someone lives within their means, 23,500 can support a family here. If both parents work, your even better off. Sorry you live in a higher cost of living area, sucks to be you. Dont like it you can move.
