[winter-rabbit]

Why?

Because they all want to hit home runs or get rich quick.

The estimates I have been getting locally is way out of the ballpark, even compared to the expensive Northeast.

From foundation to framing to flooring. Ridiculous.

I follow the standard construction cost pricing based on RSMeans. These contractors are basically doubling the rates!

I am swinging and missing the ball finding good contractors at fair prices.

[BBMW]

Maybe they expect to get haggled down, and are establishing a negotiating starting point. I'd come back to them with the standard price, show them that its the standard prices, and tell them to take it or leave it. I bet one or two will agree to it.

[winter-rabbit]

I had to knock some sense into one of the framing contractors.

I told him, "so you telling me 2 guys and 3 days and each guy makes $450/hour just in labor?". After I showed him the math. I had to chuckle. GTFOH!

Originally Posted by BBMW

Maybe they expect to get haggled down, and are establishing a negotiating starting point. I'd come back to them with the standard price, show them that its the standard prices, and tell them to take it or leave it. I bet one or two will agree to it.

[EA]

The ceiling I am working on, in a restaurant the size of a Denny's, is $7,000,000
No gold, no silver, no glass, no diamonds.

[ScoopLV]

Originally Posted by winter-rabbit

Why?

Because they all want to hit home runs or get rich quick.

The estimates I have been getting locally is way out of the ballpark, even compared to the expensive Northeast.

From foundation to framing to flooring. Ridiculous.

I follow the standard construction cost pricing based on RSMeans. These contractors are basically doubling the rates!

I am swinging and missing the ball finding good contractors at fair prices.

You have all those Festool tools. Put them to use. (No, I'm not being sarcastic. Most estimates I get are way, way, way out of line. I do it myself because I'm not going to pay $50,000 to have a set of stairs installed. (That was the low bid. $50K.))

[WestieJeff]

I think you're trying to actually build an entire home (compared to a small job like a room addition, etc.). In those cases, I think if you call like a looky-loo asking for "rough pricing" you get a ridiculous number.

Once you have plans drawn and seem serious, you actually send it out to bid, you'll get a better number. They don't want to waste time giving you a real quote unless you seem serious.

People are owner building homes all over Vegas, so it's workable.

[winter-rabbit]

Originally Posted by EA

The ceiling I am working on, in a restaurant the size of a Denny's, is $7,000,000
No gold, no silver, no glass, no diamonds.

Sounds about right. The commercial project managers have good leverage on getting fair pricing.

[winter-rabbit]

For example.

I ask the guy for slab foundation. 20x40.

RSMeans say it should cost $3000 at the high point using their calculator.

This guy quotes me $7500.

Originally Posted by WestieJeff

I think you're trying to actually build an entire home (compared to a small job like a room addition, etc.). In those cases, I think if you call like a looky-loo asking for "rough pricing" you get a ridiculous number.

Once you have plans drawn and seem serious, you actually send it out to bid, you'll get a better number. They don't want to waste time giving you a real quote unless you seem serious.

People are owner building homes all over Vegas, so it's workable.

[winter-rabbit]

Yes, I am doing all the finish carpentry with my Festools.

I already have the farmer's table I made at the Las Vegas Festool training workshop.

Originally Posted by ScoopLV

You have all those Festool tools. Put them to use. (No, I'm not being sarcastic. Most estimates I get are way, way, way out of line. I do it myself because I'm not going to pay $50,000 to have a set of stairs installed. (That was the low bid. $50K.))

[yellowsnow]

I've found the same thing. The real contractors charge too much. Their rates are out of line.