I want to start a new thread for owners already using a flat rate system for my questions about using it. I am SO ready to give up T&M!
I'm most interested in how you handle non-professional surprises. I had a job several weeks ago replacing all the outlets in a house. Look at my pictures in the photos section "This Old House". I could have checked a few outlets and found them to be typical original builders outlets for the time period. Then after giving a fixed price realized the rewiring needed. What if the customer thinks that should be included? I'd lean toward using a contract proposal with it that spells out exactly what is included in that fixed price.
My other pressing question is about inventory. If I don't have a part on the truck that I need for the job I have to run to a supplier or hardware store. It may be a block away, or 30 minutes away. Do you keep a super inventory, or is running for supplies included in the price?
Dave
