ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area How do you price devices, etc.

How do you figure the cost for say each outlet or light or switch in a new home. Do you actually figure the cost of materials (box, wire, device, plate, etc.) and the time it takes to do the work? Or do you charge a flat rate for each outlet, switch, light, etc?

Happi_man;
there is :
T&M]
$$$ per opening
$ per sq. ft
all have pro's & con's......

In my area most contractors doing new construction charge per opening with upcharges. An example would be $13 per opening. This would cover a basic 110 outlet or single pole switch complete or a basic light fixture (fix. not incl) complete. A recessed can might be $13 plus $50 incl can, bulb and trim. Price can be all over the board, but in most cases the bottom line will be near the same. I know a contractor that charges $10 per opening, but he charges $75 extra per can. He gets a lot of contractor that are looking for a bargain and only ask what the opening charge is. Some people charge by the square foot, but this really can't be done in custom homes, too many varriables.