I was contacted to do a job which needs a 24 inch diameter by 7 foot deep light pole base installed. Also reinforced with a rebar cage. This job also includes running about 200 foot of conduit and repairing existing wiring destroyed by a back hoe. The general wants a price but I'm not sure on pricing the pole base. Can anyone give me a direction on this. Thanks for any replies.

we pay about 700 ea for 9 ft ones for a specification grade base made by a local concrete company... best to check with your local company. We only buy them in quantity so your price may be higher

Don,
We pay between $500 and $700 per pole base to our sub. But that is for smaller bases than you are talking about. The norm is 48" deep x 24" dia.

For that price our sub will drill the hole, fab the rebar cages, build the forms, place and finish the concrete.

All I have to do is provide one man to stub up the conduit runs and ensure the bolts are set properly when the concrete is poured.

I've done these without help in the past and it's not worth the trouble. I am not good at concrete........I'm good at running pipe and wire.

GJ

I'm with Golf Junkie.
Unless you're good at concrete (I'm not), you're probably better off subbing it out to someone that is.
I used to have them done for $600, and charge $800, or just exclude them as "pole bases by others."
The company I work for now has some guys that do a great job with the bases (we do lots of auto dealerships, and they've had a heck of a lot of practice).
One tip I've learned from them is to get the Sonotube off as soon as is practical. It'll save you lots of time grinding and sacking if you can finish it while it's still soft.

[This message has been edited by electure (edited 12-20-2002).]

Got to add my 2 cents...
The excavation, trenching, masonry all get sub'd out. Like someone else said, we're electricians, not excavators...
(No we are not prima-donas)

The philosophy is "do what you do best"; those that have the equipment, and the experience do what they do, and we do what we do.

Found out a long time ago, get involved with something that you don't normally do, and you get in trouble.
John

Thanks for the help guys. I worked a deal with the contractor that I would set the sona tube, rebar cage, stub in the conduit and provide the bolt pattern set up. He would provide the concrete, a big hole, and a guy to handle the finish. Worked out okay. I do agree with you guys: "stick with what you know and do best" Thanks again.