decks

[Tom]

when bidding on a clean and seal deck job do most of you take sq. ft of just the flat surface & dont include the railings in your sq. ft. I have lost a few jobs last season because i was told my total sq, footage for the job was higher than my competior i generally take the sq. ft. of the flat surface & add to the sq. ft. of the railings for a total sq. ft. thanks for any info

 

[Mike@Everclear]

In that case, what you need to do is educate the consumer a little bit. If you are not looking at the rails and spindles in your numbers, then you are only looking at half of the picture.

I usually tell customers that I measure the entire deck, and that the railings and spindles are the most difficult part. I sometimes say that if I didnt measure them, one of us would lose (either the customer, of me) And that is true, but I guarantee it will be you that loses.

If your competitors are not charging for rails, etc.....they will never afford to stay in business, and you will get the job next time.



------------------
Mike Hughes
Everclear
Souderton, PA

 

[Dan Flynn]

Good Point Mike,

Just make sure you point out that the extra sq ft totals are for the railings. Your price may have been right in the ball park, but they might of thought you tried to add sq ft and thought you were not honest.

------------------
Dan Flynn
Flynn Service Pro
www.powerwash.net
708/715-4206

 

[Glenn]

Tom,
I price on Sq. footage of surface only. I have adjusted my prices to cover the railings and steps, since all decks have these. This way it takes less time to measure the job, and the customer doesn't get confused. If you have set prices per sq. foot, then you can measure a job and quote the customer in just a few minutes. I don't dicker around on price either. I give them a quote, tell them to think it over, and call me if they decide they want me to do it. Most of the time they tell me they want me to do it, before I can get back to my van.
Glenn

 

[Greg - GCR PowerClean]

I also charge per the decking surface only. Railings are included for MOST jobs. If they are custom and more difficult than usual ther is a surcharge. Stairs, lattice, etc... are all additional in my estimates although.



------------------
Greg Rentschler
GCR PowerClean
www.gcrpowerclean.com
NEW E-Mail address: GCR PowerClean@cs.com

 

[John Thomas]

I charge a set price for the flat surface also the price per sq ft includes the railings and spindels.stairs are extra along with the lattice.For staining/sealing I add the sq ft of everything to do with the deck and give the customer the price by the sq ft.

Hope this helps.Have a good day John

 

[John Thomas]

I charge a set price for the flat surface also the price per sq ft includes the railings and spindels.stairs are extra along with the lattice.For staining/sealing I add the sq ft of everything to do with the deck and give the customer the price by the sq ft.

Hope this helps.Have a good day John

 

[spraymasters]

We charge by the sq ft for the flat surfaces and then charge extra for the railings and steps. We do a written estimate and send it to them with a cover letter, a flyer, a copy of our insurance and the estimate. We put in the letter that we will contact them within the week. Hope that helps.
Dennis

------------------
Dennis A. Cormier and Gloria A. Wagner
North Georgia Spray Masters, Inc.
spraymasters@hotmail.com