Way To Price Jobs

[dirtdobber]

I suppose everyone has a method of pricing their roof jobs. I understand most multiply square footage by a percentage. What other methods do you use?

[plainpainter]

pricing by the square foot is good for assesing materials cost - but not labor. I'd measure all the lengths of the valleys and assign some sort of pita factor - also take note of the pitch up to a 3/12 pitch - one price - then to a 4/12 through 6/12 - another price, 7-9, then 10 and above. The steeper the more expensive. Then how high off the ground is the roof? A 12/12 pitch roof, where the gutter is 25' above ground is a real pita to do!

[dirtdobber]

Originally Posted by plainpainter

pricing by the square foot is good for assesing materials cost - but not labor. I'd measure all the lengths of the valleys and assign some sort of pita factor - also take note of the pitch up to a 3/12 pitch - one price - then to a 4/12 through 6/12 - another price, 7-9, then 10 and above. The steeper the more expensive. Then how high off the ground is the roof? A 12/12 pitch roof, where the gutter is 25' above ground is a real pita to do!

I understand what the variables are... I was just curious if there was a common formula that is being used in the industry....?

[plainpainter]

Screw the industry - come up with your own formula.

[814jeffw]

Originally Posted by plainpainter

Screw the industry - come up with your own formula.

Yea, I have to agree here. I've always said my pricing method is basically,....... "What's it worth to me" I don't care what the industry says or what the other guy is charging. I assess the price to make it worth my while. To many variables in this business to have a cut and dry pricing method in my opinion. I look at the job and tell them what I want to do it. I also don't compete with anyone, my situation may not be the same as theirs.

Jeff

[John Orr]

For me, pricing (whether for roofs or houses) comes down to two basic components: estimating and selling. I get calls all the time for estimates, but with gas at almost $4/gal (and 10 - 12 mpg), and a service area that can call for an hour drive.

So...as I did with my house washing, I have come-up with a basic price that is based on the living area of a home. Most customers know the approximate sq footage of their home, so giving prices - even over the phone - is simple. For roofs, I have been experimenting with the same type of formula. I can give them a "ballpark" figure based on sq footage, pending a possible in-person look. (Some people will email a photo.) Sq footage x PITA factor (if any) = price.

Many will question the sanity of giving quotes over the phone, but at least in my area, it makes sense. People are usually so shocked that I answer the phone (so few do) that they are very receptive to my proposals.

[814jeffw]

I agree with the phone pricing somewhat. I will give someone further away an average for their type of home so they know what their looking at approximately. I do this just in case the price is way different than they expected and you just waste your time and effort.

Jeff