Price setting for residential calcs...
Price setting for residential calcs...
(OP)
I'm just starting out (6mo.) doing residential vertical and lateral analysis. I'm Civil, so just sticking with the 2 story and a basement residential calcs.
Most jobs are basic, 1600 - 5000 sq.ft. homes designed by drafters and architects. I have been told my prices are too high (complaining) and some have told me they are way too low.
I'm located in Sacramento, CA, and just trying to get an idea of what others generally charge. I typically charge $0.50 per sq.ft. ($500 minimum) for up to 3000sq.ft., $0.40 per sq.ft. up to 5000sq.ft. Small jobs (design a couple beams, some joists) from $100 - $300.
I know it's personal information, but any information would be appreciated. I don't want a bad name out here and I most definitely want to be fair to my customers. THANK YOU!!
Most jobs are basic, 1600 - 5000 sq.ft. homes designed by drafters and architects. I have been told my prices are too high (complaining) and some have told me they are way too low.
I'm located in Sacramento, CA, and just trying to get an idea of what others generally charge. I typically charge $0.50 per sq.ft. ($500 minimum) for up to 3000sq.ft., $0.40 per sq.ft. up to 5000sq.ft. Small jobs (design a couple beams, some joists) from $100 - $300.
I know it's personal information, but any information would be appreciated. I don't want a bad name out here and I most definitely want to be fair to my customers. THANK YOU!!






RE: Price setting for residential calcs...
its hard to compare different places and types of work as well. sorry if i'm no help at all, but i wouldn't worry about what others are charging.
RE: Price setting for residential calcs...
I would STRONGLY discourage calc-N-sketch design because you have no control over how correctly your sketch will transfer on architect/drafter's end.
Oh... I forgot to mention, this is the expected fee in California. Other locations may differ significantly.
Now with the home price increases, the design fee should be peanuts compared to price of the home itself. Beware of those who try to slash the design fees. They will be the first to sue if anything went wrong.
RE: Price setting for residential calcs...
or well at least that’s how I do pricing, I estimate how long it will reasonably take, multiply by the unit rate for whatever particular task it is (using say a lower rate for just pure drafting, versus design & calcs), and voila - a reasonable cost to offset all those other dead weight costs of insurance, software, professional registration, ect... . It's funny, the rates I use always seem a bit high until I start paying some of those fees, then you quickly remember why they are where they are.
I typically use rates from 60-80 for drafting & about 100 for engineering (Canadian dollars). The engineering association here recommends 120 $/hr for professional engineering services.
DRW
RE: Price setting for residential calcs...
The calc-n-sketch work I do is always checked before I stamp the plans. I'm dealing with the guys who get that 1-1.25% and are paying me...so that explains the lowballing!
That $120 Canadian = about $100 American....I'm charging half with my per hour estimates. Slowly going to increase those rates.
I take it you all recommend insurance? I have not purchased any as of yet. Any recommendations on coverage or a company? Thanks.
RE: Price setting for residential calcs...