Anyone else getting quoted insane prices for work around your place?

[dragoneggs]

I find it very difficult for me to hire something out unless it demands heavy equipment. I just can't stand to pay dearly for a tradesman come to my place, when I can DIY, even though it will take longer and the quality might not be as good.

I feel sorry for those that need to pay a huge chunk of cash to someone that makes far more per hour than they do. :smiley_aafz:

 

[Steppenwolfe]

My neighbor just got a quote for some fencing.... removing old 4"x4" wire fence from t-posts, reinstalling 2x4" welded wire, 5'tall ----- $18,000 was the cheapest, $22k the highest... crazy prices! This was around the perimeter of a square 5 acre parcel, no obstructions or obstacles.

I paid $2200 for an electric meter power pedestal, and I dug the hole for the base and supplied the concrete! Took them about 4 hours...I could have purchased the same pedestal and supplies for around $300.

Another neighbor was just quoted $2600 to add a sub panel right next to the existing panel! That was their cheapest quote!

I am like Oosik.... if I cannot do it ... it won't be done (unless critically needed and requires Licensed contractor in order to get inspections, like the meter base). Then they have you over a barrel!

I just had 600 ft of 5ft high tensile tornado wire fence installed at our farm. 6 inch round posts 8ft tall driven to 5ft above grade, .40 treated, 16ft on center, two heavy duty farm gates and it was 5K. I thought that was a great price.

 

[Steppenwolfe]

I find it very difficult for me to hire something out unless it demands heavy equipment. I just can't stand to pay dearly for a tradesman come to my place, when I can DIY, even though it will take longer and the quality might not be as good.

I feel sorry for those that need to pay a huge chunk of cash to someone that makes far more per hour than they do. :smiley_aafz:

I've never minded getting that huge chunk of cash...

 

[dragoneggs]

I've never minded getting that huge chunk of cash...

Me either. And I don't charge enough!

 

[fried1765]

I don't even seek quotes. I'm retired and on a limited budget. If I can't do it - it didn't really need to be done.

At just a very few months short of 80, that is EXACTLY how I see it also!

 

[KennyG]

It seems that everything is backed up and in demand. I need to get a certified inspection done on a furnace and water heater in a building and can't get it done until mid August. I'm trying to get a dishwasher and it won't be available for pickup until July 31. If I want it delivered, it will be a week later and if I want it installed it will be two weeks later and cost an additional $180.

 

[jjp8182]

That sounds just a bit higher than the normal insane quotes around here since there's a whole lot of white-collar workers who'd rather pay someone else to do it than pick up the tools and do it themselves.

Even when it involves heavy equipment, it's far cheaper to rent than to have someone else do it a majority of the time .... about the only reason to higher work out around here is if there's something that requires certifications/inspections - otherwise it's usually cheaper to buy the tools or rent the equipment (and probably take the certification courses) than it is to higher out some single jobs.....

...but if they can get paid at those prices the more power to them (almost enough to make me want to change professions....almost)

 

[MossRoad]

I installed our last dishwasher about 6 months ago. It's a pretty easy job.

 

[MossRoad]

Last I checked a few years ago, concrete was $100/yard, 4 yard minimum.

Recently got quoted $10/ft installed for 6" seamless gutter.

Quoted $500 minimum to clip off a 6" diameter Oak tree branch hanging about 25' above ground.

Concrete was between $135 and $150 per yard here last month. Add on a shortage fee if under 4 yards. And add on a Saturday delivery fee. Still came out way ahead doing it myself.

 

[dragoneggs]

I installed our last dishwasher about 6 months ago. It's a pretty easy job.

Yep... simple job. When we moved, I swapped our Bosch dishwasher from our old place with the noisy Kitchen Aid or Whirlpool or whatever from our new place. So glad I did that 12 years ago. Bosch still like new other than some worn labels on the buttons.