Comments for Markup and Profit Blog

Comment on Another Cost Plus Disaster by The Builders SW

The Builders SW — Thu, 17 May 2012 08:36:07 +0000

The problem with costs plus contracts is that they can look good to the individual builder, who may be able to generate great profits from them, but they do the construction industry as a whole no good at all when it comes to customer perception of us. We agree with you that they are better avoided.

Comment on “Thou Shall Prosper” by Ria Grace

Ria Grace — Thu, 10 May 2012 06:36:53 +0000

I agree with Ben Hudson, by merely paying our tax is considered “give back” to society. Like for example, when you construct custom home, lot of people will be benefited. Government agency will receive your tax payment, construction company will receive your purchase payment for the materials and contractor will receive your payment for building your house. Thus, all our actions reflecting others action. We need to be considerate and share what we have

Comment on Spec Homes / Custom Homes by David

David — Thu, 10 May 2012 04:12:27 +0000

Hi Michael,
A new home can range from 125.00 to 225.00 per square foot if you’re going to build a custom home in today’s market. This does not take into consideration the land cost. This only takes into consideration the part of the house that is “conditioned space”. Also, I might add that costs go up if you’re building on a lot that isn’t level. That is if you’re building on a hillside where you might have retaining walls and a basement which add significant costs to the foundation.

Comment on “Thou Shall Prosper” by The Builders SW

The Builders SW — Wed, 09 May 2012 10:22:24 +0000

We couldn’t agree more. The situation is just as bad over “the pond” in South Devon. It seems that the more you put in the less you get out.

Comment on Is My Contractor Overcharging Me? by Jennifer Conti

Jennifer Conti — Mon, 07 May 2012 20:13:13 +0000

I understand and respect all of the above comments. We are building a home and working with a local cabinet company to design the kitchen. I am having trouble still accepting the idea that a price quote should not come with an itemization. I believe it is unfair to the customer to not know where their dollars are going. It’s like dumb luck. You just show us a number and we pay whatever you say. I don’t think I’m getting taken for, I just want to know where my money is going. Why can’t the company be up front with us? We had one cabinet place who outright said no to giving us an itemization. I think we have a right to know exactly what we are buying. Buying things without price tags? I don’t understand.

Thanks ahead of time for listening.

Comment on “Thou Shall Prosper” by Ben Hudson

Ben Hudson — Fri, 04 May 2012 18:25:21 +0000

Well said. I give back to society when I purchase a building permit, build a house that the county can tax for ever, and when I pay the multitude layers of taxes. We are nearing a tipping point in this country where more folks are in the cart than pulling the cart.

Comment on “Thou Shall Prosper” by Malinda

Malinda — Thu, 03 May 2012 21:35:19 +0000

AMEN!

Comment on eBook for Contractors by Mortar Piles

Mortar Piles — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 07:25:10 +0000

It’s good to see writing that is so good that you know the writer has done the homework on the subject. I am impressed with your insight and viewpoints on this topic. Thank a bunch.

Comment on Transparency by Robert Youngs

Robert Youngs — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 17:58:18 +0000

Can I also add, “Been there, done that!,” myself. I too am just getting to the place where I’m tired of all of the nonsense that goes on in this business. Particularly in these times – people seem to be becoming far more inconsiderate and unprofessional in their dealings. Other contractors and other “contractors.” The second I put in quotes as I know I’ve been “bidding” against all kinds of illegally operating people out there. The regulations are getting tighter, but the enforcement is simply pathetic against those that are doing this! Without enforcement the regulations are useless, and with enforcement the additional regulations are unneeded. These people can’t possibly have their clients’ best interests in mind. Most don’t even get permits for work that requires such. I love the quote at the top of the page, “We like to see the Good Guys win!” Amen to that?! They will get their comeuppance, for sure! We just have to stick around long enough to see it. One interesting thing to note – at least in California – is that unlicensed “contractors” don’t have to be paid for work that is over the maximum they can do per License Law here. I occasionally inform prospects of this, but they seem to have just enough “integrity” to feel they need to pay for this work (though the “contractor” is operating outside of the law and can’t take the situation to court, if need be – remember, they used to be called “outlaws”) even though they don’t have the integrity to proceed into, and through, the process of their remodel with a person that is complying with the laws, codes and regulations . . . and that has their best interests in mind in doing such. They seem to forget that the very laws, codes and regulations they vote to have created are for their protection (excessive as they are sometimes). We need to change the face of this industry so it looks professional. Have you ever considered that we have to be “professional” while the “professionals” (doctors, lawyers and such) get to “practice” at what they do?! Wow! Let into that for a while!

Comment on Time limit on quotes by Michael

Michael — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 18:32:55 +0000

Ed:

The reason was explained in the post above.

Because prices aren’t stable. A contractor should not allow himself or herself to be penalized because an owner can’t or won’t make a decision to purchase. No other business I am aware of holds prices for procrastinating customers.

Michael