Production Budgets
By Michael StoneWe recently heard from a company that took over a $200,000 hit (spread over several jobs) because of actions the job superintendent took.
Every day, in every way, I’m getting better and better
By Michael StoneThe housing economy leaves a little to be desired. Don't count on the government to solve that problem. We have to take responsibility for and solve it ourselves.
The Pain of Discipline
By Michael StoneThis quote from Jim Rohn is particularly true for construction business owners. There are a lot of things that need to be done and we need the discipline to do them.
Moonlighting Construction Employees
By Michael StoneA question came about moonlighting employees. This is an ongoing issue for construction business owners.
Employee Benefits for a Construction Business
By Michael StoneIf a company offers no sick pay or vacation pay…but is about to start – which is more important to offer first, anticipating that the next year we can offer the other?
Labor Rate for Construction
By Michael StoneI’m frequently asked for the “industry standard” rate per hour for various types of work. There isn’t an industry standard markup, and there isn’t an industry standard hourly labor rate.
Is It Gouging or a Fair Price?
By Michael StoneAn earlier post of ours is getting a few homeowners riled up. The post discusses homeowners who have contacted us, unhappy about the prices their contractor is charging.
Is a Contractor’s License Important?
By Michael StoneWhy would you choose someone that has chosen to work without a business license for 30 years?
Running a Business or Being a Craftsman?
By Michael StoneEarlier this year I had the opportunity to interview with Brian Javeline for The Contractor Show. Our episode was just posted.
Markup for Insurance Work – What’s Fair?
By Michael StoneThe truth is, no contractor can survive on 10% overhead and 10% profit.
Practicing What We Preach
By Michael StoneOne of our goals is to improve the image …
Becoming Part of the Solution – from Dakota Supply Group, Part 2
By Michael StoneIf being a lawyer is just like any other job, why do so many people regard it as a better career than that of a tradesperson like an electrician, carpenter or plumber?
Becoming Part of the Solution – from Dakota Supply Group, Part 1
By Michael StoneAll of the industries that we work with share one thing in common: they employ tradespeople . . . But there’s a problem: there’s not enough of you to go around.
Downpayment on a construction job
By Michael StoneGot a phone call recently from a contractor doing a job in the $150K range. Everything is fine, contract signed, and the job is going great.
Free Estimates: when you don’t give your work away
By Michael StoneThe contractor presented a design agreement with a $3,000 fee to design the job, 1/2 of the fee would be credited back when a contract was signed for the final job.
General and Specialty Contractor relationships
By Michael StoneIn the last month I’ve heard from more specialty contractors having problems being paid by generals than I’ve heard in years.
Fixed Price Quotations or Itemization?
By Michael StoneI read an article telling general and specialty contractors to give itemized estimates. Oh joy. It talks about goodwill, trust, comparing estimates, and other tripe.
Time and Material (T & M) Contracts
By Michael StoneI have read several posts on forums late …
Choosing a Contractor – Dealing with a Bad One
By Michael StoneThere is no way on God’s green earth I could pretend there aren’t unethical contractors.
Using a Variable Markup to calculate Construction Job Price
By Michael StoneA young lady told me her husband is using a variable markup on jobs. He marks up labor 3 or 3.5 times and materials 1.5 times. He adds 10% to subcontractor quotes …
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