How to Bid on Carpentry Construction Jobs

Double-check pricing and totals before submitting your bid.

Next to actual carpentry skills and the right tool for the job, learning to bid jobs in a fair and clear way is one of the biggest keys to success in any contracting business. Investigate your local market to determine pricing for some common jobs such as hanging doors or installing windows. This will help you determine a fair price. A fair price is one that the customer feels is a good deal, and makes you happy with the pay you receive for the services rendered.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Writing utensil
• Tape measure
• Calculator
• Computer
• Office software
• Printer

Instructions

1. Walk over the job site with the customer. Let them show you what needs to be done and explain what they expect. Ask any pertinent questions about materials, sizes and other details. Make notes that will help you in your bid. Be sure to include any specifics about the materials needed.

2. Inspect the site a second time, if possible without the client's direct supervision for a few minutes. Take any measurements and make further notes about the project. Note how long you feel each phase will take to complete and any special tools or equipment you may need to purchase or rent to complete the job.

3. Write out a complete description of the job, including the position and size of new elements, materials to be used in all phases and pertinent construction techniques. Include any details that you find important. This is an outline of the work that you are agreeing to do.

4. Price the needed materials; include quantities. While saving money is good, being able to purchase all materials in one location will save time, and consequently increase your profit for the time spent. Look for a place that offers good prices and sells most or all of what you need. Write out a list of all material prices. Include applicable taxes and 15 percent overage for miscalculations.

5. Estimate the time it will take to complete the project from beginning to end. Include shopping for and delivery of materials. Multiply the number of hours by your hourly rate. Include any hourly help you will hire with applicable taxes and insurance. Also add in any special services that may be required, such as concrete pumping or electrical contracting. Add 20 percent to cover additional time and minor changes. Customers like to get a job done for the price quoted.

6. Type out the description and all pricing on a spreadsheet or invoice template. Free templates are available online for programs such as the free open-source Open Office. Most of these will add your pricing for you. If not, double-check your total. Add a description of your change policy. It is typical to allow one or two small changes without additional cost, as long as it does not mean additional material or labor.

7. Deliver the bid to the customer in person if possible and briefly explain what you are agreeing to. Let them know that any major changes to the job parameters at the customer's request or due to unforeseen problems will be completed at labor plus materials. Do not guarantee a completion date unless the project is less than a day's work. You can, however give an expected time frame.

References

• Construction Bidding for Profit; William R. Park; Wiley; 1979
• Understanding the Construction Bidding Process; J Edward Murphy, Lorman Education Services; 2005