[jprefect]

PROS,

Do you use an estimating guide, like one of the national painting cost estimator books? If so which one and why?

Also, related question. In sanding a relatively intact deck, for example, for application of a fresh coat of acryllic solid stain, (with a 5" orbital, for example) -- you know, the quick buzz-down. How many sqft can you prep in a man-hour? 64? 72? thoughts?

 

[Damon T]

Personally I rarely sand decks with a 5" orbital. I've rented those big pad sanders before. Mostly pressure wash with chems. Most of those estimating guides are way too optimistic IMO. A guy could get killed using one of them if not careful.

 

[Gough]

When we first started, I used some of the RS Means books as a starting point. From the beginning, we tracked our own production to develop our own set of numbers.

As Damon posted, the national datasets can be a real steep learning experience.

 

[jprefect]

I have never used one of the books before, but as I branch out into bigger projects, I am thinking about it. Unfortunately, I haven't systematically analyzed what I've done in the past. I am starting to now.

I sometimes use the homewyse website as a reality-check machine. Once, I realized I was going to charge more to paint existing gutters than potentially new gutters would have cost, and I had to tamp down my price. It seems to give pretty high prices for a deck when figured per square foot. I adjusted my number up a little.

I heard one guy say he used Quotient estimating software. I really have no idea what is out there, but I do sit down with a spreadsheet and figure my own estimates.

Damon T, you like those big floor-buffing machines? I've used those on my own house, doing the floors, but never on a deck. How fast and how far does one of those machines take down a deck. This one in particular is not in bad shape. I don't love powerwashing, but I have to admit its expediency.