The Perils of Working For Friends
Long story short~ Remodeled basement for longtime friends, including tearing out of old paneling glued to cinder block walls, framed, drywalled, replaced windows, and hauled all the debris away. Said friends didn't even offer to buy my sandwich when they ordered out for lunch on several ocassions while I was slaving away in their basement. Have had too many similar experiences with others in the past year and have now decided not to do free work anymore. (I have a full time job not related to building, but am a very skilled carpenter/woodworker) So, "basement" friends want existing bathroom next to finished basement remodeled. I need some guidance on how much to charge...anyone here do paid work for friends? I'd like to just charge a flat fee of what it's worth to me to even bother doing it...they want me to give them an hourly rate and an estimate of how much time it will take. What do you think? Thanks for any input. I am new here and I really appreciate this site. -- woodpassion |
The Perils of Working For Friends
"woodpassion" wrote in message .com... Said friends didn't even offer to buy my sandwich when they ordered out for lunch on several ocassions while I was slaving away in their basement. I'm shocked. Define "friend". That's just plain rude. I had two buddies come over with circular saws and crowbars so the 3 of us could rip out 300 sq.ft. of the three layers of flooring in our liviingroom when we moved into our house. My wife went out and got a huge pile of food for the whole day, as well as a carload of beer to go with the power tools. |
The Perils of Working For Friends
"woodpassion" wrote in message .com... Long story short~ Remodeled basement for longtime friends, including tearing out of old paneling glued to cinder block walls, framed, drywalled, replaced windows, and hauled all the debris away. Said friends didn't even offer to buy my sandwich when they ordered out for lunch on several ocassions while I was slaving away in their basement. Have had too many similar experiences with others in the past year and have now decided not to do free work anymore. (I have a full time job not related to building, but am a very skilled carpenter/woodworker) So, "basement" friends want existing bathroom next to finished basement remodeled. I need some guidance on how much to charge...anyone here do paid work for friends? I'd like to just charge a flat fee of what it's worth to me to even bother doing it...they want me to give them an hourly rate and an estimate of how much time it will take. What do you think? Thanks for any input. I am new here and I really appreciate this site. Don't do it. If you can't even agree on how to bill you will never agree on if it was done properly. If something goes wrong (and it will) you will wish you listened to me. |
The Perils of Working For Friends
woodpassion wrote:
So, "basement" friends want existing bathroom next to finished basement remodeled. I need some guidance on how much to charge...anyone here do paid work for friends? I'd like to just charge a flat fee of what it's worth to me to even bother doing it...they want me to give them an hourly rate and an estimate of how much time it will take. What do you think? Thanks for any input. I am new here and I really appreciate this site. I think I would come up with an excuse as to why you aren't available to do the work for them at any price. Let them pay somebody who does it for a living and maybe the next time they'll come to appreciate the value of the work you've already done for them. I'm amazed you'd even consider doing anything for them at all. Are you a rug? You've sure as hell been walked over. First time? Fine; it was a learning experience for you. But the next time? I guess you didn't learn. -- Mortimer Schnerd, RN mschnerdatcarolina.rr.com |
The Perils of Working For Friends
woodpassion wrote: .... drywalled, replaced windows, and hauled all the debris away. Said friends didn't even offer to buy my sandwich when they ordered out ... I'd say this "friendship" is pretty one-sided from this story. I'm with the others that it almost certainly will not be a good experience to try to do work for them as a contractor given their demonstrated miserliness is far more important to them than your value to them as a friend... If you do decide to take it on, I suggest strongly you do it only on your terms with which you are comfortable as a "take it or leave it" choice and have a written contract of what is covered specifically as once it gets to be money, these people are going to be sticklers and friendship will have no bearing on it (other than using you as far as you will let them which they have already demonstrated. Of course, you so far having been an apparently willing accomplice.) |
The Perils of Working For Friends
woodpassion wrote: Long story short~ Remodeled basement for longtime friends, including tearing out of old paneling glued to cinder block walls, framed, drywalled, replaced windows, and hauled all the debris away. Said friends didn't even offer to buy my sandwich when they ordered out for lunch on several occasions while I was slaving away in their basement. Have had too many similar experiences with others in the past year and have now decided not to do free work anymore. (I have a full time job not related to building, but am a very skilled carpenter/woodworker) So, "basement" friends want existing bathroom next to finished basement remodeled. I need some guidance on how much to charge...anyone here do paid work for friends? I'd like to just charge a flat fee of what it's worth to me to even bother doing it...they want me to give them an hourly rate and an estimate of how much time it will take. What do you think? Thanks for any input. I am new here and I really appreciate this site. -- woodpassion I definitely would not do it. Not to digress, but the work I do is a funny thing along these lines. I'm a systems/network engineer, and I'm sure there are a good many people out there that do similar work. For some reason people never have a problem asking me to "take a look at something weird their system is doing" while you are there for a social visit (dinner, drinks, etc). Of course, 4 hours later (min), it is all straightened out. This most would have probably cost them $100 to $200 dollars to get it done by somebody a LOT less qualified somewhere else. But other then a quick "oh thanks", there is little appreciation. Now, these same people would never ask plumber friend to fix the hot water heater or unclog the toilet. They wouldn't ask my wife (an RN) to look at a rash and treat it. Something about computer work, people just figure, "he'd love to fix it, he's a geek..." Anyway, back to your deal, I agree with the other poster. Beg off on it and maybe recommend somebody (exxxxxxpeeeeensive) to do it. Perhaps they will see the error of their ways. Just out of curiosity, what do these people do for work? -Jim |
The Perils of Working For Friends
Don't do it! Getting paid will make the situation worse because then
they will have even higher expectations. Mark |
The Perils of Working For Friends
"woodpassion" wrote in message .com... Long story even shorter. These people aren't friends. Dump them. Jim |
The Perils of Working For Friends
On Mon, 28 Aug 2006 13:42:55 +0100, woodpassion
wrote: [top posted for your convenience] Run, do not walk away from this "opportunity." I'd be surprised you could ever be friends with them with the sour taste in your mouth from the first job. I couldn't. Even if you can, when you put that relationship into the client/contractor level, you will find a whole other dynamic. For example, they're asking for an estimate of the time to do the job. It wouldn't surprise me a bit when (not if) it took longer than you/they thought, there would be significant nagging and possible renegotiations not in your favor as a result. The good news is that will probably sink the "friendship" irrevocably. I say "good news" because you don't need "friends" like this. How would you handle callbacks? That's another thing to consider. Good luck. Long story short~ Remodeled basement for longtime friends, including tearing out of old paneling glued to cinder block walls, framed, drywalled, replaced windows, and hauled all the debris away. Said friends didn't even offer to buy my sandwich when they ordered out for lunch on several ocassions while I was slaving away in their basement. Have had too many similar experiences with others in the past year and have now decided not to do free work anymore. (I have a full time job not related to building, but am a very skilled carpenter/woodworker) So, "basement" friends want existing bathroom next to finished basement remodeled. I need some guidance on how much to charge...anyone here do paid work for friends? I'd like to just charge a flat fee of what it's worth to me to even bother doing it...they want me to give them an hourly rate and an estimate of how much time it will take. What do you think? Thanks for any input. I am new here and I really appreciate this site. -- LRod Master Woodbutcher and seasoned termite Shamelessly whoring my website since 1999 http://www.woodbutcher.net Proud participant of rec.woodworking since February, 1997 email addy de-spam-ified due to 1,000 spams per month. If you can't figure out how to use it, I probably wouldn't care to correspond with you anyway. |
The Perils of Working For Friends
Howdy...Always a dicey proposition when you work for friends... I tend
to work with not for, but you never know... What you can do is take a look at your local paper and see if there are any "Handyman" ads in the classifieds or in your phone book and see if there are any listed there. Make a discreet inquiry call to either and it should give you a decent idea of what your area will pay. Good luck!!! |
The Perils of Working For Friends
I need some guidance on how much to charge...anyone here do
paid work for friends? I'd like to just charge a flat fee of what it's worth to me to even bother doing it...they want me to give them an hourly rate and an estimate of how much time it will take. I used to do work for friends and relatives at no charge - they paid materials, I used my tools. One day I needed to chop out a row of Lilac stumps and I gave the 1st inlaw an axe, shovel, pick. Cut out some stumps in exchange for my working for you. He was quite indignant that I would ask him to do work. I called a friend one day, who was always over looking get something done, to set up a time to give me a hand standing up walls for my garden shed. He became too busy for the foreseeable future. 2nd inlaw wanted some work done and I needed a massage (she does that). I figured an exchange would be appropriate. Turned out my labor was free and she needed to charge me her normal hourly fee. My labor rate is 40$ hr, 2 hr minimum, no cheques, no credit and don't think a box of donuts will do it. And a box of donuts is the fee for talking to me about your issues. I will accept labor of equal value ( I determine) and it is done in advance. I have one inlaw who comes when I need a hand and for him he gets anything he needs. I have a lot of friends that I will do things for. All others are mere aquaintances including most relatives and the labor costs 40$. You have to remember that if these people spent money on tools and the time to learn how to do it themselves, this would be a different story. The ones that don't buy the tools have money for the vacations and retirement funds because you work for free using yours tools and time. Pete |
The Perils of Working For Friends
Mortimer Schnerd, RN wrote: woodpassion wrote: So, "basement" friends want existing bathroom next to finished basement remodeled. I need some guidance on how much to charge...anyone here do paid work for friends? I'd like to just charge a flat fee of what it's worth to me to even bother doing it...they want me to give them an hourly rate and an estimate of how much time it will take. What do you think? Thanks for any input. I am new here and I really appreciate this site. I think I would come up with an excuse as to why you aren't available to do the work for them at any price. Why come up with an "excuse"? Just man up and tell them that you (or the OP) doesn't like to work for friends because it's frought with problems on both sides. |
The Perils of Working For Friends
In article .com,
jtpr wrote: I definitely would not do it. Not to digress, but the work I do is a funny thing along these lines. I'm a systems/network engineer, and I'm sure there are a good many people out there that do similar work. For some reason people never have a problem asking me to "take a look at something weird their system is doing" while you are there for a social visit (dinner, drinks, etc). Of course, 4 hours later (min), it is all straightened out. This most would have probably cost them $100 to $200 dollars to get it done by somebody a LOT less qualified somewhere else. But other then a quick "oh thanks", there is little appreciation. Now, these same people would never ask plumber friend to fix the hot water heater or unclog the toilet. They wouldn't ask my wife (an RN) to look at a rash and treat it. Something about computer work, people just figure, "he'd love to fix it, he's a geek..." Reminds me of some people who have gone out waterskiing with me. I drive the truck, launch the boat, drive the boat, put gas in both at great expense and otherwise do all of the work. My boat runs on gas, not on "thanks". Real skiers know this immediately and always offer gas money, before we even get wet. They are the ones who get called back, even if I refuse the money. |
The Perils of Working For Friends
woodpassion wrote: Long story short~ Remodeled basement for longtime friends, including tearing out of old paneling glued to cinder block walls, framed, drywalled, replaced windows, and hauled all the debris away. Said friends didn't even offer to buy my sandwich when they ordered out for lunch on several occasions while I was slaving away in their basement. Short story short. - - - - - These people are not friends So, "basement" friends want existing bathroom next to finished basement remodeled. I need some guidance on how much to charge...anyone here do paid work for friends? I'd like to just charge a flat fee of what it's worth to me to even bother doing it...they want me to give them an hourly rate and an estimate of how much time it will take. What do you think? Thanks for any input. I am new here and I really appreciate this site. I think they are cheap *******s looking for a free ride or as close as they can get. I'd charge $50 an hour if I'd do it at all. Not only should they have paid for your lunch, they should have invited your wife to join you. I'd just say "I can't take on a job like that right now" and give no details. Once they pay you, they will think they own you and will really be a PITA for years to come. Not worth the hassle. I'd get a tin can and stand on the corner with a "Will Work For Food" sign before working for these people. |
The Perils of Working For Friends
I agree with what the other posters have said:
1. Unless this is a legitimate charity case (which it does not seem to be) tell them that your situation has changed and you are no longer taking on these types of projects. 2. Just because they ASK you a question does not require that you answer it. In this case, they are asking the wrong question to the wrong person. Here is the RIGHT question: Are you interested in taking on another project for us? Here is the right answer: No, I would prefer that you find someone else to do the that project for you. If they persist with other questions, your response should be that you have no knowledge of what prevailing rates and time required - that would be something to ask whoever they consider. Do NOT give them an estimate. You can retain your relationship with these people (friends, neighbors, etc.) by simply stating that while you will continue to meet them socially, your priorities have changed and you do not have the TIME do take on their project. There just are some folks who don't "get it" when it comes to showing appreciation for what you do for them, whether you are being fully compensated or not. Poor folks - they just don't know no better. Their bad manners are showing. On Mon, 28 Aug 2006 13:42:55 +0100, woodpassion wrote: Long story short~ Remodeled basement for longtime friends, including tearing out of old paneling glued to cinder block walls, framed, drywalled, replaced windows, and hauled all the debris away. Said friends didn't even offer to buy my sandwich when they ordered out for lunch on several ocassions while I was slaving away in their basement. Have had too many similar experiences with others in the past year and have now decided not to do free work anymore. (I have a full time job not related to building, but am a very skilled carpenter/woodworker) So, "basement" friends want existing bathroom next to finished basement remodeled. I need some guidance on how much to charge...anyone here do paid work for friends? I'd like to just charge a flat fee of what it's worth to me to even bother doing it...they want me to give them an hourly rate and an estimate of how much time it will take. What do you think? Thanks for any input. I am new here and I really appreciate this site. |
The Perils of Working For Friends
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The Perils of Working For Friends
woodpassion wrote:
Long story short~ Remodeled basement for longtime friends, including tearing out of old paneling glued to cinder block walls, framed, drywalled, replaced windows, and hauled all the debris away. Said friends didn't even offer to buy my sandwich when they ordered out for lunch on several ocassions while I was slaving away in their basement. Have had too many similar experiences with others in the past year and have now decided not to do free work anymore. (I have a full time job not related to building, but am a very skilled carpenter/woodworker) So, "basement" friends want existing bathroom next to finished basement remodeled. I need some guidance on how much to charge...anyone here do paid work for friends? I'd like to just charge a flat fee of what it's worth to me to even bother doing it...they want me to give them an hourly rate and an estimate of how much time it will take. What do you think? Thanks for any input. I am new here and I really appreciate this site. There're a couple of ways to approach this and most people here have given the easy out - bail out now. Good advice. People that don't offer even minor hospitality to workers, and particularly friends that are working for them, are scum. It's indicative of a mentality that is best described as a defective human. There will be plenty of other opportunities for them to display their shortcomings if you take the work. I don't work for people like that and have learned to weed them out before the negotiations go to far. I beg off the job explaining that what they're looking to do isn't a good fit for me, then I give them some names of competitors who I think would enjoy a nightmare customer. Yes, I know, I'm evil. ;) As an amateur you are at a bit of a disadvantage. Are home improvement licenses required for contractors where you are? If so, you won't have a leg to stand on if the job goes into the toilet and you could be setting yourself up for bigger problems. You don't have the experience to price the job and haven't learned how to deal with problem customers. Problem customers are best avoided at all costs. It only takes one bad customer to swallow up the profits from a couple or three good customers - some you can't please no matter what you do. They'll also take every opportunity to bad mouth you and your work. If you're still contemplating working for them, you're either optimistic or stupid or a bit of both. Not meant as an insult - everyone has to put on the blinders once in while to deal with life. If you're married you know what I mean! The other way to approach it is to take the job, cover your ass with asbestos/kevlar jockeys or boxers, and set it up in a way that will minimize the headache. You'll need to have everything spelled out - if there's _any_ room for interpretation, they'll interpret it to mean they save money, every time. The hourly rate is simple for them to start bitching about. "You were gone for 45 minutes for lunch and you were ten minutes late getting here, so let's knock off an hour." You'll have to justify every hour which is a royal pain. That "rough" estimate of the total number of hours will come back to haunt you. They'll interpret that to be a cap on the price. It's a basement bathroom, so I'm not sure whether the owner will be just looking for a place to park it or the Taj Mahal. If they're planning on buying the fixtures and materials to save money it's certain that it will cost you extra time. Instead of an hourly rate give them a daily or half-day rate. That will minimize the quibbling about the number of breaks you took, etc. You may want to give a Not To Exceed labor price based on a written list with the exact fixtures, materials and quantities and work on the daily rate up to that point. A very rough ballpark way of estimating such jobs is to add all materials (including what is supplied by the owner) and labor then add at least 50 or 60%. That's roughly how much a contractor would charge. As you're doing this on the side, don't have insurance, etc it'd be hard for you to justify charging that amount. Whatever you do, make sure that you charge about $30 for that sandwich they never gave you. ;) R |
The Perils of Working For Friends
On Mon, 28 Aug 2006 13:42:55 +0100, woodpassion
wrote: Long story short~ Remodeled basement for longtime friends, including tearing out of old paneling glued to cinder block walls, framed, drywalled, replaced windows, and hauled all the debris away. Said friends didn't even offer to buy my sandwich when they ordered out for lunch on several ocassions while I was slaving away in their basement. Have had too many similar experiences with others in the past year and have now decided not to do free work anymore. (I have a full time job not related to building, but am a very skilled carpenter/woodworker) So, "basement" friends want existing bathroom next to finished basement remodeled. I need some guidance on how much to charge...anyone here do paid work for friends? I'd like to just charge a flat fee of what it's worth to me to even bother doing it...they want me to give them an hourly rate and an estimate of how much time it will take. What do you think? Thanks for any input. I am new here and I really appreciate this site. If you want them to remain "friends", decline the work at any price. You're already emotionally primed to have a conflict with them and it'll only get worse if you take on the bathroom. My advice only, and worth every penny you paid for it. Good luck Mike Mike Patterson Please remove the spamtrap to email me. "I always wanted to be somebody...I should have been more specific..." - Lily Tomlin |
The Perils of Working For Friends
Long story short~ Remodeled basement for longtime friends, including
tearing out of old paneling glued to cinder block walls, framed, drywalled, replaced windows, and hauled all the debris away. Said friends didn't even offer to buy my sandwich when they ordered out for lunch on several ocassions while I was slaving away in their basement. Have had too many similar experiences with others in the past year and have now decided not to do free work anymore. (I have a full time job not related to building, but am a very skilled carpenter/woodworker) So, "basement" friends want existing bathroom next to finished basement remodeled. I need some guidance on how much to charge...anyone here do paid work for friends? I'd like to just charge a flat fee of what it's worth to me to even bother doing it...they want me to give them an hourly rate and an estimate of how much time it will take. What do you think? Thanks for any input. I am new here and I really appreciate this site. A few of bits of advice I got when I went into business: 1. trading work with no money involved. Full retail for full retail. Charge what you would charge if you were putting a price on the job. Set the value you are trading for at what it would sell for. 2. Never do work on the if/come "if you'll give me a good price on this job, I have a lot more work." Do each piece of work as a separate job and as if you will never see this human again. They'll keep asking for the discount rate. 3. A friend does not ask you to do things for free or cheaply. If they do, they are not your friend in that regard, and a diplomatic way to decline the work must be found. If a diplomatic way cannot be found, then bluntness always works, but it may cost you a "friend". Now you may have, as I do, friends that I do free work for, but they also return the favor, and over the years, I can say the scales are even. Whenever the scales get REALLY uneven, it's time to reassess the relationship. Friends is friends, and business is business. Steve |
The Perils of Working For Friends
On Mon, 28 Aug 2006 13:42:55 +0100, woodpassion wrote:
Long story short~ You are a much nicerr man than I am. I would tell them "Nope ... I busted my tail for you and you made me pay for my own sandwich. I expect better from my friends and until you are willing to show me more consideration I can't consider you my friends." If you don't tell them what's wrong, they'll never guess. As it is they will likely express something along the line of "Well, we're sorry you took it that way." Speak. Use the exit. Let them either find another chump or reach for their checkbooks. I do discount my prices to friends ... unless they ask for a discount based on their friendship. Then it's "full retail plus 20%". Bill |
The Perils of Working For Friends
On Mon, 28 Aug 2006 13:42:55 +0100, woodpassion
wrote: So, "basement" friends want existing bathroom next to finished basement remodeled. I need some guidance on how much to charge...anyone here do paid work for friends? I'd like to just charge a flat fee of what it's worth to me to even bother doing it...they want me to give them an hourly rate and an estimate of how much time it will take. What do you think? Thanks for any input. I am new here and I really appreciate this site. If it were me, I would run (not walk) away from that job. If you've been around doing that kind of work, you surely know someone who you can trust to do them a good job. Recommend someone else and remain friends if you care to. Mike O. |
The Perils of Working For Friends
SNIP
I'd like to just charge a flat fee of what it's worth to me to even bother doing it...they want me to give them an hourly rate and an estimate of how much time it will take. What do you think? Thanks for any input. I am new here and I really appreciate this site. Here's another look at this old problem. Many will take your labor and efforts for granted, and accept all the "help" they can get. Tell them you are doing this FOR MONEY, because if you weren't, you would be working on your own house. Educate them on what your time is worth to you, and how you don't want to spend every weekend at their house unless there is $$ involved. With one of my friends, we trade out work at each other's full retail. Once he thought he got the short end of the stick, so he had someone else do the work he wanted. Fine with me. Sadly, he got screwed. (OK, I did enjoy that just a little...) Now we are back on the rail and everything works smoothly. I work for my family, too. I charge them $40 an hour for labor only, including picking up material they can't get delivered. I also require lunch. Since we had the ground rules set out up front, they don't complain. They listen to all their friends whine about how they are getting ****ed off at their remodeling contractor and they feel like they are getting a pretty good deal with me. They are happier paying me than any other arrangement. We kept hours of who did what and built a bank of hours, and they decided that it was OK to pay me for working in their house. When it came to my turn to cash in the hours, I got a load of top soil to spread and we worked on trimming my huge ash trees. Strangely... they preferred the cash arrangements... Robert |
The Perils of Working For Friends
Somebody wrote:
I'd like to just charge a flat fee of what it's worth to me to even bother doing it...they want me to give them an hourly rate and an estimate of how much time it will take. What do you think? Thanks for any input. Pretty straight forward. $1,500/4-8 hour day for anything that is legal. $800/Anything less than 4 hours. No overtime. If the complain, tell them your rates are less than a lawyer. Lew |
The Perils of Working For Friends
On Mon, 28 Aug 2006 18:03:30 -0500, Tom Kendrick
wrote: On Mon, 28 Aug 2006 18:42:47 GMT, wrote: I used to do work for friends and relatives at no charge - they paid materials, I used my tools. One day I needed to chop out a row of Lilac stumps and I gave the 1st inlaw an axe, shovel, pick. Cut out some stumps in exchange for my working for you. He was quite indignant that I would ask him to do work. Moral to the story: Unless there is at least a discussion and verbal commitment that your friends and relatives will return the favor upon request, they will consider that payment for the materials is payment in full. No further debt is owed. Some folks just don't know any better. He was quite indignant that I would ask him to do work. |
The Perils of Working For Friends
On Mon, 28 Aug 2006 18:03:30 -0500, Tom Kendrick
wrote: On Mon, 28 Aug 2006 18:42:47 GMT, wrote: I used to do work for friends and relatives at no charge - they paid materials, I used my tools. One day I needed to chop out a row of Lilac stumps and I gave the 1st inlaw an axe, shovel, pick. Cut out some stumps in exchange for my working for you. He was quite indignant that I would ask him to do work. Pete, I will not disagree with you about ungrateful people who won't return the favor. However, here's the other side: Moral to the story: Unless there is at least a discussion and verbal commitment that your friends and relatives will return the favor upon request, they will consider that payment for the materials is payment in full. No further debt is owed. This makes no sense. The senario is their car/house, they buy the material to make a fix. I flat out refuse to subsidise someone else's car or house. I supply 'some' labor to help them do the fix. Where does the payment in full come in?? Perhaps it's the worn parts and extra gaskets left behind, oil and debris on the floor that doesn't get swept up at job's end, wear and tear on tools, cost of electricity and heat that some how got turned into payment Some folks just don't know any better. He was quite indignant that I would ask him to do work for me while at the same time I did work for him . This was a discussion about trading time for time. He didn't come over here to work, he came over here to get a free ride. He had no intention of even helping me help himself. Moral to this story is there is no moral. Help those that help you and themselves while you are helping them. Whiney moochers pay their own way. Favors given should not require discussion. I am not Don Corleone looking for future considerations and this not contract law. Want a favor - give a favor. Pete |
The Perils of Working For Friends
On Mon, 28 Aug 2006 13:42:55 +0100, woodpassion
wrote: Long story short~ Remodeled basement for longtime friends, including tearing out of old paneling glued to cinder block walls, framed, drywalled, replaced windows, and hauled all the debris away. Said friends didn't even offer to buy my sandwich when they ordered out for lunch on several ocassions while I was slaving away in their basement. Have had too many similar experiences with others in the past year and have now decided not to do free work anymore. (I have a full time job not related to building, but am a very skilled carpenter/woodworker) So, "basement" friends want existing bathroom next to finished basement remodeled. I need some guidance on how much to charge...anyone here do paid work for friends? I'd like to just charge a flat fee of what it's worth to me to even bother doing it...they want me to give them an hourly rate and an estimate of how much time it will take. What do you think? Thanks for any input. I am new here and I really appreciate this site. Unless you REALLY need the money, find a way to pass... They walked on you once, they'll stomp you this time, because when you pay for something, you buy the right to bitch... Something they told us in the Army... "The 1st drop of rain that hits you is God's fault, after that, it's yours"... Mac https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis/wood_stuff.htm |
The Perils of Working For Friends
On Mon, 28 Aug 2006 18:03:30 -0500, Tom Kendrick wrote:
Pete, I will not disagree with you about ungrateful people who won't return the favor. However, here's the other side: A youth group leader (friend of mine) paid the cost for two sons to attend several youth activities because both of their parents were out of work and on hard times. A few months later, both adults were employed and had new cars in their driveway. My friend told me he intended to approach the parents for reimbursement of what he had paid for their sons' benefit. I don't remember whether he did or not. What I told him was that the parents would not consider they owed him anything - he was just being generous for the boys sake. He had never made any contract or agreement that he would be repaid, so they would rebuff his efforts to collect. Moral to the story: Unless there is at least a discussion and verbal commitment that your friends and relatives will return the favor upon request, they will consider that payment for the materials is payment in full. No further debt is owed. Some folks just don't know any better. I liked your friend a whole lot better before the "reimbursement" part... yuk! To do a good and charitable thing and then expect to be paid for it just ****es me off... YMWV Mac https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis/wood_stuff.htm |
The Perils of Working For Friends
Andrew Williams wrote:
Reminds me of some people who have gone out waterskiing with me. I drive the truck, launch the boat, drive the boat, put gas in both at great expense and otherwise do all of the work. My boat runs on gas, not on "thanks". I often take people flying in my small plane. It actually does run on "thanks", and even better on smiles. The bigger the smile, the more octane it's got! I only invite people with whom I expect to enjoy their company. If they offer something, that's very nice. Otherwise, I've spend some priceless time with them. I learned a long time ago that sharing toys and unique skills (kind of like a giving a gift) is much more enjoyable when I expect nothing in return. If I'm expecting a passenger to share costs, or a woodworking customer to pay me, we discuss all the details ahead of time. |
The Perils of Working For Friends
woodpassion wrote: Long story short~ Remodeled basement for longtime friends, including tearing out of old paneling glued to cinder block walls, framed, drywalled, replaced windows, and hauled all the debris away. Said friends didn't even offer to buy my sandwich when they ordered out for lunch on several ocassions while I was slaving away in their basement. Have had too many similar experiences with others in the past year and have now decided not to do free work anymore. (I have a full time job not related to building, but am a very skilled carpenter/woodworker) So, "basement" friends want existing bathroom next to finished basement remodeled. I need some guidance on how much to charge...anyone here do paid work for friends? I'd like to just charge a flat fee of what it's worth to me to even bother doing it...they want me to give them an hourly rate and an estimate of how much time it will take. What do you think? Thanks for any input. I am new here and I really appreciate this site. woodpassion There's a lot of wisdom been given here. Placing them at the top of your "ex-friend" list is a good approach. Because I'm the type of person I am I would be tempted to take another tack. Agree a reasonable price, get them to pay out for all the materials, start the job, create a big mess, and as soon as they start niggling at you just pack your tools up, say "Finito, Benito!" and walk away. Let them try to find a jobber who will take over someone else's incomplete project. FoggyTown |
The Perils of Working For Friends
Mortimer Schnerd, RN wrote: [snip] I think I would come up with an excuse as to why you aren't available to do the work for them at any price. Why come up with an "excuse"? Just man up and tell them that you (or the OP) doesn't like to work for friends because it's frought with problems on both sides. I like that answer. It's either friends or an arms-length relationship, but can't be both. I've been in similar circumstances, providing sophisticated spreadsheets and other computer programs. For me, I won't charge for my time because I'm not a computer professional and can't/won't warranty my work. Neither would I guarantee my woodwork. Once you start getting paid for something, you have an obligation to (a) do it right, (b) do it professionally, and (c) fix it when necessary. Regards -- |
The Perils of Working For Friends
woodpassion wrote:
Long story short~ Remodeled basement for longtime friends, including tearing out of old paneling glued to cinder block walls, framed, drywalled, replaced windows, and hauled all the debris away. Said friends didn't even offer to buy my sandwich when they ordered out for lunch on several ocassions while I was slaving away in their basement. Have had too many similar experiences with others in the past year and have now decided not to do free work anymore. (I have a full time job not related to building, but am a very skilled carpenter/woodworker) So, "basement" friends want existing bathroom next to finished basement remodeled. I need some guidance on how much to charge...anyone here do paid work for friends? I'd like to just charge a flat fee of what it's worth to me to even bother doing it...they want me to give them an hourly rate and an estimate of how much time it will take. What do you think? Thanks for any input. I am new here and I really appreciate this site. I still do work for free for (actually with) my friends. Friends helping friends is a great thing in my opinion. I would never charge my friends for anything. But, I do not think I have any "friends" that would treat me as you have described so I cant really comment on your situation. I'm slowly finishing my basement and I asked a friend to help. He did, We worked together. He got a beer or two, some food and we had a good time working together. He even bought a new tool belt on his way over. I expect I will help finish his basement or deck in the future. I will do so gladly. I even did a drive by of his house while he was on vacation to see if his lawn needed mowed. No, he didn't ask me. Its just what friends do! I have very old cottage in a campground with other very old cottages. The sound of a power tool brings all the men together to help out. If I was working on something on my cottage I would not even need to ask, I would have help quick enough. If I was free and I head someone working on their cottage I would be over with tools in hand, no questions asked. There is a flip side of course. If the guy was not friendly, not willing to help out on other peoples projects, or didn't contribute to the good of the campground I would be a little reluctant to just jump in without being asked. If asked I would probably help anyone, friends or not, if they were in need. Just some thoughts |
The Perils of Working For Friends
"Long story short~ Remodeled basement for longtime friends,"
I would ask this longtime freind to help you with some painting or yard work. If they give you labor in return i dont think you need to equate the labor rates of skilled VS unskilled. Hauling brush at your house is just as valuable as your skilled carpentry even if the real world has different rates for the two jobs (amonst friends.) |
The Perils of Working For Friends
On Tue, 29 Aug 2006 12:27:01 GMT, B A R R Y
wrote: I often take people flying in my small plane. What do you have? We don't get near enough aviation talk on this group. There has to be lots more out there. -- LRod Master Woodbutcher and seasoned termite Shamelessly whoring my website since 1999 http://www.woodbutcher.net Proud participant of rec.woodworking since February, 1997 email addy de-spam-ified due to 1,000 spams per month. If you can't figure out how to use it, I probably wouldn't care to correspond with you anyway. |
The Perils of Working For Friends
LRod wrote:
On Tue, 29 Aug 2006 12:27:01 GMT, B A R R Y wrote: I often take people flying in my small plane. What do you have? A '76 Beech C23 Sundowner. It's similar to a Piper Cherokee /Archer 180, only roomier, slightly slower, and with more doors. This particular example was re-engined in '97, and got most of a new panel in the mid-90's. Bonanza training wheels. G |
The Perils of Working For Friends
"JimR" wrote Once you start getting paid for something, you have an obligation to (a) do it right, (b) do it professionally, and (c) fix it when necessary. Regards - And, you can't just pick up and leave when they do something ignorant. Steve |
The Perils of Working For Friends
On 29 Aug 2006 05:49:48 -0700, "foggytown" wrote:
There's a lot of wisdom been given here. Placing them at the top of your "ex-friend" list is a good approach. Because I'm the type of person I am I would be tempted to take another tack. Agree a reasonable price, get them to pay out for all the materials, start the job, create a big mess, and as soon as they start niggling at you just pack your tools up, say "Finito, Benito!" and walk away. Let them try to find a jobber who will take over someone else's incomplete project. FoggyTown You have a really evil mind, Foggy.. I LIKE that in a person.. *g* An evil mind is a terrible thing to waste??? Mac https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis/wood_stuff.htm |
The Perils of Working For Friends
On Tue, 29 Aug 2006 14:17:14 GMT, "JimR" wrote:
snip I like that answer. It's either friends or an arms-length relationship, but can't be both. I've been in similar circumstances, providing sophisticated spreadsheets and other computer programs. For me, I won't charge for my time because I'm not a computer professional and can't/won't warranty my work. Neither would I guarantee my woodwork. Once you start getting paid for something, you have an obligation to (a) do it right, (b) do it professionally, and (c) fix it when necessary. Regards -- I just had that situation come up last night... I had a neighbor pick a pen last week for her birthday... sort of a personal thing, but it's hard for me to decide what pen someone else might like, because I seldom think one is good enough.. *g* Anyway, she asked last night if I'd sell her one that she liked, so that she could give it to her sister for HER b-day... I threw it in a plastic case and told her that it was a compliment to me that someone liked a pen that much, and please take it as a gift... She said that it wasn't fair that I should be giving her a 2nd pen, and insisted on paying for it... Not wanting to try explaining that I really don't like selling to friends and that the damn thing cost less than $4 to make, I just said "Ok, that one's $250"... After the shock and the laughter, she decided that free was better... Mac https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis/wood_stuff.htm |
The Perils of Working For Friends
B A R R Y wrote:
Bonanza training wheels. G AKA: Split tailed doctor killer, as it was told to me. Lew |
The Perils of Working For Friends
Lew Hodgett wrote:
B A R R Y wrote: Bonanza training wheels. G AKA: Split tailed doctor killer, as it was told to me. Lew I prefer the looks of the straight tailed version myself. From what I understand, the "killer" part of the plane is totally undeserved for any qualified pilot willing to actually do weight and balance calculations. Along with the "Dr. Killer", the Bo also has a very large following of satisfied pilots and owners. Many higher-performance private planes are easier to load tail heavy than a typical trainer. Mooneys, Cherokee Sixes, Cessna 210's etc... all can be more difficult to fly than your typical 172, Cherokee, or Musketeer. I think the next excellent plane to get an undeserved "Dumb Dr." reputation is the Cirrus SR22. A few folks have managed to panic and deploy the "ballistic recovery parachute" during perfectly do-able power-off landings. Once the parachute is deployed, directional control is lost. Even without power, a piston single can land easily on suitable terrain. One guy managed to pass up a power-off landing on flat, wide open desert in favor of a parachute landing into an oil refinery. G Our Sundowner is actually nose-heavy. With two decent size adult males in the front row and an empty back row, we end up carrying 100+ pounds of water ballast in the rear baggage area. With rear seat passengers it all comes together nicely without ballast. In 2001, I had a co-worker stall and spin a Cherokee 6 at takeoff. The accident killed all 6 aboard. The NTSB investigation determined he was right at the gross weight and aft CG limits on a hot, humid day. |
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