Can some one explain how it works

[egginyourface]

Hi all,

Ive been given an oppurtunity to meet a company that does all sorts of building works, from schools to local authority and businesses...

Ive never had to deal with anyone like this in the past so i feel like a little fish swimming upto a big fish

The thing i would like to know is how do you deal with them.

When it comes ot pricing up the various works do they give you a price and you agree on it if i suits you?

Do you then draw up contracts and arrange to be paid at different stages?

 

[prideofengland]

Most of the larger building contractors expect you to tender for the work, they will provide drawings and specifications for you to work out your quote from. Be carefull to check the specifications very carefully as many specify which manufactures to use and often is at the top end. Do a take off for a materials list and get at least 3 quotes from differant wholesalers for your material cost. Then work out how long you think the work will take and multiply this by your hourly rate. Add a % for unexpected costs and profit.

Sometimes they may have set rates for particular jobs, but thse tend to be on the low side and best avoided unless your desperate for work.

As for payment that varies according to the company. I think most work on staged payments based on the % of work completed but you will have to find out this information from them as methods vary considerably. Also if you know of any other contractors who work for them make some enquireys as to how good they are at paying, some take several months.

Good luck

 

[VoltzElectrical]

set up a limited company to put all this through. Separate insurance and you get paid by dividends or PAYE, but no personal liabilities if anything goes wrong.

 

[IQ Electrical]

Some good advice and I'll add that you don't do anything without an order and you agree payment terms, programmes and specifications in writing every step of the way, there are a couple of current threads here describing larger contractors squeezing subbies!Don't be put off if there is a schedule of rates in place, if you're a 1 man band with low costs, these rates are often perfectly suited to you!