I am in the process of opening a biz in NY of installing fire sprinklers i know how to install them but not how to charge per Sq foot whats the going average price or per head any starting advice?

Answer 1

Not to sound too critical but if you're not sure what to charge per sq. ft. or what to charge at any rate you should either re-think whether or not your up to the task of starting out in your new business or team up with someone with more knowledge in estimating or designing fire sprinkler systems. Sq. Ft. prices are usually averages figured out after the fact and are not a consistent or reliable way or bidding any system. Sure, they're good for ballparking projects that you may have installed 100 similar projects but there are just too many variables to simply want to throw out a sq. ft. number at people and hope to be profitable. My sincere advice would be to make the move from the field to the office with your current company if such an opening exists. Learn from the masters all about the contracting end of the business, learn how to estimate, some design principles and then start your business. I would recommend at least a year in full time estimating prior to tackling small T.I.'s and 13D projects maybe 2 years or more for becoming proficient in medium size ordinary hazard and light hazard commercial projects and additional years of training with knowledgeable estimators to tackle the larger and more complex systems and special hazards. I know you probably didn't want to hear all of this but just because you can crank a wrench and read plans doesn't mean you're ready to start your own business doing it. Good luck,