Help with estimate please....

[ProCareLS]

I'm not quite sure what to charge for the below property (commercial). I have not problems estimating smaller properties, but when they get this big, I don't know if I'm charging the right price. I have yet to pick up a large commercial account, and have bid many.

Property:
- Property is a church.
- 3.5 to 4 acres standard cut, once a week, do not have to catch clippings.
- Decent amount of trimming (not extreme amount).
- Decent amount of edging (not extreme amount).
- Cleanup clippings when done.

- 3.3 acre field in back of church to be "brushhogged" once a month.

Was wondering what you guys would charge for such an account.


Thanks,
John

[MGO]

You need to go to the FREE section and look at some of the threads by Grassmaster on estimating jobs.

First thing you will need is a measuing wheel so that you can actually measure the property. Measure the dimensions and determine the area you have to mow........measure how many linear feet of trimming you have and also what the sq.ft of surfaces to blow off is.

Then......WE could all give you an idea of how long it will take you to mow, trim, and blow.....with the equipment WE have.....but without knowing what equipment you have at your disposal it is impossible.

Once you know the time required to do the work.....you simply multiply the time by your hourly rate you want to earn (including you cost associated with running equipment).

I may want to earn $50.00 per hour for my time and the next guy may only need $35.00 per hour etc.......depends on operating expenses, etc.

If you want to tell me how many linear feet of trimming and area of hard surfaces to blow I can give you a time estimate based on my spreadsheet that i use for calculating times.....

[ProCareLS]

OK, I'm to go on everything but the 3.3 acres that need to brushogged once a month. 3.3 acres is the exact measurement, and i'm going to use a tractor with a 60" brushhog attachment.

Any help would be appreciated.


Thanks,
John

[MGO]

ONCE A MONTH?????

3.3 acres = 148,315 sq.ft

Assume 3 mph with 55" cut (60" mower with 5" overlap)

SO you can cut 71,500 sq ft/hr.

So that is 2 hours 5 minutes to cut......

Throw in unloading and loading time and drive time if you want...multiply by hourly rate you want to make and Bingo....you got a price.

(If you can cut at 4 mph then adjust, etc...)

[CCLS]

If they are looking for a cheap company $30-$35 per acre should get it. If they are looking for a quality job then bid $50-$60 per acre.

[Mo Green]

I'm not quite sure what to charge for the below property (commercial). I have not problems estimating smaller properties, but when they get this big, I don't know if I'm charging the right price. I have yet to pick up a large commercial account, and have bid many.

Property:
- Property is a church.
- 3.5 to 4 acres standard cut, once a week, do not have to catch clippings.
- Decent amount of trimming (not extreme amount).
- Decent amount of edging (not extreme amount).
- Cleanup clippings when done.

- 3.3 acre field in back of church to be "brushhogged" once a month.

Was wondering what you guys would charge for such an account.


Thanks,
John

I'm not sure I understand.....you don't have to catch the clippings, but you have to clean up the clippings when you are done. Are you referring to blowing off sidewalks and driveways in the second one?

[ProCareLS]

Yes, do not have to catch while mowing, but clean up all driveways and walkways when done.