Job estimate?

[Bobbyg223]

I have a pricing question for a job I have never done before. A customer has asked me to give an estimate for digging 16 holes, 3 feet in diameter, 2 foot depth. They are for Hemlock trees the homeowner will be planting in a row, and will be planting in the holes himself. The job (only the digging of the holes) needs to be done by hand. I know it’s backbreaking labor, but I won’t be able to use machine for this one. The lawn the holes will be dug in is in an open area, and the soil doesn’t have any rock ledge beneath. I have a partner to help me with this job. What seems like a fair price for this job?

[jmcclurelandscape]

Hey whats up bob. Personally i wouldn't do this job, if i did i would just give an hourly rate I know you hate this but since u have never done it before you may have to. also i would charge more than normal per hour instead of 50 maybe like 75

[Mo Green]

I would give a price per hole, like $25 or $30. You never know what you might run into digging that many holes.

[lawnfree]

i would give an hourly rate to dig the holes. Then a price to remove the soil/ debris.

[NewWave04]

You beter make it worth it....You need to have a large figure on the brain to get you through this tough job....Bid high like 500 bucks....If you dont get it who cares.....Thats longer that your back will last you through the summer.....lol

[treedoc1]

lots of dirt

You are excavating a 9.5 cubic feet of dirt per hole...more than 5.5 yards of soil for the 16 holes.
My normal hand excavation rate would come out to $95 per hole...no moving the debris from the site.
Think how much you would charge to install a 7/8' hemlock...cost is $85 from nursery...tree complete...labor, plant, warranty, amendments, around $225 each.
The $95 each is right in line for you doing all the hard work and getting none of the gravy.

[l&r]

Charge them $35.00 per hole, Go to your local rental and rent a Toro dingo with a 36" post hole digger attachment for $200.00 a day. 2-3 hrs work profit about $360.00 Not too bad!

[Scaper-S2k]

I agree with l&r. A dingo will get into almost any area, and will save you tons of time, and it will save your back.

[Ric]

Yo BooBy

Welcome aboard. Glad to see you finally took my advise and came to this forum to troll.

BTW Professor Stone should be able to teach you the finer art of trolling.

[ahlgrenlandscaping]

I completely agree with L&R and Scaper the best way to go would be to rent an auger and you could probably be out in under an hour and still charge several hundred dollars he doesn't need to know you rented the equipment and you shouldn't lose out because you are working smarter not harder.

[Seascape]

You are excavating a 9.5 cubic feet of dirt per hole...more than 5.5 yards of soil for the 16 holes.
My normal hand excavation rate would come out to $95 per hole...no moving the debris from the site.
Think how much you would charge to install a 7/8' hemlock...cost is $85 from nursery...tree complete...labor, plant, warranty, amendments, around $225 each.
The $95 each is right in line for you doing all the hard work and getting none of the gravy.

And the winner is Treedoc!