1/4 acre cleared

[mikeslawnservice]

My aunt just bought a new house that has about 1 acre of ground. She wants about 1/4 acre cleared.

Now let me explain what it looks like. The previous owners did not manage the property properly. It is mostly all brush. Some of it is about 1/4" to 1/2" thick.

Here comes the problem: The back yard is about 20 feet below the house. There are about 16 steps going down to the yard.

There is no way to get a machine down there to clear it, and it is very rocky. We will have to use hand held echo brushcutters and sickels.

There are 3 of us doing the job. She just wants the brush thrown in the forest next to her, which is her property also.

I am approximating between 8 - 12 hours worth of work for this job. How do I price it?????

[Seascape]

Old gas shears,loppers,string trimmer,old push mower,chain saw
Sounds like a sunday job. Depending on how close w/ your aunt you are. Im sure shes paying cash. Im thinking the cost of your labor + 300? Or just put your guys on it and just try to make 100? Typically sounds like an 800 or more job if it had removal.
mike

[mikeslawnservice]

string trimmer's not gonna cut it. Can't push a mower over the rocks. It must all be done by hand. I'm thinking around $800 or $900. I have the echo split boom and I just went and bought the brushcutter attachment for it. That should speed things up some.

I don't think she wants to spend that kind of money though. Should I lower my price even more because she's my aunt? I already lowered MY rate by $10 less per hour for her because she IS FAMILY. I don't like negotiating though.

Help me out a little here guys!!!!

[Seascape]

i know family work gets old. Ive eliminated it almost entirely but still get hit up occasionally. I have a hard time charging full price to any family members. Ive went as far as giving the job to my guys and letting them use my trucks and equipment. This way i dont get bothered w/ the job and it gets done cheap. couple extra hundred dollars is more appealing to hourly guys than to those of us who on a good day can clear a few grand. But ya i suggest getting the cost down for her. Never know when youll need her. Chances are shes changed your diapers. Id schedule this job on a weekend and just get it done cheap.
mike

[mikeslawnservice]

Seascape, How cheap do you think I can go with this??

[Seascape]

thats up to you. personally id let my guys have it and id stay home and watch the race. but maybe just figure what youll have in it than add $100. Market price sounds up in the 800 - 1000 but its your family. Has she ever watched your back? its all up to you though.
mike

[dustin]

hey mike

use a brush cutter like the billy goat or dr models . they will shred all the brush , so you have less to remove and pile.

to get the machine down the stairs just run some 2x6's down the stairs as ramps as these machines are self propelled they will go both ways with ease.

the machines rent for anywhere up to a hundred $$ a day but will be much quicker way to do it . charge accordinly it's yer aunt , give her a break but you still want to make a profit . she wants the work done if you don't do it someone else will.


dustin

[mikeslawnservice]

dustin, if you read my post, I said that I can't use one of those because of the stairs. There is no other way in or out of that yard except for the stairs. Sorry but I posted it on here twice that it would have to be small equiptment. No brush hogs or bigger cutters. No problem getting down, big problem getting up.

[mikeslawnservice]

The stairs are about 20 feet long and they curve too.

[Seascape]

whats she want done w/ the rocks you spoke of?
mike

[mikeslawnservice]

She wants the rocks left there.


The time frame I gave was for removal of the brush also. I really don't know how long it will take to just cut it down and throw it in the woods that she doesn't want cut down. she said that would be OK. Any suggestions on price???

I've never really done a job like this before and have no idea what to really charge.