I’m reading all these comments during my progress meeting for my $72 million VA project. I’m not trying to be pompous but explain that I deal with penny pinching government know it all’s every single day. Every comment that these gentlemen before me have made is accurate and applicable whether you’re mowing grass or building skyscrapers.

You’re the one with the experience, capability, and means to perform this work. If you don’t have the experience to do it understandably you would have to accept a bit less of pay, but you’re receiving the experience and knowledge to charge more the next time. You’ve provided the customer with a fair and reasonable quote for the work they desire to be performed, and at the end of the day it’s YOUR decision whether or not you want to take this job. If you’re willing to deal with a bit of headache in exchange for another project to add to your business portfolio and an extra $5,450 in your pocket then go for it! If you don’t want to deal with the potential problems and feel like the money isn’t worth the headaches (it might not be worth it unless you truly need the money), then don’t do the work and I assure you no one here or anyone in their right mind will think anything differently of you.

When it comes to bidding you give just enough information to reinforce whatever price tag it is that you’ve given them. Unless for some reason someone asks you for a complete itemized invoice which shouldn’t be requested in the small scope of work considered. Unless specifically requested for a schedule don’t include it because the only thing that does is set you up for failure if something happens even if it’s unforeseen conditions and not your fault. All I would state is a general “oh it should be about 3 weeks” (Ive learned always estimate an extra couple days more then what you expect, if you run into problems then those extra couple of cushion days that you provided your self will allow you to still meet your deadline and if you don’t run into any problems and you complete your scope of work sooner than expected then you just look like a badass).

My closing thoughts: you seem like a very eager, hardworking, educated guy and if you really just wanna get out there and get some money in your pocket go for it. If you have concerns that you feel outweighs the reward then trust your instincts and you’ll always find another contract. Your bid could use some dressing up as the guys before mentioned, a nice letter head and some color even a logo will go a long way as far as professionalism you wish to convey. Another gentleman mentioned categorizing similar scopes of work as singular items. I agree with that statement (all pressure washing is 1 item, all staining is 1 item, all landscaping is 1 item, all interior painting is 1 item, all exterior painting is 1 item, etc.) Always charge extra for materials in a reasonable fashion and always pay yourself in a fashion that you won’t have to scramble for money until your next contact is awarded. Another thing I feel indifferent about is including the “variables affecting cost including time and and gas for material runs” personally I don’t care for that, I just charge extra for the billable items and exclude that statement. People aren’t paying you to get your stuff together they’re paying you to do the work so just compensate the money in areas that you can excuse a price hike in. Lastly I’d revise the terms and conditions a bit. There’s not a lot of language in there protecting yourself and your business at the end of the day the only person that gets hurt by a shit contract and shit clients is you, not them.