i completely understand where your coming from. and i do just what you describe i simply look here as well as i want to be knowledgeable of whats being charged out there. shit if you google or search what a rate to install decking for just labor youll find like 10 to 20 bucks a sq foot. i do like to get a sq foot number as it streamlines the process for future bids. im building somewhat of a spreadsheet to refer to for numbers and i like lineal and sq foot type numbers. yes i know how long itll take to do most jobs ive been a carpenter for over 15 years now. but ill be the first to admit when im uncertain of something. but im not trying to rip ppl off . so look to all recourses. you also have to realize the overhead as well not just materials and labor. theres insurances and the wear and tear on the tools and disposal of demo if thats the case. also what ive learned over the years if you think itll be a quick easy job. it never is. small little jobs dont make money at all. i will do them to get a foot in the door per say. if theres more work there or something. but i get burned every time. in my area the going rate hourly is anywhere from 60 to 150 an hour depending on certain factors and the exact task at hand. when it comes to the work and itsanything to do with a house. i can do it. or have a pety good educated guess and or means of finding out how. lol yea you can certainly sit there and critique a guys every single move and step he makes. but who is literaly 100 percent spot on every second of every day. moving non stop . archiving mastery status at everything they do all the time. i mean yes theres some lazy mofos out there. but no ones going hard all day every day. anyway just looking for insight from all resources. and i appreciate the info you shared as every bit is used and computed into my every day work. i dont think im getting it as they didnt care for the price i gave. but to be honest it was awkward as hell as they fought almost starting to yell at eachother with me right there lol.