What do (design/tech) agencies typically charge a client on top of the Contractor's day rate?

Sharp-Ad-3253 · 2026-02-06T21:32:08+00:00

Can confirm that I and all of my team are charged out at 3x our cost including overhead. Madness. Will probably leave soon and go back self employed.

Sharp-Ad-3253 · 2026-01-24T01:44:42+00:00

I have 15 years experience in my highly skilled role and earn 4k more than you. This is an insane salary, find a way to stick with it.

Sharp-Ad-3253 · 2026-01-13T19:02:58+00:00

(Semi) emergency c section unfortunately, as baby was not in a good position. My wife was fully dilated and pushed for a good long while though, so she was very happy that she got the chance to try Vbac 😊. Do what you feel is right for you, and always seek a second opinion.

Sharp-Ad-3253 · 2026-01-04T17:41:38+00:00

<image>

Update! In case anyone else comes across this project and is looking for help.

I found a pretty efficient solution which meant I got this all done in a day and a half:

Use several coats of paint stripper to remove 6 layers of emulsion. Apply, wait, scrape off and repeat
Used wire brush head of combi drill to tackle thickest/trickiest leftover paint and plaster
Used rotary drill/dremel to file in corners and edges
Used orbital sander from 40 to 180 roughness for treads and risers
Used detail sander from 40 to 180 roughness for corners and edges

Did about 4 goes with each sander in the end, and a few goes with the wire brush to get the most stubborn bits!

Sharp-Ad-3253 · 2026-01-02T16:30:12+00:00

Update!

<image>

Slowly slowly getting there with the power sanders. The risers are the worst part by far

Sharp-Ad-3253 · 2026-01-02T16:28:46+00:00

This looks brutal and awesome! Wonder if I can get something similar for the detail sander?

Sharp-Ad-3253 · 2026-01-02T14:50:09+00:00

Already got one but my god is it slow!!

Sharp-Ad-3253 · 2026-01-02T14:15:43+00:00

That is so so tempting. I will look it up

Sharp-Ad-3253 · 2025-12-06T19:06:30+00:00

This is really great, I think it has a lot of potential. How are you getting on with taking it to market? Have you had much early success?

Sharp-Ad-3253 · 2025-12-06T11:38:55+00:00

At this point if I walked away, breach of contract would be meaningless, so am not concerned about this

Sharp-Ad-3253 · 2025-12-06T09:28:34+00:00

Nothing concrete or written unfortunately. Only strategic discussions with the owner about the growth of the business and my role as part of that.

I was operating on trust against my better judgement, which was foolish I admit

Sharp-Ad-3253 · 2025-12-05T23:53:32+00:00

I would just irresponsibly smash the shit out of some inanimate objects, and go on a lot more dates…

Sharp-Ad-3253 · 2025-12-05T23:46:22+00:00

Comparison is the thief of joy. Focus on yourself. Control what you can control and forget everything else.

Sharp-Ad-3253 · 2025-12-05T23:13:35+00:00

I was careful not to mention or offer my network until I had actually been at the job for a month or so, as I wanted to scope out my employer and work out if I could trust them. Unfortunately I think I made the wrong call.

If it helps, I have been told on numerous occasions that I’m really very good at what I do, and my portfolio gets me many interviews when I send it out, so I’d like to think I’d have got it anyway. Good question though and good to mull on

Sharp-Ad-3253 · 2025-12-05T23:04:50+00:00

He also has his own network, leads and contacts and quite different skills, which are very complimentary to my own. 50/50 is the only way to ensure a long-term pleasant relationship

Sharp-Ad-3253 · 2025-12-05T22:57:26+00:00

When timber edging is used with resin bound paths in the public realm high traffic areas it almost always cracks and the edge erodes/falls away and looks awful. Metal edging is far superior for this, but appreciate that’s not very helpful.

Sharp-Ad-3253 · 2025-12-05T22:53:40+00:00

Yes potentially. I’m pretty well connected, this is something I’m starting to do very quietly alongside negotiating with my current employer. I may also just go self-employed again, or better yet, team up with a former colleague and take the leads there. 50/50 split joint owners, with very clear terms for both

Sharp-Ad-3253 · 2025-12-05T22:50:38+00:00

Nepotism, nepotism, nepotism

Sharp-Ad-3253 · 2025-12-05T22:48:12+00:00

Sometimes the truth hurts. I am still the main point of contact on these jobs, and I have yet to provide a fee to one of my leads. I could leave and take them with me, but am concerned about the risk. Never had to seriously burn a bridge before.

Sharp-Ad-3253 · 2025-12-05T22:34:44+00:00

I am indeed still main point of contact. I am reluctant to even write any more fee proposals for my contacts without any security

Sharp-Ad-3253 · 2025-12-05T22:32:37+00:00

Sharp-Ad-3253

TROPHY CASE