I recently had some beams installed in my basement. The installers subcontracted a plumber to reroute the supply lines to a washer and sink. Because of the new location of the supply, I wanted the laundry/sink drain reworked to a more convenient configuration. I agreed that this was beyond the scope of the beam installation job, so I knew to expect a separate invoice for the drainage work. I tried asking how much it would cost, but never got a straight answer. The only reply I got was "time and materials", but he wouldn't give me an approximation of how long it would take, or what the cost of the materials might be. They moved forward with the work, and when I got the bill I was shocked: over $750 in total. I feel like I was over-charged. They billed for 6 hours of labor, and $230 of parts. I only saw that they were there for 4 hours, max. For materials, I count about 10 ft. of PVC, 5 or 6 fittings, two 1/4 turn valves for the sink, and two new valves for the laundry hookup (I asked them to replace the values, which was also out of scope for the beam installation.). Does the $750 seem excessive? It does to me, but I'm not experienced with plumbing costs. Is there anything I can/should to do ask them about their charges?
Plumbing charges
- Thread starter jordanc8
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The low end for hourly is $125 an hour and the higher end is more like $250
Add for travel and standard markup on parts, and that seems in the ballpark. My cost on a washer box with valves is $40
Add for travel and standard markup on parts, and that seems in the ballpark. My cost on a washer box with valves is $40
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With 2 guys for 4 hours, should they have billed for 8 hours?
CountryBumkin
Active Member
That's why these DIY forums are so popular and useful.
One guy was working on my requests, and the other was working on the other stuff necessary for the beam installation.
Good to know. Thanks.
When I probed for more details about the expected cost, I thought he said $150 for the first hour. I was charged an average of $83 per hour, so that's good for me. I'm just surprised it took 6 hours of labor.
Dj2
In the Trades
"I'm just surprised it took 6 hours of labor."
Sometimes contractors add travel time, part ordering time, delivery and other things into the mix.
What do you think lawyers do?
That's why, next time you are going to shop around by taking at least 2 estimates, unless time is of the essence.
Sometimes contractors add travel time, part ordering time, delivery and other things into the mix.
What do you think lawyers do?
That's why, next time you are going to shop around by taking at least 2 estimates, unless time is of the essence.
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