[Forest Stump]

Hello All,

I am a full time fireman and part time multi-services type of guy. I currently grind tree stumps (Rayco RG50) and do minor tree work as a leave day job, however have just put a deposit on a 14ft, 14k dump trailer and a Bobcat S250. I figured I would post this thread here because most everyone on here uses this type of equipment. I was curious as to how you go about your pricing for construction sight cleanup and driveway (cement) tear outs. Is there any kind of ball park formula, such as by the yard for construction debris or by the sq ft for cement removal? I really do not do much landscaping, however run into situations doing trees with another company where i have rented skid steers, and thought I could pay myself instead of renting. Any input?

Thanks,
Kirk

[Bill Schwab]

It depends on several variables which are going to be different all over the country.

1, where do you truck concrete spoils to, (how many miles away and how long does it take to get there and back from the average job, and are they a recycle yard where you can dump for less, or do you pay through the nose for dumping?

2, how much are you payments on the machinery and when is it projected to be paid off?

3, how much are you paying yourself?

4, how much do your insurances cost?

All that stuff factors in.

In our average tear out, for WAG style pricing only, if we hit $2.00-2.30 per sf of tear out on the average tract home driveway (800sf) we have recovered equipment costs, trucking costs, dump fees, paid wages, insurances, work comp, salaries, and put 30% in our pocket.

Your numbers ain't gunna be what my numbers are, especially if you are running tear out in a dump trailer. Your trucking costs will be well over mine because you can't carry enough to make the trips economical. WE drop a 20 yard box, unload a machine and a guy, run the breaker, unhook, scoop up the spoils, load the box and we are down the road to the next one. The dump trailer will cause you to make numerous trips, which eat time.

Your numbers might well be double what mine are to do the same job. Sorry I can't help any more, but you should be able to do a little math and get a starting point with what I gave you.