I cannot feed my family for that.

[Bryan H.]

This is what a contractor told me today. Do they need a diet or am I out of line?

I'm closing on a house next week and I'm trying to line up someone to get it rent ready. A contractor my PM company recommended came out and gave me a quote for about $17k. He said it would take about a week to complete everything.

Here are examples of SOW & pricing

• P/I (4) gutter extensions - $65
• P/I (2) vacuum breakers on hose bibs - $39
• Build 2 steps to back door - $475
• P/I GFI - $65
• Paint interior of house - around 2000sf total - $2000 materials $2400 labor
• Clean carpets (3) 12x12 bedrooms (1) 20x12 rec room (1) set of stairs - $600
• Tear off/replace roof 14 sq, $5300 (got a quote from someone else for $3700)

Obviously there are other things, but wanted to provide examples.

Am I wrong to think he's crazy?

[Tony Reale]

Don't hire a general contractor. You are right that is crazy for you, and he is right, he can't feed his family for providing you with a 15 dollar an hour guy. Hire a handyman, a roofer, and a painter and you just answered your own question.

If he is a G.C. and pays a guy 15 dollars an hour, it costs him closer to 22 dollars an hour to provide that.....(workers comp, other ins, tools, advertising, etc. and many other things). You are not wrong in this is expensive for you, but don't talk like he is way off for what you want in a weeks time.