How much should I ask for my labor?

[watdahel]

A friend has asked me if I can install a new, exterior door. I said, I think I can(thanks to internet). He wants to know how much I would charge him. I'll get back on that one I told him.

The door frame appears to be in good shape, so I may not have to touch it. May be a quick paint touch up. All I need is to get the right size door and screw it on.

I'm a DIY kinda guy. I pretty much learned how to install a door just yesterday thanks to Bob Villa et al. I ask you now, the good folks of this forum, how much is my labor worth? How much would Homedepot charge? How much would a Mom & Pop store charge?

 

[olds]

What's minimum wage in your area? Subtract 10% from that and you have the number.

 

[mugs]

You're helping out a friend, you have no particular expertise in this area... if he's helping and he's anything more than a simple acquaintance, I'd do it for free/beer.

 

[Epic Fail]

6 pack.

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: yamadakun
6 pack & pizza.

 

[eelw]

How long do you expect it to take? If less than a hour, just ask for a free meal for the work.

 

[BoomerD]

I suspect there is going to be a lot more to this than you realize. Do you have all the tools necessary? Obviously, you don't have the expertise, so are you prepared to buy a replacement door if you fvck up the new one? You'll be responsible for any repairs to the casing and anything else you botch as well...He'd be better advised to have it done by someone who knows what they're doing...

 

[doze]

Unless friend is doing work and you are helping then let a pro do it. You will waste much more time than it's worth.

 

[thejnaitor]

I agree with everybody else - free meal, or just plain old free, as long as you two are more than just basic friends.

 

[watdahel]

We're lovers. Just kidding. It's not actually a friend. A neighbor. I think these folks are looking for a deal that's why they asked me.

I did some extensive research yesterday. So I'm well versed in the procedures on complete door installation. Even the instructions told me I can do it. I'll go over them again.

Like I said, the door frame seems to be intact and may not need changing. In a worst case scenario, I'll have to put on a new door frame, jamb it up, put holes on the door, hinge it on, cover frame with paper, install brick molds, and lastly silicone seal the hell out of it. If I'm nice I may even install a door knob.

For a noob, it may take 5 hours to do the worst case scenario. I think.

 

[DainBramaged]

Originally posted by: RossMAN

Originally posted by: yamadakun
6 pack & pizza.

 

[doze]

Originally posted by: erwin1978
We're lovers. Just kidding. It's not actually a friend. A neighbor. I think these folks are looking for a deal that's why they asked me.

I did some extensive research yesterday. So I'm well versed in the procedures on complete door installation. Even the instructions told me I can do it. I'll go over them again.

Like I said, the door frame seems to be intact and may not need changing. In a worst case scenario, I'll have to put on a new door frame, jamb it up, put holes on the door, hinge it on, cover frame with paper, install brick molds, and lastly silicone seal the hell out of it. If I'm nice I may even install a door knob.

For a noob, it may take 5 hours to do the worst case scenario. I think.

In the worst case scenario the house is old, the original frame is crooked/warped, the door you buy is not cut to the right size, and you realize that you do not have all the proper tools to hang a door halfway into it.

If you wanna help your neighbors thats cool, but this type of project can come back to bite you in the @$$ if your not careful.

 

[DayLaPaul]

Sounds like too much headache if you ask me. Are you that hard up for cash? Cuz I I see a lot more potential for harm then a huge score.