Is the $7,600 quote for LABOR ONLY reasonable for our kitchen remodel project?

[muckem09]

Any help/advice/insight would help! I appreciate it so much! I'm just trying to figure out if the quote we received for labor only- we purchased the cabinets/countertops separately- is in the reasonable ballpark. Any weighing in from others who have done a similarly large kitchen remodel and know the price they paid or from contractors who see these things priced out all the time would be so so so appreciated!!

We are remodeling our kitchen and its a pretty big project. I just want a couple of professionals to weigh in on if they think the quote I received on the labor is reasonable?

We paid about $10,500 for new kitchen cabinets through menards and are now hiring a contractor to install them, along with a couple other things.

We received a quote for the labor at $7,600. This would include removing and disposing of our old cabinets and countertops, including an island. There are about 35 feet of old cabinets (including the tops and bottoms) to remove and dispose of. It would include hanging all our new cabinets. The new cabinets needing installation would all be about the same dimensions/length as the old ones EXCEPT for an extra 10 foot bank of tall cabinets running the length of the old dining room. It would include installing our new quartz countertops (coming back to do that after doing the template, etc). The countertops would be about 21 feet in total length (including one 6 foot x 3 foot island). It would include taking out two small walls- one is about 3 to 4 feet and the other is about 2 to 3 feet. One of the walls being removed has an intake vent in it that will need to be moved via access through the basement. It would include all the drywall repair/patching (but not painting). It would include removal of our old backsplash (but not installation of our new one). It would also include taping mud and sand as needed and installing trim, etc... It would NOT include electrical.

Please let me know (with this limited information) if my 7600 dollar quote for all this just seems ballpark reasonable. I don't need it to be super precise (obviously). I just want to know if this figure seems within reasonable territory. The contractor seems extremely competent, has 30 years experience, and a good reputation.

 

[BoomerD]

I'm not a contractor, and AFAIK, we only have one actual contractor here, but there are way too many unknown variables to be able to really answer your questions. Removing cabinets isn't usually all that difficult. 2 guys can generally remove a whole kitchen full of cabinets in a few hours. A bit longet if they need to be saved in good condition for re-use/re-sale.
Installation can be different than removal. Lots of variables there that can complicate things.

Where are you located? Local labor rates can really affect costs.

Greenman is the contractor here. Maybe he can provide more/better info.

 

[Greenman]

As Boomer said, it's tough to say without seeing the project. With that said, the last kitchen I did was $15k Labor. Demoed the old cabinets, removed a 4' wide wall, added some electric to bring it up to code, moved the kitchen sink plumbing about three feet. I also did the drywall (about 3 sheets) installed the cabinets and trim, installed the appliances, and did the tile splash. The owner handled the finished floors, counter tops, and purchased everything except for the electrical and plumbing parts.

The most important thing said in this thread so far is what you said "The contractor seems extremely competent, has 30 years experience, and a good reputation". Put a price on that, and think about what Scooter and Bubba would do to your house for a third less. Hire the pro.

 

[s0me0nesmind1]

I'm no contractor - so I can't exactly comment on labor.

I will say this though - In my experience in life when discussing this topic (remodeling their kitchen), friends, family, etc. have always quoted me somewhere between $15k - $30k (depending obviously on how elaborate/changing the project it). The point being this: It isn't cheap.... And based on those prices I can reasonably infer that the a large chunk of those costs aren't replacement cabinets and other physical goods.

So based on that, $8k sounds within reason to me.

Like Greenman indicated, you can probably shop around and call for quotes all over and find prices that are roughly + or - ~$1000, but it's also a risk you will take. Personally I would go with the person that seems the most comfortable and experienced over saving a buck.... and in this case, roughly 1/20th of your overall project cost at most.

 

[highland145]

2013, we spent $21K total. That was stripping to the studs, custom cabinets, granite, sheet rock, added a dishwasher, some electrical work, sink/faucet/plumbing, re-finish the floors, .... Hurt my feelings because I told the wife she could spend $12K. She spent $10K on the cabinets...

And our kitchen is pretty small.

Well worth the $$. Some old saying about the penny you save today and the dissatisfaction you have for life.

 

[muckem09]

I'm not a contractor, and AFAIK, we only have one actual contractor here, but there are way too many unknown variables to be able to really answer your questions. Removing cabinets isn't usually all that difficult. 2 guys can generally remove a whole kitchen full of cabinets in a few hours. A bit longet if they need to be saved in good condition for re-use/re-sale.
Installation can be different than removal. Lots of variables there that can complicate things.

Where are you located? Local labor rates can really affect costs.

Greenman is the contractor here. Maybe he can provide more/better info.

I live in Wisconsin to answer your question. Thank you for your reply! I am getting several and it is really making me feel more comfortable with this project!

 

[muckem09]

As Boomer said, it's tough to say without seeing the project. With that said, the last kitchen I did was $15k Labor. Demoed the old cabinets, removed a 4' wide wall, added some electric to bring it up to code, moved the kitchen sink plumbing about three feet. I also did the drywall (about 3 sheets) installed the cabinets and trim, installed the appliances, and did the tile splash. The owner handled the finished floors, counter tops, and purchased everything except for the electrical and plumbing parts.

The most important thing said in this thread so far is what you said "The contractor seems extremely competent, has 30 years experience, and a good reputation". Put a price on that, and think about what Scooter and Bubba would do to your house for a third less. Hire the pro.

Thank you for replying to my question! I was really only looking for a little insight or added perspective and you gave it to me! I am feeling much better about just proceeding with this contractor. I am really not trying to quibble over minor amounts of money (in the scope of this whole project) and would consider paying a little bit more reasonable anyhow if the guy we are hiring comes with a lot of experience and a great reputation. That being said, I still have been trying to do a bit of my due diligence in this whole matter from the financial side of things (to make sure the quote is within ballpark one way or the other and not inflated too majorly- I hadn't been thinking it really was.)

So thank you again, this project has been stressing me out- so much time and money! I appreciate the help!

 

[bigi]

I find this labor only quote extremely high.

Chicago burbs here, 4K TOPS! for labor only.

 

[Greenman]

I find this labor only quote extremely high.

Chicago burbs here, 4K TOPS! for labor only.

Far to many variables involved to say that. Access to the site, dump fees, local building codes, local labor rates, insurance requirements, workmans comp rates, all of those things will affect the price.

 

[trungma]

Looks reasonable. People under estimate the cost of demolition and disposal. Also, you definitely want an experienced contractor. Walls are never square or plumb so a good contractor is essential so that your installation looks professional.

Have you've gotten other quotes to compare?

 

[muckem09]

Thanks for everyone weighing in. I have not gotten other quotes to compare. I mainly have not done so because it took a decent amount of time as is just getting the quote finalized with the contractor I've been working with so far. I say that because he actually took quite a long time going over everything I wanted and measurements and he seemed really fastidious about checking angles (I have a weird angled wall with cabinetry up against one of the small walls that I am having taken out) to make sure that I was ordering cabinets and he was figuring out stuff so that the cabinets could be as "flush" as possible and everything would look as professional as possible (based on the weird angle of the wall, etc).

So I probably will still have another quote done but I am sort of dragging my feet on it because I really like the contractor I've been working with- he seems very competent and knowledgeable and, more than that, he seems to really take a lot of time and care to make sure ahead of it all that things will come out well.

So part of me just wants to forego another quote because, even if I could get a little money off, I don't know that I want that to influence me too much. I mean, if the $7600 quote I've been given is WAY over-inflated I want to know it because then I would have to look elsewhere but if it is ballpark (which is what I'm trying to guage by asking on these websites) then I don't really want to pinch at pennies. I'd rather go with someone I am comfortable with and who I have confidence in. I hope that makes sense.

 

[Micrornd]

So I probably will still have another quote done but I am sort of dragging my feet on it because I really like the contractor I've been working with- he seems very competent and knowledgeable and, more than that, he seems to really take a lot of time and care to make sure ahead of it all that things will come out well.

I would ask to see some of his prior kitchen installs, if he has satisfied customers, it shouldn't be a problem.
Just remember that if he does show you some, they will probably be his best and with the least problems.
But at least you will see the quality of his work and how it holds up.

 

[Greenman]

I would ask to see some of his prior kitchen installs, if he has satisfied customers, it shouldn't be a problem.
Just remember that if he does show you some, they will probably be his best and with the least problems.
But at least you will see the quality of his work and how it holds up.

Most likely he won't do it.
I'll happily hand over a list of prior clients with their phone numbers (with the clients permission), but there is no way I'd ask them to become a part of my sales presentation. I'd also note that the vast majority of people have no clue as to what to look for in a finished project. They're going to see nice paint and pretty cabinets, they won't notice the details that make a quality project.

 

[bigi]

Far to many variables involved to say that. Access to the site, dump fees, local building codes, local labor rates, insurance requirements, workmans comp rates, all of those things will affect the price.

True. Still, 7K for labor is absurd, unless all of the mentioned things are very expensive/unfavorable to the whole situation.

But, there is a big 'but' - if somebody is fine with paying it, it is all good. Not my $.

 

[Greenman]

True. Still, 7K for labor is absurd, unless all of the mentioned things are very expensive/unfavorable to the whole situation.

But, there is a big 'but' - if somebody is fine with paying it, it is all good. Not my $.

I'm a general contractor, and I wouldn't even bother looking at the job with the description supplied and the one quote he has.

 

[highland145]

$7K divided by the number of professionals I had isn't much $$ each.

 

[bigi]

$7K divided by the number of professionals I had isn't much $$ each.

How many people do you need for that job? 7?

 

[highland145]

How many people do you need for that job? 7?

If you count the contractors help..
2 or 3 for the cabinets
3 for the demo
2 for the floors
1 sheet rock after the hanging
2 or 3 for the granite
1.5 for the plumbing (I was the grunt helper)
1 for the electrical.

That's a lot of mouths to feed.

Copied from the original thread...

$10.3K cabinets.
$800 demo. Labor and dumpster.
$1100 refinish the oak floors.
$1250 sheet rock.
$3200 granite.
$3500 plumbing. The quartz resin sink, 2 faucets and filter kit were $1450 wholesale.🙄
$650 for some new wiring/outlets.
Maybe $200 for paint/trim.

 

[jmagg]

True. Still, 7K for labor is absurd, unless all of the mentioned things are very expensive/unfavorable to the whole situation.

But, there is a big 'but' - if somebody is fine with paying it, it is all good. Not my $.

Workmans comp rates are astronomical in construction.

 

[microAmp]

I just spent about 4k on labor for cabinet removal, backslash removal and installation of my new cabinets. Haven't even gotten to installation of newcountertops and backsplash.

Two workers too them about 10? hours on removal and another 10 it so for installation and sheetrock for backsplash part.

 

[highland145]

I just spent about 4k on labor for cabinet removal, backslash removal and installation of my new cabinets. Haven't even gotten to installation of newcountertops and backsplash.

Two workers too them about 10? hours on removal and another 10 it so for installation and sheetrock for backsplash part.

$100/hr each...ouch. What city/state?

 

[Micrornd]

Workmans comp rates are astronomical in construction.

You have no idea.
It goes beyond that, that type of construction is really on the lower end of WC rates for construction.
(Even though it doesn't feel that way for them, I'm sure)
The whole industry is divided into segments by ratings and that type is considered "light construction".
The segment I was in was "heavy" so the rates were 3-6 times those in the "light segment".
And there were at least 3 classes above "heavy" in my state.
And don't get me started on subcontractors and their WC.
Being a GC makes you responsible for all subs that set foot on site.
Always fun and games, right Greenman 😉

 

[Micrornd]

Most likely he won't do it.
I'll happily hand over a list of prior clients with their phone numbers (with the clients permission), but there is no way I'd ask them to become a part of my sales presentation. I'd also note that the vast majority of people have no clue as to what to look for in a finished project. They're going to see nice paint and pretty cabinets, they won't notice the details that make a quality project.

Yeah, I keep forgetting how that works.
Our jobs were city/county/state and all part of the public record, so all easily accessed and asked about in the industry.
Everything a matter of public record and changes and alterations approved by governing bodies.
We were/are lucky in that we have/had an excellent rep and our clients were/are always happy to see us after the bid process.
We got many jobs based on the "lowest and best" clause in the bid process, so we weren't always the low bidder.
That and we were/are in a specialized segment of construction.

 

[jmagg]

You have no idea.
It goes beyond that, that type of construction is really on the lower end of WC rates for construction.
(Even though it doesn't feel that way for them, I'm sure)
The whole industry is divided into segments by ratings and that type is considered "light construction".
The segment I was in was "heavy" so the rates were 3-6 times those in the "light segment".
And there were at least 3 classes above "heavy" in my state.
And don't get me started on subcontractors and their WC.
Being a GC makes you responsible for all subs that set foot on site.
Always fun and games, right Greenman 😉

Yea I was a Mason and finally an estimator for nearly 40 yrs.

 

[microAmp]

$100/hr each...ouch. What city/state?

Houston, TX.