Effectively pricing duct sealing

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Permalink Reply by Sean Lintow Sr on July 24, 2011 at 5:08am

George, that is a tough question to answer - for most customers they would like a fixed price estimate while some may allow for time & material. No matter which method you choose you need to know all your overhead costs and make sure they are factored in. The protections come not from the type of contract, but the language & limits in them.   

As for tearing into drywall or other portions - if you truly think you need to go that route I would first recommend a full blown Manual J,S,T & D because no one is going to be happy if you seal the ducts, but leave behind some real problems behind that new drywall as the costs for this can easily be in the thousands, if not tens of thousands.

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Permalink Reply by allen p tanner on July 25, 2011 at 8:04am

Try setting a time element on each task you perform taping all lines=2 hrs,  mastic on furnace =1 hr etc. Add travel time to and from, setup and cleanup then multiply all hours by the rate you want.

Note: your hourly rate should consider percentages of over head insurance, vehicle, equipment, training etc

Add  mark up on material to your cost. Then add an amount for profit on top of all other costs. Inclued a separate hourly labor rate if you hire help.

Say you need $50 an hour as an initial labor rate for your self to get started. Multiply that by the estimated hours you computed. 10 hrs x $50 = $500 Add materials, disposal of waste to this of say $300= Total estimate of $800.

I always quote the hourly rate for cost over runs, or time and material when you can not give a solid price on areas that may contain hidden costs.

Adjust as necessary as your business  grows.

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Permalink Reply by Robert Schildgen on July 25, 2011 at 8:42am

This is exactly what Aeroseal - aerosol based duct sealing was designed for.  It allows you to seal ducts from the inside, even if they're using building cavities for returns, duct board, etc...  We can not say enough about the product.   We're happy to demo the system for you depending on where you're located.

 

Check out the video on our website for a great overview on Aeroseal - Priority Energy Aeroseal 

 

Regards

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Permalink Reply by Robert Schildgen on July 25, 2011 at 8:44am

And by the way - the process typically prices out at about $1200 - $1,500 to the home owner.  It takes about a day to complete, and there's consumables (sealant, foam, tape, etc...)

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Permalink Reply by Sean Lintow Sr on July 25, 2011 at 4:14pm

In Alabama, feel free to stop by... I know that's way to far,but I would love to see this system work & the duct numbers before & after...

The 1200 to 1500 you list below is easily below what it would cost to rip out drywall & refinish the affected area's in many homes

What are the limits on the size of holes or crack that can be sealed? Thanks

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Permalink Reply by Robert Schildgen on July 25, 2011 at 8:17pm

Aeroseal will fill holes up to 5/8"

 

If you're interested I'm sure I can probably find someone in your area

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Permalink Reply by Sean Lintow Sr on July 26, 2011 at 12:41pm

Thanks & yes for a name and number - shoot if it is good as everyone says I might throw my hat in the ring

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Permalink Reply by Ed Ballard on July 26, 2011 at 12:47pm

Sean, The contact info for Aeroseal is as follows.

Aeroseal,LLC

6838 Ellicott Dr.

East syracuse, NY 13057

315-373-0765

I too have been talking with them.

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Permalink Reply by Sean Lintow Sr on July 27, 2011 at 4:38am

Thanks Ed for the info & now we return this discussion back to the original question.... (maybe)

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