Has anybody done work in New York City?

[IndyDog]

I've been asked to do some work (finish carpentry/built-ins) in NYC, upper east side. I have no idea what contractors charge for that type of work in NYC. I just want to make sure I charge hourly wages for my people that are competitive in that location. I'm gathering information on insurance requirements, parking, building hours and such, but that's about it so far. Any help would be appreciated.

[MarkMc]

Don't forget the city tax man in your equation.

[Alex_Saloutos]

Working in Manhattan is a completely different ball game. There was a thread on here a while back about working in a high rise that had a lot of great information and ideas in it. I would definitely find it and read it.

What type of building are you working in? If you haven't worked in Manhattan before and are not working time and materials, good luck.

[Bob Kovacs]

Instead of worrying about being "competitive", worry about making sure you've covered for what it's actually going to cost you to do the work. As noted above, you've got to be concerned with parking, allowable working hours, paying for elevator usage, protecting the path from the van to the elevator to the apartment/condo, getting trash out, etc. It's not a matter of having the proper rate as much as it's a matter of having the proper number of hours in the bid to cover everything you'll have to deal with.

[IndyDog]

If you haven't worked in Manhattan before and are not working time and materials, good luck.

Thanks guys, I'm starting to see the benefits of T&M in this situation.

[biljac]

IndyDog,

Not to familiar with carpenter wages, but going rate for window installers with basic trim capabilities (basic jamb extensions, stop moldings) are looking for $35/Hr. - $50/Hr.

As for the other items, if you are in prime Upper East Side (62nd to 86th from 5th to Lexington), co-ops will usually look for $2Mil - $5Mil liability and (if working as a sub)$1Mil on auto.

Building access is 9am to 4pm with actual work hours typically 9:30am to 3:30pm, and a good portion will not have elevator access at lunchtime. Also, service elevators are small as hell, we hoist a good amount up which is another set of issues. As does waiting 15 minutes for the elevator to get there.

Parking lots for cars only, usually no trucks or full size SUV's and they fill quickly. Meters are 1hour at a clip. If you have commercial plates you might be able to grab a loading zone or double park, but figure at least 1 ticket @ $115.00 a day per vehicle. We fight and beat about 75% of them. Last week was a good one, we only 6 of them.

[GaryJR]

I've worked projects in the city. From Tudor city & north. You better cover your ass ten times over.

As stated above it's entirely a different ball game and you better know your ACTUAL COSTS. Actual work day hours are not what you think and all obstacles are over come with cash.

[smtitmas]

iv done work in NYC before and the biggest issue to contend with on a daily basis was use of the freight elevator. make good friends with the building superintendent and make sure you tip him appropriately. if you piss him off you can forget about ever getting your tools and materials up there in a timely manner.

[Greg Di]

Whatever you might think it should cost, multiply it times AT LEAST THREE TIMES.

You will lose your shirt faster than imaginable working in NYC unless you are very experienced with working there.

Parking, material issues, parking, storage, access issues, tips, parking, tips, waiting for elevators, parking, guarding.... See where I'm going with this?