labor rate question

fuss

Hello, we are about to embark on remodeling our main bathroom in our home. Our intention is to get it fixed up enough so we can get our house up for sale this spring. We have an offer from an acquaintance to do the labor and we pay for the materials. He is not carpenter by trade but a painter, and is looking for $50 per hour labor. I don't know if this is reasonable? would a professional charge this or more? We are in the Milwaukee area if that helps on labor rates.

I also will post some photos of the bathroom later looking for some advise and suggestions.

Thx
very much

Brian

jaros bros.

Your first mistake is hiring another trade to do something he is not an expert in. The second is hiring an acquaintance, which could or could not lead to a whole host of issues.
I am a carpenter...I don't do plumbing or electrical because it is not my expertise...I leave that to someone qualified. Yes, I can do plumbing and electrical and I might not do to bad...but it is not my field. The same goes for a painter...yes, he might know a few things, but it is not his expertise...he is no expert in that area.
The only reason people hire people out of their field seems to be that they feel they can get a "great deal" or something "cheap." You get what you pay for...so that should help make your decision.

Josh Jaros

jaros bros.

I also might like to ask if licensing is required in your state for carpentry. You might have issues with your insurance if you hire him and issues with your local government.

Josh Jaros

Jack of most

They're right. As for labor costs, you can always find someone to do the job cheaper. It comes down to trust and knowledge.

jweiner

We live in Milwaukee too and I just finished being the general contractor for our basement finishing project. First of all, I agree with the prior posts in that it is always a dangerous proposition to hire a friend or acquaintance as nothing good ever comes out of these situations. Second, $50/hour is rather expensive. The only person I paid $50/hour to in my basement was my rough carpenter and that was only because he was willing to work nights and weekends for me and by trade, he is a union commercial carpentry contractor and he does phenomenal work!

Tom Struble

why did you hire a union guy? did you pay his insurance and taxes?You couldn't find a reputable contractor?are you going to give him a 1099?if you answer no then you are NOT a general contractor

angus242

You've come to a DIY site to ask about labor rates on hiring someone for a "side job".

This has all the makings for going bad.

How are you going to sell your house with an illegal remodel? How is this painter going to get permits?

I'd reconsider. $50/hour is more than fair for a PROFESSIONAL bathroom remodel.

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Angus

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buletbob

I love it when home owners try to dictate what a contractor should charge. I my friend charge a hell of a lot more then what you where paying your guy. and never missed a days worth of work in my 35 yrs of being in business, contractors have a lot involved in there pricing Years of knowledge, insurance , compensation, trucks, tools, office, secretary, accounting, gas and maintenance, office supplies, advertising, phone bills, cell phone, You get where I'm coming from. this all adds up. the bottom line is the price is what it is. you get what you pay for period! BOB

jweiner

He was doing a side job for me. Please donly take things so literally.

AtlanticWBConst.

Hi Brian,

To pay someone to perfrom work, that is not their primary skill, that much money, is completely unreasonable.

Example: I have a good buddy, with his GC License. Every now and then, I get backed up on work. The only way that I can entice him to come and help me out, is to offer him $50 - $60/hr. This is for a guy that is a phenominal carpenter. A guy that will run circles around alot of people in the trade. I am willing to pay him more, also, because he produces more.

I would NEVER pay a painter $50.00 to do carpentry. If I was that desperate, I might pay $15.00/hr....

__________________
- Build Well -

Tom Struble

so your going to 1099 him so he can pay taxes and workmans comp on the wages you paid him well thats kool

jweiner

What point are you trying to make? It was a cash job and a win-win for both of us! By the way, it's considered a common forum courtesy to address the question being asked and not create side discussions.

Tom Struble

wow you went from being a gc to being a homeowner paying cash for a job in what 4 post?

Bob Mariani

a painter friend, not experienced in a bath remodel at 50/hr. And you think you will get what you pay for? 25/hr would be over charged. It is not his trade, Ask any technical questions which you can find answers here for and see what he/she knows. Permits are a big thing also. Be sure you are covered. Your insurance will not cover him burning your house down with plumbing of faulty wiring.

buletbob

[quote would a professional charge this or more? ] that is what I was referring To!!Guess I miss read his post ,I was to involved with watching the cage fighting matches. Nobody should be paid anything for performing a chore that they are not skilled at . Sorry. thanks for catching me on this one. Mariani