I've often been given outrageous bids for yard work - which always come down magically and dramatically when I call my husband for approval (and get a vigorous NO from him) and return to the person I'm dealing with and say the words "my husband says that's too much" - and even then I'm not sure I'm getting an appropriate bid. I wish I could figure out how to negotiate a fair price for labor without his help. He is clueless about what is how to calculate this job, too. While yard work quotes abound on the internet, finding a fair price for heavier unskilled work is not. I want to edge some beds with moss rock. The moss rock pieces are described as being approximately 2" - 8" by the rock company and they say to purchase 25# per linear foot desired. They are to be laid in just one layer, so no big artistic decisions are involved. The average distance between the pile of delivered rock and its destination is 150-175 feet. Wheel barrow provided. How many hours of work is it likely to take to per linear foot (my wish list has 400 linear feet, but I imagine I'll have to trim that down considerably). What is a fair price per hour for that work where you are, and where are you? (This project is in Texas) Better yet, what is a fair price per pound for that work?
