Replies

1. 
   robkelly | Oct 08, 2004 03:24am | #1

   If you have the 12" miter saw and the crown stops, and a portable saw stand, and the ladders and a helper to hold one end while you air nail,  and you have done this before or are sure you know how to do it, counting set-up time and travel I'd be comfortable with bidding an amount based on one hour per piece of molding, your time and the helper. Do it quicker, you make good $$, and if Mr. Murphy shows up, you'll still do OK. Paint grade makes it easier because you can use a little caulk.

   Plus, of course, the cost of the molding, If you have to buy it, get a contractor's discount and mark it up 20%.

1. 
   Dave45 | Oct 08, 2004 03:57pm | #2

   Thanks Rob.  I was looking for a 'reality check' and your method gives me a number that comes very close to what I had figured out.

   I have most of the necessary tools (I'll use this job as an excuse to upgrade to a 12" miter saw - lol), and I've done lots of smaller crown over the years as part of my cabinetry work and in rooms with 8' ceilings.

1. 
   USANigel | Oct 10, 2004 06:22am | #4

   Dewalt 706 with the set back motor works great.

2. 
   migraine | Oct 09, 2004 07:41pm | #3

   I'd call it an 8 hour day, no matter how much time you spend on it.  A helper would be nice, but not necessary.  Leave the room clean and leave the caulking/spackling to the painter.  Just let them know about that before you start.  If not, the painter will try to pass the buck back on to you

1. 
   MikeRooney | Oct 10, 2004 08:00pm | #5

   I'm a remodelling contractor from next door, and I always caulk when I install crown.

   The slightest irregularity in the wall or ceiling (and there always is some) will look really bad before it's caulked - even a quarter inch gap looks fine if caulked.

   Caulk each piece as you go around the room. Only takes a minute. Looks good, and you don't get any phone calls at night 

1. 
   Dave45 | Oct 11, 2004 03:27pm | #6

   I agree, Mike.  I recently put crown molding, baseboards, and fancy window casings in my home and SWMBO almost came unwound when she saw the gaps due to the wavey walls.  She was fine after I caulked them. - lol

   For the job I'm bidding, the painter will be right behind me (and may be a friend of mine), so I'll coordinate with him on the caulking, etc.  I've already told the customer about the probability of 'gaps' and they knew about wavey walls. - lol