lbtcadmin
07-19-2007, 04:33 PM
Lawn & Landscape Job Time Information
www.nilssonbooks.com (http://www.nilssonbooks.com/)
How long will the job take ?
No matter how difficult it may be to prepare job bid contracts, you should know that it's impossible, absolutely impossible to bid on a contract without knowing time. I don't mean knowing time by looking at your pocket watch, I mean time for every part of the work. This is commonly referred to as knowing the scope of the work. How long does it take to mow grass, dig a plant a tree, prune a shrub, edge a sidewalk, travel to and from the worksite, get the equipment and vehicles ready to roll each morning? And when you take a look at the hundreds of tasks being performed, that alone clues you in to the fact that there are hundreds of times you can be wrong. That's why I said it's impossible to develop a contract bid without knowing time and the scope of the work.
Because of the tedious nature of knowing time, lots of folks just guess at it, and then use those guesses to prepare a job bid. It's not necessary to do that, and it's what I consider a form of "financial suicide". Why? Several reasons. The first is that if you're going to take the time and trouble to bid a job, the outcome should be a price that is not higher or lower than it has to be to produce an adequate profit. Here, we abandon the hit or miss approach by using intelligent work times ... or call them time standards assigned to labor hours and labor tasks. Standards are the average time it takes to perform a task, and to complete the work. The best standards of course are those that are proven because these give you a high level of confidence in the outcomes for pricing and production purposes. Proven time standards come with their own set of high confidence factors that you feel comfortable in using.
If you're going to do it often ... time it.
The most common standards to want if you do maintenance is the time it takes to mow lawns. That's because about 50% of the total time spent annually on an average customer account will be for mowing. If you don't know mowing times, that one thing will distort your bid price, your production time planning, and equipment allocations unless you "guess lucky". But why guess? All you need to do is measure for the scope of the work, adjust for worksite variables, assign a level of difficulty factor and then time ... the time ... it takes to mow using various sized equipment. Apply that information? No problem. First, larger areas are best mowed using high production equipment, with lessor productivity as you descend down, down to smaller and smaller lawn areas. When you have the square footage, you have the scope of the work. Using mowing tables depending on machine, then indicates the average mowing time. That's pretty straight forward. You visit the site and divide it into the approriate mowing category, and maybe end up with two or three different sized mowers needed for the job. On almost any site, you're likely to need several sized mowers if you are to produce the job using the fastest and best production method.
For example a site may require a rider to mow 50,000 square feet, a walk behind mower to mow 30,000 square feet, and a trim mower to take care of the smaller, tighter areas of 5,000 square feet. When you measure the site, you simply separate the areas measured into the right mower size category, rather than coming away only knowing that you have a total of 85,000 square to mow. Having that information and using it with a production table tells you how long each sized mower will be needed for the job. From that info you can assign the work, establish time goals, reserve a time block for equipment, decide on the best number of workers to do the mowing, and of course come up with a cost and price for the mowing. This same approach to job measurement can be used for other items found within the work specifications ... not just mowing. All you need is the job criteria from which to measure or putting it differently, when you know quantity, you understand the scope of the work.
How much work is there?
You'll never really know until you count it all. That's the same as saying that if you want to paint a house, to know labor time and the gallons of paint needed, you need to measure the walls, trim,and other surface areas to form the criteria and basis for your estimate. From there you arrive at material costs, labor time, price and have an idea of the tooling needed for the job. Material costs are known, labor time is known, price is known, so the only other cost is the overhead dollars to cover payroll taxes, insurance, equipment depreciation, rent, telephone, and other expenses that you can break down to an hourly basis for convenience sake when bidding jobs. That information can come from your tax return or financial statement which serves as your historical cost record. Using those figures takes much of the guesswork out of the bid process and instills a greator degree of bidding confidence as you get to know and use the numbers year after year. If somebody asks you what it costs to put a man in the field for an hour, you'll know the answer. You'll also know at what rate per hour you must charge to use for your pricing strategy.
In addition to knowing cost and price, when you know job time requirements, while a job is underway, you'll have figures to use to not only check your cost budget for the work, but actual on-site experienced job times to look at and compare. Your job estimate may indicate that the total job was supposed to be completed in let's say 100 man hours, but it took 120 or it took 90. When that happens ... a variation between estimated time and actual time to complete, then you look for the reasons for the variations. You may find that your standard times need to be changed up or down to imporve their accuracy to use on all future bids.
You sell time
The business of most service businesses is that they sell time. So time should be clearly understood and tracked as a vital part of labor, production and profit management. Of course you'll have to make certain that when you assign time to a job task that you use the best production method by selecting the most efficient equipment available.
Click here: for Labor Hours Time information (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_bidding_pricing.htm#Labor Time Data Handbook)
Information links ...
Job Bidding & Pricing (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_bidding_pricing.htm)
Advertising & Sales (http://nilssonbooks.com/advertising_and_sales.htm)
Management (http://nilssonbooks.com/mangement.htm)
Employees (http://nilssonbooks.com/employee.htm)
Operations (http://nilssonbooks.com/operations.htm)
http://nilssonbooks.com/_borders/Phil-Nilsson-Picture.jpg
Phil Nilsson
Toll Free 866-280-2252
www.nilssonbooks.com (http://www.nilssonbooks.com/)
About Nilsson Associates
Since 1975 Nilsson Associates has helped landscapers start businesses, improve their operations, grow, and make money.
Nationally recognized "Best Selling Author", Business Consultant and Seminar Presenter with over 30 years experience in the Green Industry. Nilsson's articles are published by Grounds Maintenance Magazine, Lawn & Landscape, PRO, The Arborist, Landscaper Publications of New York, The Professional Grounds Management Society, The Professional Lawn Care Association of America.
Nilsson owned and operated a successful Landscape Design-Build-Maintain firm for 15 years, and for many years was retained as Business Coach and Management Advisor to the national membership of the Professional Lawn Care Association of America. Nilsson's books are endorsed by National Trade Associations, The California Landscape Contractors Association, The Professional Grounds Management Society, The Horticultural Departments of Ohio State University, The University of Tennessee, and The University of Georgia. Nilsson's books are in use by over 25,000 Landscape Contractors, Lawn Care Companies, Property Managers, Government Facilities, Park Departments and Municipalities nationwide.
A name you know, information you can trust ...
Over 25,000 landscapers coast to coast have used our profit building resources to create wealth, and build financial independence. For over two decades we've been helping landscapers succeed. During that process we earned the credentials and endorsements and developed the resources and know-how to help you make money. We offer business training books, tapes, videos, free job price guides, consulting services, software, and Nilsson's "Best Sellers" ... the job estimating package and Complete Operations Management System.
Learning from the mistakes of others is wise, especially in the Landscape Business where over 70% who start a business fail at it, and of those that survive, 80% could be making more money! Business know-how and expert advice can make the difference between success and failure. We'll show you where the others went wrong, and guide you past the obstacles. You'll be better informed, improve your chances of being successful, and have a business that's easier to manage.
Why do business with us?
You'll have peace of mind and confidence when you buy from a well known company. Nilsson Associates are recognized industry experts with over 30 years experience and a proven track record in your field. You'll get results oriented instruction, tips and advice that you can put to work immediately to improve your company. Our products will more than pay for themselves and are 100% guaranteed to increase your profits or your money back, so there is no risk. You can order online at www.nilssonbooks.com (http://nilssonbooks.com/) or by phone Toll FREE at 866-280-2252.
FREE problem solution hotline
We're here to help our customers solve their business problems. The advice is FREE and so is the call on our Toll Free line. This is a customer benefit that can save you years of learning by costly trial and error. And, when you call you'll get your questions answered by one of the most trusted, proven and experienced business consultants in the industry. We have over 25,000 book customers nationwide. Chances are we can help you increase your profits, improve your business, and help you reach your goals faster.
What others say ...
"Nilsson Associates provides an important source of information, a highly respected PLCAA Consultant, and Best Selling author with our membership."
Professional Lawn Care Association of America
"Nilsson has some of the best ideas for the green industry ... their books have comprehensive in-depth coverage, knowledgeable step-by-step approach for business improvement"
PRO Magazine
"I bought The Complete Operations Management System. Well worth it! I'm a small company that floats around 200k...my goal was to reach 500k in 5-6 years. Phil.....keep up the good work! I'll be in touch!"
Michael McGilvray
"Our members have found your books extremely helpful. Thanks for your insight and creativity"
Professional Grounds Management Society
"Nilsson helped me bid my jobs lots of times, it's like having your own private tutor, free"
Alex, Charlotte, N.C.
"Job bidding, labor cost, time management ... your books cover it all and have been a big help keeping our work on schedule.
Walt Disney World, Head Groundskeeper
"With C.O.M.S. and Nilsson's expert advice, we went from under $300,000 to over two million in sales, and plan to double that within the next 5 years." "Phil, I'm sticking with your original vision for my business, thank you very much!"
Modern Companies, MA
"Nilsson's books are must reads, and have helped our readers tremendously. Thanks for your continued support."
Landscaper Publications
"Your way of explaining the subject shows you know what we need to do to make money in this business, thanks."
H.L., Madison, Wisconsin
"Nilsson's series of books filled a void in our program ... Our students needed more insight into management, costs, profits, and how to successfully operate a business.
University of Tennessee, Horticulture Dept.
"I bought COMS a couple days after I joined this site. Buying the deal saved me some bucks. I also have some EXCELLENT cost data references that I am currently using and I am landing more lawn cutting jobs this year because of that data."
Stephen M., Port Hadlock, WA
"Excellent materials, very comprehensive, on target with the problems of running a business, doing much better now."
J. McDermott, Seville, Ohio
"Thanks for your help. My costs are now in line with my prices and I know how low I can go before I start losing money."
Topper's, North Hollywood, CA
"Nilsson's books breakdown what we need to do to be profitable and successful in this industry. They teach you proven techniques to help enhance your enterprise. The books, are a good investment."
Brian Klimek
"For the first time since I started my business, finally got my numbers together, thanks for spending the extra time with me. My banker was very impressed."
P.L., Seattle, Washington
Other
Resources
Nilsson's Job Estimating System (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_estimating_package.htm) has everything you need to evaluate job site specifications & work required, figure costs, how to price ~ lawns, grounds maintenance, landscape installs. You'll get step - by - step instructions, bid proposal outlines & customer contracts, labor hours job times. You'll get job price guides to compare your prices with the going rates, overhead costs, materials, profit ratios. You'll set realistic prices, and job labor hours goals based on field tested, proven, time studied labor hours for every job you bid. You'll know how to evaluate every job for total work hours required, the price to charge for the job, the profit you'll make, best crew size, job costs. You'll also get add-on service check lists to help you maximize sales by upselling customers on additional property improvements.
__________________
Phil Nilsson
Nilsson Associates - Since 1975
Green Industry Consultants
Call Toll Free 1-866-280-2252
Visit The Bookstore (http://www.nilssonbooks.com/)
Since 1975 - Profit Building Ideas - For Lawn and Landscape Professionals
(http://www.nilssonbooks.com/)Special Book Discounts (http://nilssonbooks.com/discounts_and_deals.htm)
(http://www.nilssonbooks.com/)FREE JOB PRICING GUIDELINES (http://nilssonbooks.com/free_job_guidelines.htm)
(http://www.nilssonbooks.com/)http://hispaniclawnforum.com/banners/jobestpakbanpn.gif (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_estimating_package.htm)
(http://www.nilssonbooks.com/)http://hispaniclawnforum.com/banners/coms_banner_d.gif (http://nilssonbooks.com/coms_package.htm)
(http://www.nilssonbooks.com/)http://hispaniclawnforum.com/banners/nilsson_assoc_banner_b.gif (http://nilssonbooks.com/)
(http://www.nilssonbooks.com/)
(http://www.nilssonbooks.com/)
www.nilssonbooks.com (http://www.nilssonbooks.com/)
How long will the job take ?
No matter how difficult it may be to prepare job bid contracts, you should know that it's impossible, absolutely impossible to bid on a contract without knowing time. I don't mean knowing time by looking at your pocket watch, I mean time for every part of the work. This is commonly referred to as knowing the scope of the work. How long does it take to mow grass, dig a plant a tree, prune a shrub, edge a sidewalk, travel to and from the worksite, get the equipment and vehicles ready to roll each morning? And when you take a look at the hundreds of tasks being performed, that alone clues you in to the fact that there are hundreds of times you can be wrong. That's why I said it's impossible to develop a contract bid without knowing time and the scope of the work.
Because of the tedious nature of knowing time, lots of folks just guess at it, and then use those guesses to prepare a job bid. It's not necessary to do that, and it's what I consider a form of "financial suicide". Why? Several reasons. The first is that if you're going to take the time and trouble to bid a job, the outcome should be a price that is not higher or lower than it has to be to produce an adequate profit. Here, we abandon the hit or miss approach by using intelligent work times ... or call them time standards assigned to labor hours and labor tasks. Standards are the average time it takes to perform a task, and to complete the work. The best standards of course are those that are proven because these give you a high level of confidence in the outcomes for pricing and production purposes. Proven time standards come with their own set of high confidence factors that you feel comfortable in using.
If you're going to do it often ... time it.
The most common standards to want if you do maintenance is the time it takes to mow lawns. That's because about 50% of the total time spent annually on an average customer account will be for mowing. If you don't know mowing times, that one thing will distort your bid price, your production time planning, and equipment allocations unless you "guess lucky". But why guess? All you need to do is measure for the scope of the work, adjust for worksite variables, assign a level of difficulty factor and then time ... the time ... it takes to mow using various sized equipment. Apply that information? No problem. First, larger areas are best mowed using high production equipment, with lessor productivity as you descend down, down to smaller and smaller lawn areas. When you have the square footage, you have the scope of the work. Using mowing tables depending on machine, then indicates the average mowing time. That's pretty straight forward. You visit the site and divide it into the approriate mowing category, and maybe end up with two or three different sized mowers needed for the job. On almost any site, you're likely to need several sized mowers if you are to produce the job using the fastest and best production method.
For example a site may require a rider to mow 50,000 square feet, a walk behind mower to mow 30,000 square feet, and a trim mower to take care of the smaller, tighter areas of 5,000 square feet. When you measure the site, you simply separate the areas measured into the right mower size category, rather than coming away only knowing that you have a total of 85,000 square to mow. Having that information and using it with a production table tells you how long each sized mower will be needed for the job. From that info you can assign the work, establish time goals, reserve a time block for equipment, decide on the best number of workers to do the mowing, and of course come up with a cost and price for the mowing. This same approach to job measurement can be used for other items found within the work specifications ... not just mowing. All you need is the job criteria from which to measure or putting it differently, when you know quantity, you understand the scope of the work.
How much work is there?
You'll never really know until you count it all. That's the same as saying that if you want to paint a house, to know labor time and the gallons of paint needed, you need to measure the walls, trim,and other surface areas to form the criteria and basis for your estimate. From there you arrive at material costs, labor time, price and have an idea of the tooling needed for the job. Material costs are known, labor time is known, price is known, so the only other cost is the overhead dollars to cover payroll taxes, insurance, equipment depreciation, rent, telephone, and other expenses that you can break down to an hourly basis for convenience sake when bidding jobs. That information can come from your tax return or financial statement which serves as your historical cost record. Using those figures takes much of the guesswork out of the bid process and instills a greator degree of bidding confidence as you get to know and use the numbers year after year. If somebody asks you what it costs to put a man in the field for an hour, you'll know the answer. You'll also know at what rate per hour you must charge to use for your pricing strategy.
In addition to knowing cost and price, when you know job time requirements, while a job is underway, you'll have figures to use to not only check your cost budget for the work, but actual on-site experienced job times to look at and compare. Your job estimate may indicate that the total job was supposed to be completed in let's say 100 man hours, but it took 120 or it took 90. When that happens ... a variation between estimated time and actual time to complete, then you look for the reasons for the variations. You may find that your standard times need to be changed up or down to imporve their accuracy to use on all future bids.
You sell time
The business of most service businesses is that they sell time. So time should be clearly understood and tracked as a vital part of labor, production and profit management. Of course you'll have to make certain that when you assign time to a job task that you use the best production method by selecting the most efficient equipment available.
Click here: for Labor Hours Time information (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_bidding_pricing.htm#Labor Time Data Handbook)
Information links ...
Job Bidding & Pricing (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_bidding_pricing.htm)
Advertising & Sales (http://nilssonbooks.com/advertising_and_sales.htm)
Management (http://nilssonbooks.com/mangement.htm)
Employees (http://nilssonbooks.com/employee.htm)
Operations (http://nilssonbooks.com/operations.htm)
http://nilssonbooks.com/_borders/Phil-Nilsson-Picture.jpg
Phil Nilsson
Toll Free 866-280-2252
www.nilssonbooks.com (http://www.nilssonbooks.com/)
About Nilsson Associates
Since 1975 Nilsson Associates has helped landscapers start businesses, improve their operations, grow, and make money.
Nationally recognized "Best Selling Author", Business Consultant and Seminar Presenter with over 30 years experience in the Green Industry. Nilsson's articles are published by Grounds Maintenance Magazine, Lawn & Landscape, PRO, The Arborist, Landscaper Publications of New York, The Professional Grounds Management Society, The Professional Lawn Care Association of America.
Nilsson owned and operated a successful Landscape Design-Build-Maintain firm for 15 years, and for many years was retained as Business Coach and Management Advisor to the national membership of the Professional Lawn Care Association of America. Nilsson's books are endorsed by National Trade Associations, The California Landscape Contractors Association, The Professional Grounds Management Society, The Horticultural Departments of Ohio State University, The University of Tennessee, and The University of Georgia. Nilsson's books are in use by over 25,000 Landscape Contractors, Lawn Care Companies, Property Managers, Government Facilities, Park Departments and Municipalities nationwide.
A name you know, information you can trust ...
Over 25,000 landscapers coast to coast have used our profit building resources to create wealth, and build financial independence. For over two decades we've been helping landscapers succeed. During that process we earned the credentials and endorsements and developed the resources and know-how to help you make money. We offer business training books, tapes, videos, free job price guides, consulting services, software, and Nilsson's "Best Sellers" ... the job estimating package and Complete Operations Management System.
Learning from the mistakes of others is wise, especially in the Landscape Business where over 70% who start a business fail at it, and of those that survive, 80% could be making more money! Business know-how and expert advice can make the difference between success and failure. We'll show you where the others went wrong, and guide you past the obstacles. You'll be better informed, improve your chances of being successful, and have a business that's easier to manage.
Why do business with us?
You'll have peace of mind and confidence when you buy from a well known company. Nilsson Associates are recognized industry experts with over 30 years experience and a proven track record in your field. You'll get results oriented instruction, tips and advice that you can put to work immediately to improve your company. Our products will more than pay for themselves and are 100% guaranteed to increase your profits or your money back, so there is no risk. You can order online at www.nilssonbooks.com (http://nilssonbooks.com/) or by phone Toll FREE at 866-280-2252.
FREE problem solution hotline
We're here to help our customers solve their business problems. The advice is FREE and so is the call on our Toll Free line. This is a customer benefit that can save you years of learning by costly trial and error. And, when you call you'll get your questions answered by one of the most trusted, proven and experienced business consultants in the industry. We have over 25,000 book customers nationwide. Chances are we can help you increase your profits, improve your business, and help you reach your goals faster.
What others say ...
"Nilsson Associates provides an important source of information, a highly respected PLCAA Consultant, and Best Selling author with our membership."
Professional Lawn Care Association of America
"Nilsson has some of the best ideas for the green industry ... their books have comprehensive in-depth coverage, knowledgeable step-by-step approach for business improvement"
PRO Magazine
"I bought The Complete Operations Management System. Well worth it! I'm a small company that floats around 200k...my goal was to reach 500k in 5-6 years. Phil.....keep up the good work! I'll be in touch!"
Michael McGilvray
"Our members have found your books extremely helpful. Thanks for your insight and creativity"
Professional Grounds Management Society
"Nilsson helped me bid my jobs lots of times, it's like having your own private tutor, free"
Alex, Charlotte, N.C.
"Job bidding, labor cost, time management ... your books cover it all and have been a big help keeping our work on schedule.
Walt Disney World, Head Groundskeeper
"With C.O.M.S. and Nilsson's expert advice, we went from under $300,000 to over two million in sales, and plan to double that within the next 5 years." "Phil, I'm sticking with your original vision for my business, thank you very much!"
Modern Companies, MA
"Nilsson's books are must reads, and have helped our readers tremendously. Thanks for your continued support."
Landscaper Publications
"Your way of explaining the subject shows you know what we need to do to make money in this business, thanks."
H.L., Madison, Wisconsin
"Nilsson's series of books filled a void in our program ... Our students needed more insight into management, costs, profits, and how to successfully operate a business.
University of Tennessee, Horticulture Dept.
"I bought COMS a couple days after I joined this site. Buying the deal saved me some bucks. I also have some EXCELLENT cost data references that I am currently using and I am landing more lawn cutting jobs this year because of that data."
Stephen M., Port Hadlock, WA
"Excellent materials, very comprehensive, on target with the problems of running a business, doing much better now."
J. McDermott, Seville, Ohio
"Thanks for your help. My costs are now in line with my prices and I know how low I can go before I start losing money."
Topper's, North Hollywood, CA
"Nilsson's books breakdown what we need to do to be profitable and successful in this industry. They teach you proven techniques to help enhance your enterprise. The books, are a good investment."
Brian Klimek
"For the first time since I started my business, finally got my numbers together, thanks for spending the extra time with me. My banker was very impressed."
P.L., Seattle, Washington
Other
Resources
Nilsson's Job Estimating System (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_estimating_package.htm) has everything you need to evaluate job site specifications & work required, figure costs, how to price ~ lawns, grounds maintenance, landscape installs. You'll get step - by - step instructions, bid proposal outlines & customer contracts, labor hours job times. You'll get job price guides to compare your prices with the going rates, overhead costs, materials, profit ratios. You'll set realistic prices, and job labor hours goals based on field tested, proven, time studied labor hours for every job you bid. You'll know how to evaluate every job for total work hours required, the price to charge for the job, the profit you'll make, best crew size, job costs. You'll also get add-on service check lists to help you maximize sales by upselling customers on additional property improvements.
__________________
Phil Nilsson
Nilsson Associates - Since 1975
Green Industry Consultants
Call Toll Free 1-866-280-2252
Visit The Bookstore (http://www.nilssonbooks.com/)
Since 1975 - Profit Building Ideas - For Lawn and Landscape Professionals
(http://www.nilssonbooks.com/)Special Book Discounts (http://nilssonbooks.com/discounts_and_deals.htm)
(http://www.nilssonbooks.com/)FREE JOB PRICING GUIDELINES (http://nilssonbooks.com/free_job_guidelines.htm)
(http://www.nilssonbooks.com/)http://hispaniclawnforum.com/banners/jobestpakbanpn.gif (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_estimating_package.htm)
(http://www.nilssonbooks.com/)http://hispaniclawnforum.com/banners/coms_banner_d.gif (http://nilssonbooks.com/coms_package.htm)
(http://www.nilssonbooks.com/)http://hispaniclawnforum.com/banners/nilsson_assoc_banner_b.gif (http://nilssonbooks.com/)
(http://www.nilssonbooks.com/)
(http://www.nilssonbooks.com/)