I have been recently asked by a contrator to tape and compound is next commercial project. however this is a new field for me. does anybody know the going market rates in the east coast for taping sheetrock? where could i obtain information on this topic?
thank you!

Gelnipainting,

use the production rates in the PDCA estimating guide to build your labor hours and the drywall joint compound square footage coverages to build your material. Apply your billable rate to labor hours (includes your overhead) plus your total material costs plus a profit to create your drywall finishing bid. When you find out the "going rate" on the east coast you could compare it to your bid and decide if you can even produce drywall finishing work at the "going rate." But I would not let the going rate stop you from turning your bid in. It sounds like your customer wants you to do the work.

Bid smart!

Joel

I am from Wisconsin, and the rates here are similar to east coast. The average rate for commercial is in the .55 -.60 per sf. you will need to figure extra for soffits. Also you need to find out who is buying and installing the corner beads. The rates for that varies, but the costs can be dangerous depending on the detail of the bead work. Also be sure that you ask about texture of the building, it never hurts to ask, it only hurts when you forget to ask.
It is actually alot more work figuring finishing work than just a rate per square foot basis. Please be careful, you can loose alot more money than you make.
It might be a good thing to ask a Drywall finishing contractor to go over those next set of plans with you, a 6 pack and a few chicken on the grill can go along way.
Good luck!

Rob