Taking out the trash

Some jobs are substantial in size and can generate a lot of debris/trash.  Some jobs will have minor debris left over but it won’t fit in a trash can.  This could also just be one or two large trash bags.  It could be several doors, windows, ceiling fans, fence material, or tile.  Interestingly a customer will expect you to take all of this trash with you, free of charge.  They will be dumbfounded when you tell them that there is a cost associated with debris removal.  So, do yourself a favor.  When you wright the estimate, include a line item for debris removal.  Debris removal is time consuming.  In most cases it has be taken to a dump and a dump fee is associated with the amount of debris.  Most waste management companies do not pick up construction debris.  You can also outsource the debris removal to a company that specializes in waste removal.  We have a few partnerships that offer very competitive pricing which results in a lower more affordable price for the customer. The key is to set expectations and account for the anticipated waste in the estimate. 

For larger projects you may need a roll off container.  Be careful with the daily rental rate.  Also be careful with the weight charge too.  We did a job one time and the weight of the material in the roll off was over 8,000 pounds so we got hit with an additional weight charge.  Finally, make sure there are no HOA rules permitting you from putting the roll off in the driveway or the front of the house while you load it up. 

It is little things like this that can bite you on the ass and make for a miserable day.  Another thing to consider is the guy that says he will pick up the giant pile of trash for 100 dollars.  Hmmmm, well if the dump fee is 75 dollars I guess he is only making 25 dollars for a few hours of his time.  Where they end up disposing the trash is anyone’s guess.  If this happens and they get caught illegally dumping the waste, you certainly don’t want it to come back to haunt you.