Engineering Proposal Estimation in 2024

[surfcityh2o]

I am a civil engineer located in Southern California. I recently went out on my own, and a large portion of the work that comes my way involves preparing grading plans for residential and small commercial projects. I've been charging $1,800 to $3,500 for these grading plans. This is based on the pricing structure employed by an engineer I've worked for within the past few years. However, it has come to my attention that I might be charging way too little. A similar thread from 2011 confirms this is likely the case, but our industry is so competitive that I'm a bit nervous about charging too much! At the same time, I have an employee now, and I want to make sure I can pay them well. Does anyone have thoughts? Your input would be greatly appreciated!

 

[bimr]

It is hard to respond to your post with the little information that you have provided. The area that you are working, residential and small commercial is very competitive and isn't an area that will support high margins.

Have you done a profit analysis of your work? Make a spreadsheet with the cost of your work and what you are charging. Add in the overhead, insurance costs, marketing, billing costs, etc. and see where you are.