Question on AutoCAD pricing

[WVce]

I am a recent graduate with masters in geotech and I am taking on odd jobs right now while I continue to try (unsuccessfully) to find a job. I want to give an estimate on a CAD job, but I honestly don't know what a reasonable wage for such work is. I suspect this project will take about 4 hours of field work and maybe 4 hours to draw - just a rough floor plan of a garage with office space beneath (total 30,000 square feet). I was thinking like 200 or 300...is that a reasonable price?

 

[francesca]

I would go with $400... but. You need to be aware of a few things lest you fall foul of the Board. Make sure you're not doing anything that could be deemed "practicing engineering or surveying." You need a license and a business license from the state board to do that. (When you do your billing, don't use the words "survey" or "engineer" - you're doing drafting, but check state statutes to make sure that isn't also covered in the licensing clauses.) Then make sure that you're adequately covered for liability insurance. This is the #1 reason to work for another company versus go out on your own.

Now, does $400 really look worth it? Fines for doing business without a license start at $1,000 and getting licensed could be sticky. You need all your ducks in a row here. Better to be a "temporary" or "contract" employee of the client's firm, paid hourly with a company check and a 1099.

 

[Kuhuh]

In California as long as its under $500 it technically is considered legal to do it with out a license. However, if there is any calculation of any sort then you will be deemed liable for the drawings, this means just adding even simple measurements together. For what your doing sounds like $350-$400 is ok assuming you and the client understand the risks.

 

[boo1]

It always take longer then what you think: revisions, meeting and travel. Consider a $50/hour charge for changes.

 

[brandonbw]

Generally double the time you think is a much closer estimate to reality.

B+W Engineering and Design
Los Angeles Civil and Structural Engineering

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