I often get asked how I quote railing jobs. Do I have per foot price? Or is each job a quoted custom? The answer is actually a bit of both. Here is a simple run down on how I quote a railing job.
- First off I meet with the client to take accurate measurements of the railing and stairs and discuss the options with the client. It helps a lot when the client has a good idea of what they are looking for before I meet with the client; it saves a lot of time in this process.
- Once we have nailed down all the options I put a materials list together and send it off to my supplier for a price. The materials can vary dramatically from a basic package to a custom rail package. This is why it isn’t possible to give a blanket per foot price for railings.
- At this point I also send the measurements and materials selections to my subcontract stainer to provide me a cost for the staining and lacquering.
- Next I calculate the install price off of the linear feet of each kind of railing. (wall rail, stair rail and straight rail) and use a set price for each kind of rails well as any other features the client has chosen or that are required due to code, such as tread caps, goose necks, or telepost covers.
- Occasionally, I will run into a situation that I don’t have a set install price for and then I will calculate a cost based on the estimated hours it will take.
- Finally I add the materials cost, installation cost, staining cost, as well as any other additions such as removal of old railings or protecting flooring that may be required in reno or mileage for out of town work.
This is how I calculate a railing quote for both new builds and renovations. The price is ultimately determined by both the linear feet as well as the railing package selected by the client.
Before picture
