BEST METHODS FOR QUOTING GRAVEL DRIVEWAY REPAIR | DigginLife21

BEST METHODS FOR QUOTING GRAVEL DRIVEWAY REPAIR | DigginLife21
DigginLife21 Merchandise-teespring.com/...

[@absolutehellion1768]

The fact that you publicly explain your pricing, why and how you price. Show your honest. I'd hire you in a second considering this. Well done brother. It's rare these days

[@michaelphillips9259]

Thank you

[@thomastriplett8070]

I have considered quitting my full time job to go on my own and have always wondered how to properly bid jobs and this is a great explanation

[@DigginLife21]

That’s for watching Thomas. I do business consultations if you want to email me we can go over pricing and set something up

[@trevorseidler5479]

Hands down one of the best videos I’ve seen from beginning to end. Keeping it honest and clear. Great job

[@nicholasguess6894]

That was a phenomenal explanation of your estimate procedures! So much value to a newbie like me who is just getting into this. Structuring a bid correctly is so crucial to project management. Have heaps of experience there, but the trade specific variables are where I'm nervous. I'm going to straight up digest your videos over the coming days! Bless you sir, from Texas!

[@frankp215]

I agree 100% with your explanation. Time is money, and your in business to make money not just survive. There is down time when you're not making any money. You still have to live when the weather doesn't cooperate with you, breakdowns of equipment etc....

[@denhron]

Quite a few insights that only come from experience. Your love of the game and honesty is refreshing and appreciated.

[@zahram7944]

KIhgg dooo-oh-jk]k(mj_

[@BAAMRanch]

You are by far the most informative guy on the tube

[@garyfaulkenham4656]

Ive only a few weeks ago stumbled upon your page. I am in the process of getting a small excavation and landscaping buisness off the ground. Thank you for taking the time to educate all of us who want to know theses little details. Ive been bing watching all of your videos and cant thank you enough!!

[@potatopotatoeOG]

I hope all is going well for you

[@arlybyrne3634]

I dont own my own buisness and dont do this in my own profession. I help my boyfriend pump out septic tanks in mcewen tn but I do thoroughly enjoy watching you work. You do good work

[@westtoast74]

Most knowledgeable and well rounded show on KZbin. Well done fellow NC resident.

[@Gary67242]

sometimes a customer cant afford a job done right but your name is on that job and a good name doesnt come cheap...thumbs up !

[@erikvaldur3334]

That holds true in many businesses. I'm a 30 year Carpenter and have found this to be more true in the last decade than ever. It's tough sometimes when you really want to help those people out but feel you just don't want to jeopardize your name. If told people a few times, this is not the right way to do it. I'll do it to help you out but Please don't tell anyone I did this job. I've only done this on small cosmetic jobs that have no chance in being dangerous, just look wrong.

[@papierskispropertyservices2532]

Good explanation of the process. I would have that hauled in from someone as well to save my time on the job. I wouldn’t use driveway fabric because there is natural pitch. I would scrape the ground down to a good base and the put at least 4-6” of material down. Vibratory compact. Make a swale/ditch along the driveway. I agree. I wouldn’t do the job unless it was thorough. Just a 100 feet is kinda putting a bandaid on it. Not every contractor is the right one for every customer. You take quality time and pride in your work Todd!

[@eddielee8773]

Know what you can and can not do with the equipment/knowledge that you have. You are great at explaining, working through the job. Thank you, Eddie

[@randybreland2834]

I wanted to thank you for all of this information. Ive been an operator for 10 years and im going to buy a skid steer in a few months and my biggest worry was quoting a job properly. I subscribed and plan to watch most if not all of your videos!

[@DigginLife21]

I’m glad to have ya. Thanks for watching🙏🏻

[@genemurray5693]

Hello Randy. I’m a excavation contractor in Northern California. What state are you in ? I can tell you how I do it out here if interested. Thx. Gene Murray. Terratech.

[@KC4studios]

@@genemurray5693 willing to work with an newer independent in the local region?

[@6582rg]

I just stumbled on your site and I’m really impressed with the way you do business. You’re a professional all the way. Fair and not greedy. Most importantly, you do things right (or at least you recommend what needs to be done to make it right). Thanks for the videos.

[@DigginLife21]

I appreciate that!

[@bp5558]

@@DigginLife21 Much respect for your approach to doing jobs right. I hear you talk about getting deposits, but I haven't heard you mention getting customers to sign any contracts. If I may ask .....Do you typically do written contracts or navigate the jobs through mutual trust and oral commitments?

[@flapjackson6077]

Thanks, man! That was very informative! You’re approach to jobs is well conceived and honest. I’m just a shmoe who has used a few different pieces of equipment over the years. I just bought a box blade, which I just used on my driveway, and it’s proving to be everything I hoped it would be. And that’s only the beginning! But that’s partly because I have a 12” base to work with. Gotta have a solid base! 👍

[@MyTractorGuy]

It's hard to say on the fabric. I would almost consider cutting down to a solid base and grading out the ditch and side then rolling the fabric and topping with 10" of ABC and a 2" inches top dressing with clean stone. Pretty much sounds like what you're quoting except for the fabric. Definitely would sub out the truck. I'd be looking right at $8000 for what you are saying (based on distances) so I think your price is right in line with what it should be perhaps even a little low. NOTE: @DigginLife 21 Quote them on planting some blue rug junipers on the hillside to provide hillside stabilization and get some follow up business. 😁

[@kenapperson2124]

Awesome! Thank you.

[@DigginLife21]

My pleasure!!!

[@DirtBrute]

Todd . I think you’re spot on bud . your area Makes a Big difference . Most of my jobs are 10 minutes down the road from the Quarry or dump. Also our prices are different. What I do here is fix the sub grade then put down the base grade . Typically I like to use recycled Ashpalt Or dense grade . Then stone . When you said there’s a big difference between having price too High And them not being able to afford it your a%100 correct. Sometimes I drive by jobs that I quoted in the past and nothing has been done. I thought I didn’t get the job because I was too high but the truth is they just don’t have money to use anyone . Great video Todd 👍

[@douglassmith7515]

Why is it people will spend a lot of money on house but cheap out on the most important thing the driveway

[@DirtBrute]

@@douglassmith7515 I think it’s because most people have to pay for the driveway out of pocket unless they Include the driveway in the initial finance of the home and property . Or their just cheap😂

[@RobsTrucking]

@@douglassmith7515 in my area it is typically added into the cost of the home build. I have gone and fixed new construction drives that the home owner was charged $30k for "Driveway and Driveway Grading" by the builder and there isn't $1000 worth of rock in the driveway and no culvert installed. I have been paid by holdbacks and builders after the home owners call me out to fix the drives and finish grades around the new house construction. Part of the problem and why I don't typically work for builders is they don't want to pay to have something done right so they find someone that is less experienced or hire the concrete guy with a skid steer who only needs to get a concrete truck in. On that $30K job it was right around $8500 for me to finish grade the house and build the drive way. There was another $3500 in downspouts, sump pump line and foundation drain extended.

[@AllstarVentures]

Good break down and advice! Allot of that knowledge and advice is applicable in other businesses also. I can appreciate your integrity and willingness to help others, with a great attitude I might add. Keep up the good work!

[@atomiam2874]

Thanks for producing these videos! I am getting educated for clearing land and cutting a road into property in the MO Ozarks. God Bless you and yours!!!

[@cubleycat]

Awesome to watch a happy enthusiastic person, brightens up my day. Good man for sharing and helping ;-)

[@erikvaldur3334]

Agreed. Not many will help with the "inside information ". Great to find someone who does.

[@bkyardmechanic5010]

Landscaping my co for 30 yrs. Love yr honesty and wisdom. Ty for yr interesting video

[@DigginLife21]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@arlenebyrne4123]

I myself enjoy your videos, I love seeing how you work and am just into all this type of work. I enjoy how your not partial, your straight up do it how it's meant to be done

[@Farmer4Truth]

Great advice, Thanks.

[@DigginLife21]

You bet!

[@JanetFannin-tq1yl]

your video’s are a wealth of information. With my limited experience and you sharing your thoughts on how to operate a local business. I have stared my own business with an excavator and skid-steer. I think I am under bidding my projects, not so much of material and my time.. It is finding the right price for my new John Deere 50 P any my well used but reliable skid-steer Thanks, Ken F

[@RockhillfarmYT]

This is phenomenal Content for a new contractor

[@hisrighthandman86]

Thank you for breaking down the way you estimated this particular job. That's extremely valuable to someone who also runs a company in the same field. God bless.

[@craigs7730]

Great videos, I'm just getting started, part time at first, although I've been around this work my entire career in a different capacity. I have to agree with a number of comments below, don't take the job if the customer doesn't want to do it right, (or can't afford it) your reputation is everything in business. My guess is these folks would love to get it done right but it probably not in their budget, that looks like a sizable job to do it right, if the customer can't do it correctly, walk away. Good luck.

[@scrhino40]

Thanks Todd it helps me to know what to look for on rebuilding a driveway and how to figure cost better. Have a great day be safe.

[@jacklabloom635]

An excellent tutorial video for people who are considering getting in this type business. You provide a great service to young people who want to go into business for themselves.

[@earlyriser8998]

I have a 4000 ft driveway that needs repair...in Texas. Your videos give me an excellent idea of how long it will take to fix my driveway.

[@brandoncaldwell95]

Depends on your area in Texas. I'm in south Texas, so pricing isnt too bad. Oilfield jacked prices pretty badly.

[@aaronburford5701]

Very informative and liked and subscribed!

[@kennethbaxter1696]

Great video. Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge through experience. Also, looking at the comments, I see several people asked about the app referenced in the discussion. I would consider adding a link to these tools in the description of the videos. Could help more people find you in a search too.

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Great video buddy and great explanations 👍🏻. Yeah that driveway is a wreck. It needs much more done than just throwing some rock down. Needs a ditch with rip rap on the one side and the other shoulder needs cut down so it doesn’t force water down the drive. I hope you get this job I want to see how it turns out

[@DigginLife21]

Im gonna have to learn how to work dry ground again when summer gets here😂😂😂

[@bennyhill3642]

me 222 😇

[@6bt_str86]

Did I find value? Above and Beyond Value I'd answer, great advice Sir. I see a mountain load of "opening a can of worms" in this driveway deal (beings it wasn't done right initially) in that once you cut your inside Swale, it THEN opens up the slope that's already sliding, will be sliding moreso. Which then entails having a d3 size or JD 450 TO reslope, which THEN makes a bunch of even MORE material to "lose" elsewhere. There's far more work there that could amount to 10-$18k + (french drain work / outside slope work instead of the cliff, even if client was serious) all beings they half- assed it from "go" great info Sir. I've moved earth for years, just never doing it full time for myself /but as an employee. New sub. Thank you. 👍

[@mrj-charles6383]

I have about 1/2 mile of driveway I am working on. I am in the sandhills region of NC and we use crusher run here also. Just more sand thats all. Using your videos I am understanding pricing so when talking to folks about bringing materials in I can tell if ok price. First guy I used a year ago did a 100% markup on materials and charged a large travel fee. So I priced the material myself and did the distance from the quarry. Actually drove there to where they load to see the operation.. Now I have a guy hauling in material for me at cost plus a travel fee. Although I feel bad because his fee is to low so I know in the long run it will hurt him. I have a an old grain dump I can use but it is parked 10 hours away so easier to sell it and buy something newer here.

[@noahcatropa3573]

Whats the app you use for your rock/gravel calculations? GREAT video!

[@pauldecker60]

Just bought a Massey Ferguson 50ex with a Gannon box blade, I’m looking to do gravel roads only, for myself and close neighbors, good video

[@Mister006]

Well this explains so much! Also, why $348,000/year incomes seem to be so prevalent. It also explains why people want taxes to be so low, and demand counties and states to issue revenue bonds to pay for private corporate equipment and property. It also explains why costs to infrastructure is demanded paid from towns, and why tract homes with no more than a few feet of driveway are the norm.

[@benkenobi671]

I assume you are referring to his comment about charging $1500/day... if so, what you don't get is that those numbers represent GROSS revenue. Because this is a business, it's not a "Paycheck" like most people are accustomed to. There are expenses that must come out of that money, like fuel, maintenance on machines (which is quite expensive - $1300 for a service call, in my area, to repack a hydraulic cylinder seal on a skid loader - for example), liability insurance, vehicle insurance, etc. Oh and let's not forget double the taxes because EVERY company is required to match the taxes taken out of your paycheck, not to mention the state and federal unemployment insurance taxes in addition. For him, this means that if his "paycheck" tax amounts to $500 - he must actually pay $1000 on the matching taxes out of that revenue plus the non-employee taxes associated with that "paycheck". ALL companies are required to do this!

[@jamesnull2734]

Your philosophy is what I'm looking for. There are several points you made. Number one is quality. You mentioned strength and drainage several times. In this case proper preparation of the road bed is crucial. I would as you said remove all old material and start from scratch with a good hard surface. I would use a geo-fabric and a large stone with fines compacted etc. then smaller on top. I would also have the stone hauled by someone with large capacity save time and money. I do mark up my materials but I charge less by the hour. I believe in passive income and I can justify it (I think). I also DO NOT like skidsteers so I use a tractor and an excavator as well. You're also very contentious about price vs. quality. Sounds like quality trumps price. You read the ground AND the weather before you estimate a price. Bottom line: I would consider a job exactly the same as you except I mark up the materials. If it's wet I would double or more the prep time.

[@jford24558]

Thanks for explaining how you get your quote on a job. Jimmy's Excavating in Halifax, VA.

[@allenwc]

Ya, truly well done. You are so articulate and well thought out. Very clear presentation. If you are thinking "should I watch this guy?": answer: "hells ya".

[@stephenrussell1766]

Great job! I really appreciate all of the information and time you provided.

[@wtomay7747]

I actually enjoy the honesty and nature of your videos.

[@wrekitralf9808]

Man, you're encouraging. Thanks for putting this out.

[@sal_e._mander5151]

Very interesting! As you mentioned, I am someone that would love to get in to this business. Thank you for the information!

[@bennyhill3642]

Me 2222

[@EronIler]

Subscriber count continues to grow with helpful videos. Keep up the good work.

[@erikvaldur3334]

Yeup. I subbed after this video.

[@drewgardner81]

Great video Todd. Good job explaining. You have the gift of explaining things. I wish I did. I am however about to do a video explaining how I just got burned on a grading job, and how not to make the mistake I did.

[@sharperone8237]

Excellent video. The information was so helpful in understanding how to look at the work.

[@keithanderson7007]

I hope you get this one. I want to see the whole process. Thanks Todd!

[@bennyhill3642]

me 22222

[@joshguard9834]

I would as well

[@Exclusive_Criminal]

I hope you land this one. I’d like to see you work your magic.

[@jasonross5358]

Great video. Thank you for sharing the details needed to create your bid. Very helpful!

[@manuelorellana3646]

Hey my friend thanks very much for this video, so educative for me. I’ve started my excavation company and still learning to put numbers together.. Thanks again.

[@Natural-Causes]

One of your best videos yet! I would love to see you do a video where you break all cost of several jobs on paper, so we can learn how to break it down, gas, insurance, materials, wear and tear? travel distance, time on job, buffer for if anything goes wrong…etc, did I leave anything out? This would be so helpful to us wanting to start a business. As far as that particular job, my first thought was there should be a small culvert or french drain type of pipe on the inside of the driveway to catch water running off that steep bank which would in turn would eliminate washout of the driveway.

[@DigginLife21]

Since I started doing consultations ive cut back on pricing specific videos but you are on the right track with how to fix this driveway

[@farmall1farmall132]

I'm in VA and when I do driveways I use #3 then crush n run then #57 works well for the soil in my area. I subscribed I also do dirt work and demolition. I think your price is fair.

[@brentsilver6563]

I enjoy being from Mars Hill trying to watch you drive and see if I can figure out where you are. Usually I can figure it out but sometimes its a bit tough.

[@gerardkeohane740]

Love your videos and your work is Top class. I tune in form Ireland for EVERY VIDEO

[@EvaLynne]

I binge watch your videos just to hear you talk.

[@doylemarkham1010]

Good job, Tks for the honest education.

[@arcecons1972]

Hey brother just thank you for all your knowledge your sharing your awesome and do fantastic work 💪

[@muskokapropertycare261]

Thanks for sharing. Getting into grading private roads and driveways this year in our business so I have been binging your content. Appreciate another great video 👊

[@2fast65]

I think you did a great job explaining your quoting i am just getting in to driveway maintenance in Mn i only have a tractor and attachments i would have to hire the hauling from friends but understand they also have to make a living i think you were spot on on your quote thanks and have a great day be safe.

[@terrycagle9960]

Keep up the honest and great work! God Bless!!

[@scottwhitney9913]

We appreciate the Information, I know I do.

[@calebfisher6264]

Man I'm glad I stumbled across your channel, I just quit my full time job 3 weeks ago, I was on a crew of 12 peices of big big equipment digging massive lakes and airplane run ways. I quit thinking I had enough knowledge (you can never have enough in my opinion.) I love watching your stuff when I get stumped on a job, or a bid. Would love to get in contact with you some day!

[@mimnaex7263]

Sunday morning coffee vidjas 🤙🏻

[@michaelmulvaney5004]

Hi Todd, enjoyed that video very much very insightful. It would be great if you could do an entire start to finish videos of and job that you have done. And since you're not afraid to tell us the prices maybe come out with what you were able to do the job for and what your profit margin was. Thanks again for the videos I enjoy them very much.

[@DigginLife21]

Will do!

[@godsdozer]

One of the things to consider is relating to the customer WHY they are having to redo the road. It's just as you as you stated, modular home companies have pre-selected so-called dirt contractors that are the cheapest option to hire so the modular home companies can stick the money in their pocket. They know they will be long gone before the road gives the landowner issues. If you craft this explanation in a way that is not demeaning the modular home company but rather educating the landowner the why's, how's of building a proper road ect, many will understand. Those customers who don't understand, will just hire the lowest low-ball bidder again. Seen this for my 30-year career, it's frustrating but in the end, I don't want to the job if I can't do the job the right way. P.s. Add an additional 8-20% depending on the job for all the unexpected things that pop up.

[@scottfeatherstone7156]

Quoting videos are very interesting and helpful. Keep going.

[@alladinslamp3803]

Thanks. Realtor and homesteader 👍In Virginia

[@pattersonlandscaping5621]

You are so helpful with your step by step experience...

[@eddielee8773]

Hey Todd, You may want to speak to the fact that a business like this will blow up. Many will not be able to keep the "Bit in the back of the horses mouth" . I have seen so many get over their heads in a heartbeat just because they bought a 25 horse tractor and a box blade. Thank you.

[@LansingLawnServiceLLC]

This was excellent! Thank you!

[@deanensley5329]

Very impressed with your channel, honesty and detail quoting jobs. Also, videography is top notch. Curious where you are since I was born and raised in Clyde, NC. Unfortunately now I'm relegated to the low country of SC, OMG I miss the mountains!! Looking at buying raw acreage in SC since employment locks me in this region and your videos have been indespinsable when trying to figure costs for roadways to a homesite. Bravo brother and keep the info flowing please.

[@johnblair4722]

You spoke of an app or apps you use, what ones do you use/like and why? How about a video on “the tools of quoting”?

[@michaelkoop6731]

Great information. Great video.

[@johideath]

This is awesome! Doing mine in Cleveland Town and was wondering if I should do it myself or not and this really helps!

[@justinknipp4609]

Terrific job! Liked and subscribed.

[@jeremyplays2372]

Trying to start my own thing videos like this help me Bc Im terrified Im going to charge too much for something so please keep making these videos

[@DigginLife21]

You absolutely have to figure up what your overhead is. Then a bit of profit and you will be fine

[@maxdw1]

Hey do you think another way to do this job would be to smooth the mud out fix up the ditch on the uphill side a bit and cut the low side a bit. Then put fabric down and maybe 8" of gravel. That would bring up the hight of the driveway and make the ditch bigger on the uphill side. Also I would think you would want to say that hill above the driveway should be stabilized. Sounds like they just want to do the bare minimum though. Thanks for the videos. Im coming into year three of my own excavation business.

[@williamsimpkins9438]

Love the videos as I am trying to get into grading business myself I plan to watch all your videos I can as I will be starting out on my own

[@lawrencezaccheojr6642]

Great video very informational, thank you

[@TheOldBoy101]

Excellent video thanks for the tips.

[@1965ace]

I have a 3rd of a mile of ditch road to my place here in Nebraska and in the winter you want the road to cant away from the ditch because there is a 12' drop into the ditch. Safety is first for me.

[@rowangratz6146]

Solid advice Todd.

[@gman9917]

Great video… also new to the game and appreciate your time

[@TrailBuildingguy]

Awesome videos! What I want to see and have a interest in would be how do you get the jobs that you are bidding? Would like to see the process of how you hustle up jobs. Where do get your best leads

[@bennyhill3642]

Sounds mostly by his name and friends and family? 😇

[@BENNHENDRICKS33]

Thanks for the video, learned a lot.

[@jaybrooks2502]

You also should protect yourself from other contractors! Like well drilling rigs , power company’s sewer! We have had driveways finished and they come in and destroyed what we had done

[@timberwolflumber5296]

Thank you for sharing this information.

[@davidyager9718]

Did the 2 numbers you came up with include material? Great video as usual.

[@CliffsideStables]

You and the Greenville, SC channel, UPSTATE BRUSH CONTROL, would be good tag team partners. Keep on Keeping on! Tim @ Cliffside Acres

[@zates2272]

Love all the insight. Thank! You!

[@grnsouth1204]

Anyone else think CarJacking in 3, 2, 1... @ around 15:20? Another great video!

[@michaeldewald6830]

Great video. When you refer to tons of material what is the coverage rate or math? I am an old concrete guy that is used to figuring everything by the yard.

[@tomislavbegovic5725]

Gob Bless You! Keep it up !

[@AFewGoodMenExcavating]

That was an awesome and informative video. Thank you so much. My friend and myself just started are small excavating company in the Tri-State area, Ashland, Ky, Ironton, Oh, Huntington, Wv. We are A Few Good Men Excavating. My question is when you first got started how did you go about getting opportunities to bid on jobs and advertising? So far we have done yard signs and social media. I’m sure once we get more opportunities, word of mouth will help as well. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and God Bless.

[@DigginLife21]

It varies from one area to another. If y’all wanna do a consultation you can email me at [e-mail]

[@gorillevanille]

Thanks again brother

[@MrWhitcomb97]

Good video sir. Good price for fixing that shitty path.