How much should this cost me?

[unknownjulie]

OH, I'm not holding anyone to 2k. That's just my target. It sounds like you got a decent deal. That's what I'm looking for. And actually, since the guy walked right out onto my property and it is somewhat cleared- I'm thinking he might be able to tell if there is blue rock there- also due to the vegetation. For instance, do Ohia trees get huge on relatively new lava flows if there is bluerock? I dont know, but maybe someone else does. I found some phone numbers that might be the people I was recommended, and so I'll try and call them today. Who did you use Mark? Mahalo!

[YurtGirl]

If you go with a professional project manager, it shouldn't add 50% to the cost, not even close. Some contractors will tack on 20 - 25%, but that's the highest I've seen get added to site prep... or most other phases of construction for that matter. And it's usually well worth that if you knew what went on behind the scenes to pull off a good project, which I expect you will be quite familiar with by the end of all this!

When we manage a project for instance, we're working with a crew that knows us, knows what to expect and what we expect out of them. We act on a client's behalf because we have the experience to know how to do that, typically FAR more than our clients do.

There is typically little to no cost raise to a client because the operator is getting repeat business from our company, so they drop their price to a 'contractor's rate', much like lumber yards and places like that will do. That's the way a lot of professionals will do it. You get the ones that charge a bit more too, but it's a rare one that will attempt a 50% mark up! Especially on an island. That said, you won't get those rock bottom prices that people must be half crazy to offer either But you do get to relax and know you aren't going to get left with a nightmare.

Some people want to do it all on their own though, and I respect that too. It's good education in the long run.

Melissa Fletcher
___________________________
"Make yurts, not war" Bill Coperthwaite, 1973

[unknownjulie]

I dont know how much money I"ve saved by additional clearing and planting on my lotlines, tramping around my lot, making a path to the center, figuring out where I want the driveway and housepad to go, looking at the drainage when it rains etc- but I think it's probably a good chunk of change overall.

[YurtGirl]

Those are the things good land owners end up doing, and while it doesn't typically save much on the cost of dozing/driveway/housepad/cesspool install/etc., the major value is that you will be much happier with the long term results in the end for having taken the time! And that's worth a lot.

The money saving will come in by shopping around for a hungry operator who is ideally working in the area already, and hopefully getting someone to do the work to your well researched specifications.

I was in that area a few days ago, it had been a couple years since we worked down there. I was surprised to see the changes. Fruit trees had gotten HUGE, one of the houses that was new a couple years ago was already going downhill fast Have you thought about having gate posts dug while the machine is there? A gate is something that is ideal to add EARLY on. Deter unwanted visitors...

Melissa Fletcher
___________________________
"Make yurts, not war" Bill Coperthwaite, 1973

[unknownjulie]

I am just going to have the driveway and pad cleared by someone who will do a good job. I may have found him, but i'll post after he does the work. Everything else will wait. Dont have the cash. There are a lot of people living in ORchidland now. It's not really that remote in most areas. When I've been out there, I've talked to people walking or biking on the road everytime. I'll probably put some tires in the driveway for now to deter people. (those can and will probably be stolen I know)

[Frankie Stapleton]

Paul Andrade is a longtime friend who does excellent land clearing, excavation, etc. I think his company's name is Excavation Tech, license # C22892 and the business is located at 16-1938 on the mauka side of Pahoa Hwy. He gives free estimates, 7 days a week. Phone 966-8828.

If you want to see a good example of his work, drive to Crystal Circle, (3rd right off Nanawale Blvd...more streets going off to left so be sure to count 3 named streets on the right, Crystal Circle is on the sharp curve opposite Maluhia St.) About 2 weeks ago, he finished working on 2 lots on that cul de sac, taking down albezias, clearing and leveling the lots and creating pukas for septic after 2 other crews were unable to handle the work. I couldn't believe the work he and his crew put in during those unbelievable downpours we had last month! Good luck ;D

[unknownjulie]

Oh, thankyou so much for the phone number! I may already be hiring someone but I have to scope it out more. I called a nahalahu number in the phone book for an Andrate and he didnt return my call yet.

[Futureresident]

I recently hired Paul Andrade (Excavation Tech) for some grubbing and he and his son AJ did an absolutely phenomenal job! I was actually searching the forum for something else but happened across this comment about him and wanted to add my two cents. Both were very professional and completed the job much quicker than I expected. I would definitely recommend them as well!

[unknownjulie]

I guess I wrote about this on another thread. I got the Androti number too late. I had already hired James Kim. I think he did a good job and cleared a large area and driveway. It cost 3,000 total. Other people who have seen the large clearing have told me it was a "good deal". GL

[dmbwest]

+1 for Paul ... Amazingly skilled operator. Was totally fair with us and went the extra mile just because his heart was in the right place. Maybe this should be on Carols thread.

That said ... I've been watching Earth Karvers do thier thing around town and they are FAST !!!

aloha,
pog