Freelance QS/Estimators, your rates and umbrella or Ltd?

[Nuisance_Value]

Is there any on here?

I do know that rates have dropped significantly from a couple of years ago, but finding your own work as opposed to going through an agency gives a cost saving to the client. Seeing as the construction industry is still in limbo though with a few signs of recovery, I was wondering what other freelance construction professionals were charging per hour? (location may be a factor here)

I might have a couple of clients which would bring me up to almost full time so was also wondering, is using a umbrella still worthwhile (I've done it before through Parasol, they were ok) or should I consider a Ltd company route?

Any comments welcome, thanks.

[sleep envy]

I'm perm but have a M&E QS giving me a hand on a scheme at the moment who's billing me for £300/day.

As for prospects, we generally get two or three new schemes a month but are fotunate enough to cherry pick the jobs we bid for so have a 2:1 win ratio.

However, as you know, rates are down so fees based on %age are down but clients are still looking for use to review the %age rate which is a double blow.

We're finding that clients are happy to go on an hourly rate up to stage D (based on a light touch approach) and then fixed fee there on in - works in both sides favour.

Interestingly, we're also starting to see the effects of people underbidding work - there's a number of underserviced schemes about where clients are getting ready to shoot their consultants, we've picked up a handful of 'problem' jobs.

[Nuisance_Value]

Thanks for that, I'm guessing you work for a PQS firm. You've got a good contract win rate there. I've noticed a lot of M&E work about, likewise Oil & Gas, so suspect those that specialise in that area are able to charge accordingly.

I've negotiated rates with a brickie subcontractor that we're both happy with, and have said that we'll discuss a rate raise or bonus if the work picks up. Hopefully some of the larger housebuilders will pull the next development phases out of mothballs this year.

[sleep envy]

Yep pqs

we're quite niche and get a fair amount of repeat clients

also finding lots of developers trading deals as they've landed schemes in the boom which really isn't their sort of thing

lots of stuff being taken up to planning and sold off so it's cost plan manic

Still, it's all work

[NickNJ]

I've really struggled to find anything since being made redundant from pqs, picked up some building surveying but that's all. It's grim in the north.

[Eric Mc]

I canot for the life of me see any advantages in using un=mbrellas these days.

What are the advantages - if any?

[Nuisance_Value]

Eric Mc said:

I canot for the life of me see any advantages in using un=mbrellas these days.

What are the advantages - if any?

I don't know, easier bookkeeping at a guess, but other than that? So you would recommend forming a Ltd Co, even though I might get taken on full time in 6 - 12 months?