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Exterior Door Trim Kit Installation Comparison
Research Summary: Results
| Observed Skill Level | |
| Contractor #1 | Better |
| Contractor #2 | Good |
| Contractor #3 | Best |
Based on observation of the contractors throughout the process, the following skill levels were noted. See chart at right
Prior to beginning assembly of the trim, contractors #1 and #3 removed the brick mould while contractor #2 left the brick mould intact for both applications. Contractors #1 and #3 also indicated that they would pre-build the wood system in their shops, and then transport it in pieces to the job site, while Contractor #2 indicated that he would build everything at the job site.
Even though all three contractors were given the same materials, the same instructions, and the same model to replicate, in each case the final built-up system varied from the model and did so in differing ways. The Fypon surround produced predictable, consistent quality and look from job to job.
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Built-up System |
Fypon Surround |
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On a basic time comparison, the following was noted:
| Fypon Time | Built-Up Time | % F to BU difference | |
| Contractor #1 | .45 hr | 1.75 hr | 74% longer |
| Contractor #2 | .5 hr | 2.48 hr | 80% longer |
| Contractor #3 | .5 hr | 2.87 hr | 83% longer |
| Pre-build estimated charge to customer | |
| Contractor #1 | $400 (changed to $450 during construction) |
| Contractor #2 | $200 |
| Contractor #3 | $200 to $300 |
The contractors involved in this study were not told the costs for the lineal stock of the wood trim, or for the Fypon surround (actual cost for the materials for the build-up system was approximately $143. The actual cost for the Fypon surround was approximately $220 including the adhesive). Before beginning construction of the wood system, the participants were asked what they thought they would charge for the materials and labor involved.
Using the participants' labor rate per hour, multiplying by the time required to build the door trim and adding the cost of materials produced the following results. Note: Labor hours includes design and site setup.
|
Material Cost |
Hours x Labor Rate |
Total Cost |
|
| Contractor #1 (Built-Up) | $143 |
3.75hr. x $45 = $168.75 |
$311.75 |
13% savings! |
| Contractor #1 (Fypon) | $220 |
1.15hr. x $45 = $51.75 |
$271.75 |
|
| Contractor #2 (Built-Up) | $143 |
4.48hr. x $40 = $179.20 |
$322.20 |
19% savings! |
| Contractor #2 (Fypon) | $220 |
1.00hr. x $40 = $40.00 |
$260.00 |
|
| Contractor #3 (Built-Up) | $143 |
4.87hr. x $40 = $194.80 |
$337.80 |
23% savings! |
| Contractor #3 (Fypon) | $220 |
1.00hr. x $40 = $40.00 |
$260.00 |
After explaining to the participants what the cost of the built-up and Fypon materials were, they were again asked what they would charge the customer for each job. All the participants said that they would not mark-up the raw material cost, and would charge at their standard hourly rate for labor. The time would also include setting up on the job-site. None of the contractors added the time required to obtain the materials into their quote. (Participants felt the time at the lumber yard to gather the materials needed for the lineal wood system would be approximately 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic at the yard. The time estimated to order, and pick-up the Fypon surround was about 1 hour total.) All the participants agreed that a painter would paint either system, so they did not venture a guess as to what that would cost.
Labor cost plus Material cost |
Post-build estimated charge to customer |
|
| Contractor #1 (Built-Up) | $311.75 |
$300 to $350 |
| Contractor #1 (Fypon) | $271.75 |
$400 |
| Contractor #2 (Built-Up) | $322.20 |
$300 to $350 |
| Contractor #2 (Fypon) | $260 |
$300 |
| Contractor #3 (Built-Up) | $377.80 |
$359 |
| Contractor #3 (Fypon) | $260 |
$260 |
When the contractors were asked if using Fypon made them feel any less of a carpenter, all of them answered that it did not.
