Backhoe work--how much to charge??

The insurance thing is something to keep in mind, last I checked, and I don't have my notes in front of me but thought it was $10,000/year general liability - $1 million each occurance, I have forgot the specifics of the policy at the moment, but it is kind of expensive due to the nature of the work and risks, also seems one needs a minimal volume of work to justify the cost of a policy like this. Puts one in a precarious spot if one is just starting out and does not have the volume of work or business capital to afford a policy. I've curtailed any excavation work I'll do for a customer to on the surface, grading, landscaping, road or driveways, light cuts and fills, sites clear of utilities after calling the local safe dig/one call hotline etc, usually easy work, in/out, pays quick, and not too much risk if you use care, ins. coverage from rental house is adequate.

I've always enjoyed that work, spent many years in the seat, own a pair of old cats as a hobby, the skills are handy to have, was good experience working as an operator during those years. I maintain a good rep with the rental place, so I can do a fair size job if need be, hire trucks for materials etc., and you can make a buck at it, so I always keep an eye out for easier jobs, in-out, not too big etc.

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