My neighbor brought his mini excavator over today and dug this bed out for me. I dumped the dirt while he ran the excavator. It took about 4 hours. I did the rest of the work that you see in the photos (geotextile fabric, leveling the dirt and placing the block). I want to pay him for his help but he won’t tell me how much he would like and I don’t want to short him. He’s obviously not expecting to be paid like a landscaping crew but I don’t want to feel like an a**hole. Any idea what a good amount would be?
by Unfair-Roll-1641
14 Comments
Well mini ex is $350 a day to rent plus fuel used. $150 200 case of beer or a bottle of his choice?
I had a neighbor cut my grass with his bush hog and refused payment so I got him a case of beer
I would say a few Benjamin’s and some beer would make him smile
Minimum $200 and some beer
Just grill some food up and invite him over when you’re finished.
Like other have said a case of beer or a nice bottle is a good choice but are you a good cook? Next time you throw a brisket on the smoker throw an extra one on for him. Or some ribs and sides.
Also, don’t forget to invite him over for the next pool party.
Mind if I ask where you got those upright pavers, or what type they are? Exactly what I’ve been trying to find for a similar use.
The local rental rate, fuel, plus his labor. I removed a 3,000lb retaining wall for a neighbor that had fallen in. I broke it up by hand and removed it from his property. Only charged him $200 and ate $50 on disposal costs. He also didnt pay me for a few days. Needless to say I’ll never help that guy again. If I were you, Id hand him $400 and a case of beer.
I help my friends and neighbors all the time. When I rent equipment, off up any one else need help while I have it. Beer works for me.
Bro you owe that dude a huge favor some beer and a cookout invite. You good. Excavator takes gas tho so definitely pay for fuel.
If he’s anything like me, he would’ve been happy to pay you just so he could use his toys.
Unless he is a professional excavator he probably had fun just using his excavator. A case of his favorite beer and a jug full of fuel is enough.
Mini excavator with operator goes for $75/hour near me.
I would get him something nice, maybe a decent whiskey.
Is he married? Find out what he drinks, get him a nice bottle of something
People here have some really good suggestions. I keep seeing beer come up and I agree that anything besides money. Money is the first thing I think comes to someone’s mind but everyone loves food, maybe a gift card to a restaurant, something that him and his wife could enjoy sort of thing.
Yes, edibles, alcohol, all of that. I would personally prefer over money.