profit on employees and unexpected cost

[grassmasterswilson]

I'm sitting down and evaluating my cost of doing business per hour in preparation for the 2013 season. I know most of my figures but have a few questions for you guys. My cost may be a little high for my area, but that may be because of the way I'm figuring my numbers.

1. employees- right now it is me plus 1 guy. Hopefully 2 guys next year and if things go well they can mow while I do applications. I consider myself an employee in my numbers. Do you add any profit to your labor hours? I add profit for manual labor hours but wondering about in mowing cost. Do you figure your labor at cost and just take the profit for your pocket? I try to shoot for 40% profit on residential and 25% on commercial.

2. What about unexpected costs? Anyone add a small percentage to the total for that? Maybe gas goes up or insureance? I was thinking of adding an extra 5% or so for that sort of stuff.