Bad Idea? Home Construction
- Thread starter Iamchris
- Start date
If I was allowed to snap pictures of some of the homes we’ve done it would make would trailer part heads spin. I’m all set reacting to these home improvement posts. It’s so far beneath me it’s not funny.
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I have a personal friend that is the best remodeling contractor in the area. He remodels a lot of older high end homes. I guarantee that he would not get all butthurt if someone talked trash about some crappy deal they got into with another contractor. He has finished a lot of jobs that were abandoned or done incorrectly and people know who to call the next time.
I have worked with him on a lot of high end kitchens and before starting he has a meeting with the owner and all of the people on the project. He introduces everyone, compliments them for their knowledge and skill and everyone works together with the owner. He charges more than anyone else and he is worth it. I have never heard a complaint. He knows I do a lot of smaller projects and calls me if he needs a different perspective. Even though he is the best around he is a humble man and understands that he doesn't know everything, and is not to arrogant to seek advise.
So if you are a contractor don't get all defensive if someone has had a bad experience and has misplaced their trust. Work to earn it and realize that a guy that is over his head on a DIY project is an opportunity to make a friend and a customer for life.
I promise that is the end of my participation on this subject.
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I have worked with him on a lot of high end kitchens and before starting he has a meeting with the owner and all of the people on the project. He introduces everyone, compliments them for their knowledge and skill and everyone works together with the owner. He charges more than anyone else and he is worth it. I have never heard a complaint. He knows I do a lot of smaller projects and calls me if he needs a different perspective. Even though he is the best around he is a humble man and understands that he doesn't know everything, and is not to arrogant to seek advise.
So if you are a contractor don't get all defensive if someone has had a bad experience and has misplaced their trust. Work to earn it and realize that a guy that is over his head on a DIY project is an opportunity to make a friend and a customer for life.
I promise that is the end of my participation on this subject.
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Looks like my 6th grade final science project.
I got a B- on that one...
Keep practicing, you’ll eventually get there!
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Do you realize how poorly you just came off? It doesn't sound like much is beneath you based on this response.
You are seriously offended that I told a contractor to take a hike after getting confirmation that the dude was overpriced? And that folks in here are agreeing that the project is on the smaller side and within the scope of DIY?
I had a couple "contractors" that didn't come out for the job... yeah, they are probably shit. But when you cold call someone up, for any work... you don't know what you are going to get. The reality is, I would turn away work from someone who was arrogant about their work too, I'm not desperate, this is a 2nd house... I'm not looking for a place to live.
No1curr.
I get what your doing, but, there is not much to be said about an asshole who does good work. But there is something different to say about an arrogant asshole.
I worked construction back in HS for my uncle. Framing and roof jobs were most of it. Sucky work, OK pay for a 16 year old. What I learned is that I don't have the patience for it and I don't get the satisfaction from a completed job like some do. I hire out the majority of that work.
Landscaping on the other hand, I get enjoyment so I bust my sack doing it.
However, OP, if you can't get anyone to show up for the price you want, you better get familiar with Home Depot and YT.
I work with skilled people too. Machinists, controls, and programmers. You want to talk about labor and material costs that make heads spin? I'm about to spend $900,000 on two machines that will take up no more than 100 square feet total.
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Landscaping on the other hand, I get enjoyment so I bust my sack doing it.
However, OP, if you can't get anyone to show up for the price you want, you better get familiar with Home Depot and YT.
You're not doing yourself and other contractors any favors getting butthurt over a few guys saying that it isn't worth the cost of a professional all the time. I dont hear Jiffy Lube guys complaining that a bunch here change their own oil...
I work with skilled people too. Machinists, controls, and programmers. You want to talk about labor and material costs that make heads spin? I'm about to spend $900,000 on two machines that will take up no more than 100 square feet total.
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Curious, you mention lead paint procedures. What do you do regarding asbestos
Asbestos is a big deal also. Some plaster has it in it, older floor tile, ceiling tile, and of coarse insulation.
The last project last year cost nearly 5k in sample and test fees. Then you have the abatement. That was 26k. Granted, this is all before you even get started.
As the abatement is on going. A third party testing company, monitors the air quality and supervised the work. Then final air samples.
One can get online sample kits and send them off. I just hire pros, to much liability.
containment is so important on older work.
Asbestos is a big deal also. Some plaster has it in it, older floor tile, ceiling tile, and of coarse insulation.
The last project last year cost nearly 5k in sample and test fees. Then you have the abatement. That was 26k. Granted, this is all before you even get started.
As the abatement is on going. A third party testing company, monitors the air quality and supervised the work. Then final air samples.
One can get online sample kits and send them off. I just hire pros, to much liability.
containment is so important on older work.
asbestos can be found in over 3500 building materials. I a licensed asbestos inspector, supervisor and air monitor. been with my current employer for over 10 years. For $5k in sampling, that must have been a ton of samples. I mean hundreds. I was just curious how you handle it as you mentioned just lead.
Containment is important, yes, but morely its keeping fibers wet and the work area under negative pressure. Unfortunately, there are rip and skip contractors everywhere.
Hats off to you sir! The monitors I work with are some hard ass'es. Though guys that take thier work seriously.
It boils down to knowing what should be expected and the proper procedures for public safety. Most just don't care.
contractors always work at their own pace, you'll never be able to change that. and the guys that charge the higher prices are the ones who get the work done quickly and precisely.
everything you need done is fairly easy, just make sure you know what you're doing with the load bearing walls.
everything you need done is fairly easy, just make sure you know what you're doing with the load bearing walls.
Yes. The amount of people / contractors that do not care is nuts. Big companies. Blatant stuff too. DEP is too lenient. We tell them all the time about stuff that goes on. The average Joe has no idea about the hazards and proper care. "Oh my uncle Joe said it's only in floor tile". The stuff we hear is enough to write a book. And the stuff that is allowed to go on town to town as well. Some towns are good about it. Others couldnt care less. There is a section on the demo permit for an asbestos inspection. Most don't bother at all.
I have a 33k asbestos abatement proposal on my desk right now, just to install new HVAC at a job. That's big money to most people, just to get rid of something before you can start a job. The company I use have hard working crews. They had 8 people working in all different tasks suited and masked up with chamber entrances. As you stated negative pressure on two floors. They cleaned an clear sealed everything. You're in a unique field of work, I hope it is as profitable as it should be for you.
I'm our shop manager. I wear many hats. We are doing well. Nearly doubled from last year. Coming close to finishing up a 14 month project that was over 1.2 million. All t&m. Great money maker there. We also service many hospitals including Maine Med in Portland where we purchased over 100 neg air machines just for covid19 response. Plenty of work out there.
14 month t&m ! That's the way to do it! Keep up the hustle. There is plenty of work out here. All my subs are slammed, and I haven't had but a couple weekends free in 6 months.
That work makes my head spin! Really impressive, and why electricians are paid so well.
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