Replies

1. 
   Bob_Walker | Sep 08, 2001 10:01pm | #1

   *
   I'm not sure about the dryrot repairs, tough to say w/o seeing it.

   Be aware though, that "fungus" is the same as, or similar to, "mold."

   There has been much recent concern about and litigation regarding mold. Be sure to CYA on this one.

   Consider bringing in a mold specialist: many home inspectors have jumped on that bandwagon, industrial hygenists are probably the best source of info and environmental contracting firms.

   At a minimum, search the web (and this site) work up a "disclosure" and recommend additional expert evaluation of the "fungus."

   Consider adding aterm to your contract that theowner must include a disclosure about the fungus in their sellers diosclosure statement. (I realize this is getting kind of paranoid, some parnoid CYA is a lot cheaper tah fighting some subsequent creative law suit that you had a duty to warn.)

   I
   i think
   fungus is like mold in that it needs moisture to grow: killing it without elimating the source of the moisture is a questionable practice.

1. 
   Donald_Garrison | Sep 10, 2001 01:25am | #2

   *Thanks Bob; I am bringing in a specialist to check the situation out and am subcontracting that part if I get the job. I have heard of litigation around this so am being careful. We are doing everything we can to eliminate the moisture problem under the home. I think this is going to be a bit more then the customer relaized..but at the very least I will learn somethin huh? Thanks again Don

1. 
   splintergroupie_ | Sep 10, 2001 04:24am | #3

   *Here's a good link.

1. 
   piffin_ | Sep 10, 2001 04:35am | #4

   *The customer is looking for a cheapie and you are looking for good clients.I NEVER bid rot repairs. It always gets worse than it looks.Do it right at T&M or walk! You'll sleep better - not all growth is worth it.

1. 
   GACC_DAllas | Sep 10, 2001 05:03am | #5

   *piffin is right on.DO NOT bid rot repair. You will be very, very sorry.Time and material only. Period.Ed.

2. 
   Donald_Garrison | Sep 11, 2001 01:45pm | #6

   *Thanks guys; After some conversation with those who know more then I..I am backing off this one. I know a guy who specializes in this stuff and he is going to reimburse me for my time so far if he gets the job. so I set him up with the customer and the customer seems happy about the decision..me too. I do appreciate the feedback. Don

3. 
   piffin_ | Sep 11, 2001 06:22pm | #7

   *Don,congratulations. You have just employed one of the seven primary keys to success in business - when in doubt call on a mastermind, meaning all the experience and advice you can compile from others in the game. You expand your own abilities beyond normal . This time it has saved you from loss - next time it may make you a mint. Remember the principle.

4. 
   xJohn_Sprung | Sep 13, 2001 07:25pm | #8

   *OK, Piffin, what are the other six?-- J.S.

5. 
   piffin_ | Sep 14, 2001 01:41am | #9

   *1 - Always be honest with your customers. If you did wrong - admit it with an apology and a correction. Therre is no better way to inspire trust than to let them see you making good without a court order or twenty nine phjone calls from them. Trust is the basis of any business relationship. Without a good name you are up a crick with out a paddle knocking holes in you own boat.2 - Always return All your phone calls the same day if possible but never later than 24 hrs. Nothing makes a customer any more angry than to feel like he's being ignored.3 - Always pay all your bills on time. When you really need it - no one will ever doubt you or hold it againsty you if you ever do have to run over.4 - Never do anything you can have someone else do for you - find the specialist who does it well. (I have trouble with this one - I like to do it all but I can't design and sell new jobs to make money on while I'm troweling mud.5 - When you don't know - find someone who does. Mastermind priciple mentioned previously.6 - Know your numbers. (P&L, costs, insurance expiration dates, electricians and plumbers home phone, bank act # and balance, etc.)7 - Know your customers. The customer is always right- no matter how wrong he is. At least he has to think so. Hint - he already thinks so, why argue? With most people, when you've got their trust, you don't need to argue with them - just provide the facts needed top make the right decision and they'll think it was all their own thinking but you're still in control. (8) no need to know your competition if you do all the above because you now are the competitipon - the one they aspire to measure up to.might be more but these stick with me from way back

6. 
   Donald_Garrison | Sep 14, 2001 02:04am | #10

   *Piffin' I do agree. don

2. 
   Donald_Garrison | Sep 14, 2001 02:04am | #11

   *
   I have been contacted through referral to bid a house that is on the market and the customer just wants to do the minmum of work amount to sell it. It has been inspected and dry rot has been found in the crawl space area.
   Some of the 4 x 6 beams are shot as well as some posts..this does not seem to be a problem to fix.. but..
   The subfloor is t and g 2 x 6 s and there are 3 areas that need to be taken care of. All 3 places have hardwood floor on top. Is there any way to do this from below so I do not have to ruin the floors? Approx 6 x 2 ft in each case has got to be removed. Any tricks of the trade?
   2ndly the inspector is recommending that a substance be applied to several areas to stop fungus growth. Any ideas?
   My first inclination is to blow off the job..but we are trying to expand what we do and referrals are like gold.
   Thanks for the help! ( I checked archives and did not find anything).
   Don Garrison