FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

How long? estimate from GC

mizshredder2 | Posted in Business on August 31, 2006 02:05am

OK, I ran into so many issues at my Mom’s house in WI last trip there that I called in a highly recommended GC; who’s quite busy doing major demo and renovation jobs for some of my former HS classmates still in the area.  Walked him thru the various things there at my Mom’s that need to be done.

When asked “when do you want this done?” I responded “before winter…I know you’re busy…please use any/all of this work as ‘filler'” and he was WAY happy to hear that (ya shoulda seen his face light up).  So anyway, at our last meeting, he promised to either email or snail mail me the estimates for the various tasks/projects to be done.

It’s been 3 weeks.  Got nada from him yet. 

Question: how long do I wait before getting in touch with him and if ya say to go ahead and call him, how shall I open the discussion so as to restart things and keep them on a positive note?

TIA!

DUM SPIRO SPERO:  “While I breathe I hope”

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Svenny | Aug 31, 2006 02:13pm | #1

    Don't hesitate to get back in touch. A week after you talked with him wouldn't have been too soon. He's busy, so you don't want to stay perpetually at the bottom of his list.

    Just be courteous and demonstrate to him that you serious about needing the work to be finished by winter.

    John Svenson, builder, remodeler, NE Ohio

    Edited 8/31/2006 7:15 am ET by Svenny



    Edited 8/31/2006 7:16 am ET by Svenny

  2. calvin | Aug 31, 2006 02:18pm | #2

    Start out with "hello" and go from there.

    If he's like me, a sole prop. time is not always there for everything you need to do--most of all, time to price out future work.  I get so involved in current or near future jobs that I sometimes lack the energy to work on bids.  Remind him politely, use the "keep the ball rolling" slant and expect to hear back soon this time.

    A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.

    Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

    Quittin' Time

     

    1. MikeSmith | Aug 31, 2006 02:42pm | #3

      squeaky wheel..

       remind without nagging or guilt... me... i'm so far behind with my Proposals it's laughable  ( sic  ? )

      he wants the work.. you want him... stay on top....

      you both have already committed time to this , so neither of you wants to restart with someone new

      good luck ....

       Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

  3. User avater
    BossHog | Aug 31, 2006 03:02pm | #4

    I say go ahead and contact him. Just politely ask him if he has any idea yet when he can be there.

    I think that in this business people tend to think if no one calls 'em about stuff they don't really care if it gets done.

    In an ideal world the GC would do work in the order in which they got it booked. But obviously we don't live in an ideal world...

    I poured Spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
  4. SHG | Aug 31, 2006 04:34pm | #5

    a word about offering to have your work used as filler.  it's good for the GC for obvious reasons, but...a lot, maybe too much, depends on the guy's organization skills, work ethic and schedule.  One day, with winter around the corner and the guy yet to start on your work, you start to wonder when that down time is gonna come.  There's a tendency to put off stuff you can, and a customer who doesn't have a particular time frame and offers to be accomodating is usually the one who gets pushed to the side.  Not because you're not being nice about it, or that the GC really wants to do your work.  It's just the way things work sometimes.  You may want to reframe your timing so that you have some way to gauge that the work is being/will be done before the first blizzard hits and you go from being the sweetheart customer to one unhappy camper.

    SHG

    For every complex problem, there is a solution that is clear, simple, and wrong.

    -H.L. Mencken

  5. Dave45 | Aug 31, 2006 04:45pm | #6

    Since there are "so many issues", he may be bogged down up trying to "guesstimate" all of them for one bid.  As we all know, it's a given that the job will grow once he starts digging into things.

    If you can, try breaking the total job down based on priorities and get his input on the 3-4 most important issues. 

  6. User avater
    IMERC | Aug 31, 2006 06:58pm | #7

    you should have already got in touch with him...

     

     

    Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

    WOW!!! What a Ride!

    Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

    1. mizshredder2 | Aug 31, 2006 08:27pm | #8

      OK, it's my lunch break and I'm grateful to y'all for the feedback and super advice and will give him a call - NOW!

      edited to add:

      CRUD!!!!!!!!!  Just called him and got an outgoing announcement that says: "we're no longer accepting work for the fall or the winter..."!!!!!!!!!!!

      ARGH!  (anybody know a good GC in the Green Bay and NORTHEASTERN WI area?)

      DUM SPIRO SPERO:  "While I breathe I hope"

      Edited 8/31/2006 1:30 pm ET by mizshredder2

      1. calvin | Sep 01, 2006 01:12am | #9

        That's for new calls.

        You already had an agreement with him.

        Get him on the phone or leave a message.A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.

        Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

        Quittin' Time

         

        1. mizshredder2 | Sep 01, 2006 01:26am | #10

          My heart's been on the floor since hearing that recording earlier so THANKS CAL, your post made me relook at things, and gave me a ray of hope.

          I'll find his cell # and call him again later tonite.  Right now, I'm still stuck here at office tho waiting on "one more thing before you go..." sigh

          You know, this trying to take care of my own home in AR and keep up with things at my Mom's house in WI, is wearing me down.  Especially when overlain with all the other issues life's got on my plate.

          I need a Memphest ribs/beer break, as I already got my own blues song to sing.

          (Will review some "1 yr after Katrina" pics a friend sent me inorder  to kick myself in the butt for allowing any self pity, later tonite too.)DUM SPIRO SPERO:  "While I breathe I hope"

          1. splintergroupie | Sep 01, 2006 06:18am | #19

            Maybe we can do a duet at Memphest. My $8K well decided to belch sand and plug the pump. Got the driller back in today and all the drill steel back down with more casing coming tomorrow. I'm watching hundred-dollar bills fly from my pocket to his...and no guarantees.

          2. mizshredder2 | Sep 01, 2006 06:22am | #21

            Bring your harmonica

            I got enuf blues for both of usDUM SPIRO SPERO:  "While I breathe I hope"

      2. Brudoggie | Sep 03, 2006 05:18pm | #43

        Miz,

         Is this in GB area? I'm  NE of there, but by 100 mi. If it's within 50 mi of me, I may be of some help.

        I don't personally know any GB area contractors, but have some supplier contacts down there, who may have a reference, for you.

        Let me know if I can help. I could make some calls after the holiday.

        Good luck!

        Brudoggie

        1. mizshredder2 | Sep 03, 2006 08:09pm | #44

          Please ck your BT email.DUM SPIRO SPERO:  "While I breathe I hope"

  7. dug | Sep 01, 2006 03:01am | #11

    Miz,

      Couple things... First sorry for your misfortune.In the future maybe try to get an estimate for just a few things at once. As a small contractor theres nothing worse to me than going to a prospective clients house and being asked to give an estimate on 10 different jobs, well, cept for maybe when you get ready to leave and they say please itemize these out seperately.

    I need to know which jobs will be done at the same time to give a decent estimate.Example, if I am trimming and painting maybe I can paint my trim before I put it down and save some time and not have to bid the paint as high. I doubt you are planning to do this but, I've done these kind of estimates before and had the HO "cherry pick" the estimates and pick the lowest bidder on each individual job.Now, I bid these jobs as if each phase of it was a different trip to the site ( read higher) unless we agree that its a package deal.

       Second, its been my experience ( and again you prab'ly are'nt like this ) that the more things I'm asked to bid at one time, the more vague said things get. Like , while you're here how bout replacing those pieces of siding on the chimney that are rotten ...as were viewing it from 25 ft below(G).

      Third, the word "filler job" means different things coming from different people.From some, it means just that, do it when you can. From others it means this job really isn't that big and I don't expect to pay full price.

      Just call your contractor and let him know where you stand. Sorry for the rant,can you tell I've had a tough week? O.K. I'll just go back to estimating now.:)

    1. calvin | Sep 01, 2006 03:19am | #12

      the word "filler job" means different things coming from different people

      Dug.

      I had to check and see that you didn't live next door.

      Good words, put together well.

      thanks.A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.

      Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

      Quittin' Time

       

      1. mizshredder2 | Sep 01, 2006 06:11am | #17

        GC task/job #2 at my Mom's house:

        has to do with something that goes back to YOUR knowledge...during Riverfest I lent IMERC my mem stick and we were talking bout my Mom's chimney...

        It's still standing but beats me how/why...

        The insurance dude keyed in on her (Mom) not having porch railings but said NADA bout the chimney (I'm counting my blessings).

        Since Riverfest, I'd gotten only one contractor to show up and give a QUOTE on the chimney repairs.  He specializes in SOLIDFLUE systems.  Wanted to do tear out, rebuilt, pour in SOLIDFLUE new liner for $23K.

        Here's refresher photos for ya of the Chimney.DUM SPIRO SPERO:  "While I breathe I hope"

        1. mizshredder2 | Sep 01, 2006 06:17am | #18

          GC task/job #3 is a relatively small (& primarily) framing job.

          Replace existing rear exterior access POS door to basement with a full size std 3'0" 6'8" door (design same as entry door on same wall but pic won't show that to ya here).  there IS headspace for expanding the height of the RO for the replacement door.  The rotted framing round current door was due to buildup of soils above the house exterior vinyl siding in Mom's rose bed.  That was remedied by me in prior WI trip and Mom was appropriately spanked/educated.  SO...the sill and existing framing will need rework prior to install of new basement access door.  Door to have lockset matching other rear house door, rekeyed to match/use same key.

          Here's pic of subject door.

           DUM SPIRO SPERO:  "While I breathe I hope"

          1. mizshredder2 | Sep 01, 2006 06:22am | #20

            GC Task/project #4:

            Tear off and replace existing garage shingles and replace with 30# felt and arch shingles.  Haul off debris.  Color: brown (use existing shingles on rear porch house addition's roof as guide; also brown of front porch and rear stairs paint)...

            Pic of garage attached.  It has about an 8 foot long ridge.  Under existing roof currently is t&g wide plank sheathing, bout an inch thick...  is SOLID.  And the GC and I visually inspected the entire garage so he's seen that status for himself.

            You won't see the worst shingle wear from this view but believe  me...it's TRULY BAD on western exposure side...DUM SPIRO SPERO:  "While I breathe I hope"

          2. mizshredder2 | Sep 01, 2006 06:29am | #23

            (Final) GC Task/project #5:

            Have carp fix rotted eave wood (looks like a std profile crown to me but whad dew I no?) Hire/oversee professional painters to remove existing POS gutters (front of house and rear), scrape & otherwise prep, prime and 2 coats of paint all the wooden eaves of the house.  If ya noted in the chimney task photos, there's a good view of the whole side of the house at driveway side, and from the first task: columns pics, ya see front of house problem gutter and eaves also...

            Edited because I WANTED to add pic of rotted crown at rear right eave... which was caused by a busted slate roof shingle.  I had clambered up their last summer and did water stoppage temp fix with vulkem 116 and asphalt shingle.  GC saw that, looked at me and said 'I couldn't have done much better for a temp fix in a slate roof like that".

            BTW, those slate shingles are deceptive.  their full width when not layered, is on the order of 22 inches!

            dang "manage attachments" doesn't have option to add a new attachment...will add another post to get that done then.   aye carumba!

            DUM SPIRO SPERO:  "While I breathe I hope"

            Edited 9/1/2006 12:12 am ET by mizshredder2

      2. User avater
        BillHartmann | Sep 02, 2006 08:24pm | #41

        I thought that a filler job was where you put bondo over all of the rotten boards.

        1. calvin | Sep 02, 2006 08:31pm | #42

          alright then, I guess ridding the patio of leaves would be a

           

          edit:  I'm sorry bill, my original response was not good vocabulary.

          A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.

          Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

          Quittin' Time

           

          Edited 9/2/2006 1:33 pm ET by calvin

        2. mizshredder2 | Sep 03, 2006 08:19pm | #46

          Well I didn't mention this before but...

          the 2 people involved (the GC to be and me) had a mutual understanding  - because we explicitly discussed it - of what "filler job" meant in the case of the work at my Mom's since I knew full well some of the other project's he was committed to and were on his plate...and that were going to move thru the standard phases of fdn, framing, subs (elec, mech, plumbing, DW, etc etc) at which point swinging some of those over to my Mom's upon completion of their phase of work at Betsy's house, would be a 4 block logistical move.  That's "one aspect" of what the GC and I were referring to re "filler work" in addition to those gaps in time when he had to stop (let foundation cure at other jobs) and had gaps in time to spend his time/attn elsewhere.DUM SPIRO SPERO:  "While I breathe I hope"

          1. mizshredder2 | Sep 15, 2006 03:15am | #47

            ALL:

             

            An update, in the off chance anybody remembers this thread and is wondering:

            1) the original GC met with, never provided an estimate, then went incommunicado, then got back in touch to advise he was about to go on vacation but when he got back, I'd be "THE FIRST thing he did (write up the estimate)".  Well, I waited one day after date of his return from vacation...called his home and l/msg.  Called his cell and l/msg.  NADA

            2) got referral to another GC in Mom's area.  Called and called - NO ANSWERING machine, no voice mail, no answer the phone.  This one going NADA fast.

            3) called around friends up in that area.  Got a line on another GC.  Called and l/msg on their number last nite.  Got home tonite, had return call on my home answ. machine and before I could even finish listening to it, my cell rang and it was him.  Had a great chat (he seems to have the same twisted cheesehead sense of humor, imagine that!) and he thinks either tomorrow or next week he can swing by my Mom's house and look at directly all we discussed.  I called Mom to advise he'd be calling, to arrange visiting and looking.  Then I emailed him to confirm email commo was established, thanked him for calling, and let him know my Mom was alerted and ready to hear from him to accommodate his checking things out.

            MAYBE third time will be the charm?

            I can only hope...DUM SPIRO SPERO:  "While I breathe I hope"

          2. TomMGTC | Sep 15, 2006 03:58am | #48

            Good luck. I hope it works out for you. I went through the same thing trying to get 2 garage doors installed. Finally did it myself. I don't understand why they say tey will call back with a price if they aren't going to. I had on call me on a friday to tell me that he would have the price on monday. Never heard from him again even after leaving a couple messages the following week.Tom

            Douglasville, GA

          3. mizshredder2 | Sep 15, 2006 03:10pm | #49

            I appreciate all the good luck karma wishes I can get with this!  SERIOUSLY.

            You know, if I lived up there, I could do more there akin to what I do with my house here in AR...just gulp and read and ask ask ask and then....do it myself.

            But up there - I can only do likewise with the more minor things...

            Like - repairs on her garage inclusive of replacement of the garage door last summer! (funny you should mention that!)  It wasn't that difficult, but it sure was nice that one of my bros was there at the same time to help man-handle the parts and all.  DUM SPIRO SPERO:  "While I breathe I hope"

          4. mizshredder2 | Sep 19, 2006 01:37am | #50

            Monday 18 Sept 06 update:

            In a nutshell:  GC #1 - played hide and seek so well after never supplying a quote - he's a "goner"

            GC #2 - never could make contact with

            GC #3  - called on one day - he called me back the next day.  Day 3 he and his dad (co. founder) went to my Mom's house (that was last Friday) and met her, viewed everything.  Day 4 he emailed me and said for me to please Do go ahead and share those jpgs I had of things at my Mom's.  I did that on Day 5.  Also on Day 5, I called my Mom and learned she liked these 2 gents very much...but when queried, she informed me they never checked out what one can see, of the interior of the chimney via the f/p in her Living room...  Hmmm.  Today is Day 7 since first establishing contact with this particular GC, I've just ck'd my email and see now update, msg or quote from him yet.  DO I NEED TO CALL HIM TONITE?

            Well given the thumping I perceived getting from y'all in this thread originally, it would seem the answer is "yes"...so I'll go do that now.

            Crossing my fingers I/we can progress to quote, and contract stage with this one...DUM SPIRO SPERO:  "While I breathe I hope"

          5. mizshredder2 | Sep 19, 2006 08:40pm | #51

            I spoke to the GC#3 dude on phone last nite.  I called, left msg.  He called me back within the hour.  (GOOD SIGN!)

            Told me they definitely are interested in doing the work, that his licenses and insurances are all up to date, that he's waiting on mason to give input before he can complete quote for chimney...but he's working on the rest of the tasks' estimates. 

            When asked when might they be completed he said to give him the rest of the week and he'd either call me with them or shoot me an email. 

            So.......it's "wait" time again.DUM SPIRO SPERO:  "While I breathe I hope"

    2. mizshredder2 | Sep 01, 2006 04:03am | #13

      I don't think you were ranting and I certainly didn't take any offense to a single thing you wrote.

      FYI:  I've called the GC's home and cell phones both...and left voice messages on each.

      Now that I'm home, let me get something to drink & a bit to eat and I'll come back and post some additional info with y'all to help put some things further in context.

      brbDUM SPIRO SPERO:  "While I breathe I hope"

      1. User avater
        dieselpig | Sep 01, 2006 04:18am | #14

        Call his cell phone at 9:30 on a Sunday night.  We love that type of stuff.   :)View Image

        1. mizshredder2 | Sep 01, 2006 06:00am | #15

          Stop it.

          Or I'm calling YOU at 9:30 with a way for ya to earn your way outta that mantoy purchase of yours way quick.

          ya see, there's this house in WISC...needs some work...DUM SPIRO SPERO:  "While I breathe I hope"

    3. mizshredder2 | Sep 01, 2006 06:06am | #16

      Well I ate something but it didn't agree with me soooooooooooo, sorry for this delay in followup post.

      The GC got called on a Friday of first week I was in WI this month of August.

      I was working on what should have been a 2 day porch railings installation...but became a porch rehab THEN install railings situation.  In the process of that, I encountered hard evidence that the center of the 3 structural columns holding up the 2nd floor of the front end of the house, are rotten at the core.

      SO....  GC Job #1:

      replace the existing structural columns before winter.  Stay aesthetically as similar to existing as possible.  EXACT not required; composite material ok.  And BTW, I told him so he KNEW why I had to get porch railings installed and gave me the go ahead to butt the railings' posts right up to the base pediments of the columns...

      Here's pic to show the columns which I cleaned up to "look good  for the insurance man who threatened my 88 y/o mom with cancellation of her HO policy if she didn't get porch railings installed before 1 Sept" (that's true story, no shid).

       DUM SPIRO SPERO:  "While I breathe I hope"

      1. splintergroupie | Sep 01, 2006 06:25am | #22

        <<I encountered hard evidence that the center of the 3 structural columns holding up the 2nd floor of the front end of the house, are rotten at the core.>>Not doubting your hard evidence, but these columns are hollow, from my limited experience with my own Victorian. Did you find actual rot, or are you surmising the rot bec you drilled in and found it hollow?

        1. mizshredder2 | Sep 01, 2006 06:34am | #24

          every picture tells a story dontit? (ear worm, EAR WORM!)DUM SPIRO SPERO:  "While I breathe I hope"

        2. mizshredder2 | Sep 01, 2006 06:37am | #25

          and MORE....

           DUM SPIRO SPERO:  "While I breathe I hope"

          1. splintergroupie | Sep 01, 2006 06:57am | #26

            I'd be rebuilding them bec the damage looks localized, but not unless your GC has an artistic bent who can get the patch to disappear. Do you know about Outwater Plastics for replacement columns?

            Edited 8/31/2006 11:57 pm ET by splintergroupie

          2. mizshredder2 | Sep 01, 2006 07:08am | #27

            on that one photo of the porch's right front column that shows its full height, and the gap at the base pediment where that half-circular section came out... I actually got my hand/forearm up in there and an old telescoping inspection mirror and flashlight shining onto it with a 2nd one...and it was unreal.  The center wood, what was left of it, was WET as in not damp but WET WET WET and fell in chunks into my hand ...

            hard to get pics of some of that.

            FYI: the house is about 95 y/o.  Those are the original columns.DUM SPIRO SPERO:  "While I breathe I hope"

          3. mizshredder2 | Sep 01, 2006 07:14am | #28

            add on pic to post:

            http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=78105.24

            re the eave task.DUM SPIRO SPERO:  "While I breathe I hope"

          4. splintergroupie | Sep 01, 2006 07:29am | #29

            My house was built ~`1900, and i removed the column because i increased the size of the porch/balcony. It was hollow, but solid as ever. The fellow who showed up to buy it owned the loal indy movie theater, so i traded for tix through the next geological age. I used several other columns in the replacement constructions, which were also salvage, and likewise hollow. I know your mum's and my climates are very different, but i wonder if the hollowness of the columns isn't a key factor in their longeity, too. The columns i had weren't cedar or redwood, so that's not it.

          5. mizshredder2 | Sep 01, 2006 07:37am | #30

            HEY.  Fly into/out of either LIT (Little Rock) or Memphis airport. I'll pick ya up and we'll descend on Memphest and swap stories/info the whole way!

            All the stuff at Mom's is solid.  Ya oughta see the solid wood structural support posts in her basement...  Solid wide plank t&g subfloors under the 1" strip wood flooring (which she mostly covered with w2w carpeting...)  It was GRAND home and constructed in the old quality manner of 'back in the day' methods.

             DUM SPIRO SPERO:  "While I breathe I hope"

          6. splintergroupie | Sep 01, 2006 07:54am | #31

            Thelma and Louse in toolbelts...this is starting to sound appealing...

          7. mizshredder2 | Sep 01, 2006 08:23am | #32

            ROAR! (but let's adjust a the ending so we PREVAIL, ok?)

            BTW, I sure am gonna cling to the hope that Mom's chimney and columns can hold up another winter cuz I've been putting out calls and emails to buds back in my hometown hoping to see if there's another GC who could tackle any of the more pressing items.  Gonna call it a nite now.  Sure is a good thing I got a "4-day holiday weekend" and can sleep late tomorrow.

            Good luck with your well project...sorry it's taken a nasty turn.   YIKES.DUM SPIRO SPERO:  "While I breathe I hope"

          8. MikeSmith | Sep 01, 2006 01:29pm | #33

            excuse me gurls...

             on the chimney... externally it looks like a repoint job ..  the real question is the condition of the flues... ladder work

            as to the columns .. i'm not convinced the center one is rotten .. might be just the base

            jack, shore , remove... inspect  then decide to fix or replaceMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

          9. mizshredder2 | Sep 01, 2006 05:37pm | #35

            as to the columns .. i'm not convinced the center one is rotten .. might be just the base

            AND...you may be right!

            jack, shore , remove... inspect  then decide to fix or replace

            Got an open slot on your calendar for the task Mike?  I don't have the knowledge, skills, experience or tools to DO the "jack, shore, remove" portion...  (I need help! And, I know it.)DUM SPIRO SPERO:  "While I breathe I hope"

          10. User avater
            BossHog | Sep 19, 2006 09:45pm | #52

            "Thelma and Louse in toolbelts...this is starting to sound appealing..."

            Just don't ask me to get in the car with the 2 of ya...
            Reality is the leading cause of stress among those in touch with it.

          11. johnharkins | Sep 19, 2006 10:11pm | #53

            better yet to Thelma & Louise
            those Tuscan esque columns
            8' tapered w/ 10" base caps & base inc. available here through Millwork Supply Seattle or Lowes special order less than $200look at turncraft.com for a supplier near you
            beautiful product / just like your originals

          12. mizshredder2 | Sep 20, 2006 02:15am | #54

            Caught your post: 

            "look at turncraft.com for a supplier near youbeautiful product / just like your originals"

             

            Thanks - heading to "turncraft" now...DUM SPIRO SPERO:  "While I breathe I hope"

  8. MisterT | Sep 01, 2006 02:32pm | #34

    Clara,

    with my vast weeks of remodeling business experience...

    I would contasct him and offer some $$ to secure his employ.

    a design/estimating fee or whatever.

    if this guy is beaucoup busy and is not sure of your commitment, $$ talks BS walks..

    maybee money is not neccesary but a definate commitment on your part would give him some incentive to get you moved up the list.

    I am bidding a deck job and the materials are gonna be 12K +

    and my lumber man says the guy at the next desk over is bidding the same deck for a nother contractor.

    no biggie cause I am NOT gonna compete on price.

    But I am not gonna spend much more time if they are shopping around.

    tell him you could get the materials he needs so when he is ready to come over he won't have to run around.

    That Tundra is just itching to get dirty...

    JMHO

    "The truth, when told does nothing but bolster a mans character." 

     

    1. mizshredder2 | Sep 01, 2006 05:44pm | #36

      Tony -

      I saw your thread and SO happy for you that your week 1 in biz for yerself went super!  Congrats!  May it continue to do so...but as the dudes posting back at ya said: ya gotta financially plan for the up/down cycles; and I'm sure you will.

      Money talks...incentive...YUP.  Couldn't agree more.  Current issue is getting the dude to call me BACK so I can inform him that one of the things I did when I left WI and got back to AR, was move money to have liquid cash at the ready to tackle all these things!  AND.........I'm certainly willing to let the less pressing items (the garage roof, the eaves, the rear ext door to basement...SLIDE to springtime) too.

      This morning, I just connected with good friend in my hometown whom the GC is doing major project for (she bought the house next to hers, and had it razed so she could add onto hers.  her house is 4 blocks from my Mom's!).  She informs the GC is heading to her house for a meeting later this morning and she will enquire on my behalf if he's been in touch with me as she "knows I'm financially prepped to move forward on the tasks discussed and eager to see/hear the estimates..."

      She's the one who recommended him to me in the first place! and I had seen the work that he'd done on her current home (was a major reno job, and quite well done to my eyes).  In addition, he's gotten TONS of work from her whole family over the years...a family with which me and my Mom are quite tight, and they are "community leaders" being owners of a major business/employer in the area and members of same church there. 

      Should be an interesting day today...DUM SPIRO SPERO:  "While I breathe I hope"

      1. mizshredder2 | Sep 02, 2006 03:07am | #37

        Quick update:

        HE CALLED ME BACK!

         - Said he's been "really busy" and that Betsy mentioned to him that I've been "really busy since I left WI too".

        - Informed he was going on vacation next week but as SOON as he got back, I'd be THE FIRST estimates/proposal he'd write.  Then he tossed in couple of side comments that I found interesting:  "it won't take me long to write this all up" (I bit my tongue - wanted to say "then just DO IT"!, but didn't!) and his second comment was "my roofer was asking me "don't you have a little side job for us over on XXX street? and I told him I owed ya a quote yet on it"

        So it seems he IS interested. And I have no idea as yet what he'll charge or propose to do as path forward

        Will he do as Mike suggests re the columns? (jack/shore/inspect - reassess at that point?) or simply  bid their replacement?

        No idea at this point. 

         DUM SPIRO SPERO:  "While I breathe I hope"

        1. splintergroupie | Sep 02, 2006 04:06am | #38

          Ask the GC what he's prepared to do. I would fix 'em, but i know how, and i love jacking stuff up. If time is money, though, replacement may be your best route. Did you check out Outwater Plastics for replacement columns? You'll pay over $500 each for wood or fiberglass, and about $300 for aluminum.

           

          1. mizshredder2 | Sep 02, 2006 04:26pm | #39

            Funny, I didn't recognize the OUTWATER name as had come across and bookmarked ARCHPRO week or so ago, the tuscan column at 12' fiberglass capacity of 12,500 lbs apiece looked VERY similar to what she's already got etc.

            I think it would indeed be prudent to jack, shore and inspect those existing columns but I got an email recently from my dear bro (next oldest) who gave me some info I'd not had before...  Seems when I was out on the island they had some column base "fix" done on the far left column (when facing the house from the street) by a contractor.  And that is how it's square base became 2.4 material (maybe 2.6, but is on the flat so hard to tell) and also how I encountered the porch planks over in that area being elevated off the joists by rotted out PLYWOOD shimming, which I removed and used PT 2.6 to sister up next to the joists to an elevation to support the porch planks and get them level with their neighboring ones.

            I understand the physics of the jacking/shoring process, but have no experience of my own with doing so.  And having spent about 7 weeks up at Mom's this calendar year already dealing with this, that and the other thing, I'm really wanting to let the pros get everything that needs attention, DONE.  So that maybe, just maybe, when I go visit her in the future we can VISIT and my time can be more akin to a "vacation" than another slew of 12-14 hr days after driving 18 hrs there, kinda deal.

            I'm eager to see what the GC quotes doing/costing.  Right now I'm trying not to fret about "having all my eggs in one basket" with regards having all my hopes pinned on this one dude, to get this stuff taken care of.

            BTW, ya didn't say which is gonna be Thelma and which Louise...and it factors into  who gets the hitchhiker y'know...DUM SPIRO SPERO:  "While I breathe I hope"

          2. splintergroupie | Sep 02, 2006 08:00pm | #40

            I jacked my Victorian up in the middle when the center beam broke from too much Heating Contractor in its past; the house was warm, but he didn't brook any resistance from structural material. I also had to do some jacking when my recycled house was set on its foundation. Some of my happiest days have been spent with a 20-ton jack and a laser level. I can understand wanting to just hire it done, though - life is short. I have a Toyota mechanic i rarely need, but i kiss the greasy ground he walks on cuz i hate mechanicking. Thelma and Louise both 'got' the hitchhiker, eh? I'm thinking this might be more of a "Louise and Louise" deal, though...hmmm?

          3. mizshredder2 | Sep 03, 2006 08:16pm | #45

            Some of my happiest days have been spent with a 20-ton jack and a laser level.

            Methinks you have WAY more construction experience than I do SG...and nothing wrong with that!  I got some basics under my belt long ago...then it all went dormant for years...then once back in the states and dealing with my own POS house here in AR, and my Mom's aging house in WI, I've been exposed to more and more.  And why I'm on BT to begin with!

            I can understand wanting to just hire it done, though - life is short.  Yup, and when it comes to the WI house, I view that sentence as my MOM'S remaining life is...relatively short since she's already 88 and every additional year is a blessing, and not a given.

            I have a Toyota mechanic i rarely need, but i kiss the greasy ground he walks on cuz i hate mechanicking.

            Well as a new Toyota owner, I hope to have a long-distance relationship with any Toyota mechanics as well! <g>

            Thelma and Louise both 'got' the hitchhiker, eh? I'm thinking this might be more of a "Louise and Louise" deal, though...hmmm?

            ROAR!!!!!!!!!!!!

             DUM SPIRO SPERO:  "While I breathe I hope"

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Mortar for Old Masonry

Old masonry may look tough, but the wrong mortar can destroy it—here's how to choose the right mix for lasting repairs.

Featured Video

Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by Brick

Watch mason Mike Mehaffey construct a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes.

Related Stories

  • Repairing a Modern Window Sash
  • Landscape Lighting Essentials
  • Podcast Episode 694: Bath Fans, Too Many Minisplits, and Second-Story Additions
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Can You Have Too Many Minisplits?

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data