HVAC question – do you guys usually build your pipes on site and use standard-size transitions?
Or do you usually have to make custom pipes and transitions in a shop and then fit them together on site?
Or a combination of the two?
I’ve got what seems to me to be a pretty basic installation:
I’ve got one bathroom vent (from wall down through the floor to the outside – house is on piers) and one kitchen range hood vent (from hood into wall and down through the floor, just like the bathroom vent). In both cases the blower is external, i.e. between the floor joists, outside the house.
I’m on a tight schedule and my plumber (who is also HVAC) has emailed me that he has to “make measurements” first. I’ve made measurements and given him a drawing. I also responded to his email by asking him what measurements he needs that are not in the drawing that I’ve given him.
I should also say our relationship is a bit strained because he has been billing me time for multiple runs to the supply house during the plumbing phase. One run is 1 1/2 hours round trip. And this in spite of the fact that his billing includes “truck and tools”. You’d think if I was paying money for “truck and tools” that he’d either have it in his truck or he’d go to the supply house on his own time.
Replies
gp
For what you are describing to exhaust bath and kitchen hood, I would get whatever material I found to be appropriate given the measurements. Fabbing would be on site.
But, tools and truck doesn't mean I have all the material that anyone would ever need to do your job. I plan as carefully as I can and usually have all the fasteners, blades and tools to do the job. Material I either have delivered or bring with me. In the rare case where I need something not on site, I'll hopefully be able to pick it up either on the way home, or first thing in the morning.
Will I charge you for the time? Probably.
If it's critical to go get it to complete a project, that's the way it is. If it's something I should have had, my embarrasement would take over and I'd adjust the billing accordingly. If it was something that couldn't have been foreseen? too bad for you-I need it now and because it's important enough to go get it now, you'll be billed full time.
Surprized
I'm suprized at your reply. Ya let the remodeler side answer.
The OP didn't tell us if it was a bid job, T&M, or cost+, new work, old work, addtion, etc.
If he provided the correct drawings and the guy has to make multiple runs to the supply house and expects to get paid , cause he can't read the drawings and plan accordingly. TS, or see ya!
Whadya mean you're surprised?
I am a remodeler, how else could I answer?
I'm also fairly organized and absolutely hate to drop everything and "go to the supply house". That just sucks-ruins the day-limits time to catch a peek at the neighbor girl, causes me to not have enough time to hit a bucket b/4 golf league, usually means a disorganized cleanup at days end so the van doesn't look like I know what I'm doing................and all the other stuff that irks the crap outta me.
and.
Since I work alone, I cannot just leave. There's tools that might have to be picked up lest I not find them there upon return.
But the OP is indeed being mildly screwed with the "need it" trips.
I just wanted to point out that truck and tools doesn't mean total material inventory also. That would be one hell of a truck.
Since he hasn't been back, guess it makes no damn difference.
Agree
Couldn't agree more.
Not so funny when those tool critters crawl off the job when you are the only one working there, isn't it. Worse in urban areas than out in the boonies.
Yup.
Inconvenient not to have a guy you can say to-"just sit there and make sure nothing walks off."
So, I went to a Katz Road Show up in Michigan this morning and who should I run into-Julian Tracy. I don't know if you remember some of his posts, but he was a great online tool buyer and a sweet remodeler. He posted some nice jobs he's done in Detroit.
He couldn't keep his eyes off the Festool sales table.
sounds like you need to invest in a brake and learn DIY <G>