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Because of the difficulty in finding GC’s and subs of all types on Long Island, New York, who are interested, sensitive and knowledgeable about restoration work, I have asked the Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities if they are willing to put a section in their website listing contractors who do restoration work.
Before you see this as another opportunity to get business, consider this: This is for people who do not think that new is better than old; who do not want to rip out rather than fix; who are willing to use old methods and materials, and know where to find them and how to use them. This means that most people aren’t cut out for this type of work. It also means that customers aren’t going to listen to excuses about why you mis-bid the job or can’t do what was promised.
Having tried to scare most people away, is there anyone left who is interested in being a part of this?
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This is much of what I do but don't need to be listed. The work finds me, way beyond what I can keep up with.
*Piffin, the day may come when the work won't be as easy to find. Also, the people in this group (and I'm a member) work on some significant structures. This isn't about making money, but about preserving history.
*Gee.....I'm surprised with that welcoming attitude that you folks are having trouble attracting the right kind of help. All that AND the point isn't to make money. Good luck, Jeff
*Yeah, I know. I'm just a bundle of warmth. Actually, the people are nice, but what they are afraid of doing this for fear that hacks will try to infiltrate the referrel service and they'll end up with a lot of unhappy members.Don't get me wrong about money; people will pay for good work. The problem is that they don't want people who don't know restoration to come in just because of the money. They first want interest and knowledge in restoration, then comes the money.
*kipcarp here; would love to chat i'm a longislander who does alot of restoration work on the northshore of the island. on alot of estate's derelict ,abandon, and just time to give the old girls up to snuff face lift. framing ,trim, doors,window's, blah, blah ,blah. a full service (as far as carpentry).the address is [email protected] cheers
*"It also means that customers aren't going to listen to excuses about why you mis-bid the job or can't do what was promised. "I do my work out of love. When I complete a design and rebuild a house it looks like every stitch was always there. I get in touch with the spirit of the original builder and architect. But if you think that kind of work can be bid out, you're dreaming or throwing money away. There are enough variables in standard remodeling to require a 20% contingency allowance in the estimate. Restoration is more of a medical art than an engineering arithmetical process, so the only way to cover costs and have cushion to do the work right would be to bid four to ten times what we expect. And maybe lose money at that. If you want bidders you want cheap shortcut artists. Fact.Example - I just replaced five panes of restoration glass. whaddya suppose? hundred a pop? justo be safe lets make it two! That's a bid of a grand. Could've put the glass in for that but to do quality restoration work that bill ran to three grand on a cost plus basis. Tell me you're only gonna pay a grand and you'll only get a grand's worth of work.Don't post an anouncement that you want people to do quality, loving restoration at bid prices because the two systems are at odds with each other. I definitely agree with part of what you say. I do quality and the money finds its way to follow. Word of mouth advertising has always ben the best.
*>Don't post an anouncement that you want people to do quality, loving restoration at bid prices because the two systems are at odds with each other. But you got the point, Piffin. Restoration is a whole different breed of work. This work always involves unforeseen contingencies, as you almost never know what's happening under the skin. Once people get to know and trust you, they will work with you on T&M terms, but you can't compare head to head otherwise.Anyway, it's up to you. If you're interested, fine. If not, that's fine too.
*Sorry if I came on too strong. Lots of folks out there looking for something for nothing. Good luck.
*I wish the folks here in southeast Georgia get as interested in preserving and maintaining the older homes in this area. There are several beautiful homes either sitting empty, because they don't want to spend the money on them, or deteriorating so the owner can have them condemmed and torn down to build new.
*b WBA At Your Servicepiffin,My take from your post is that your work is done purely on a cost-plus basis with no bidding. Is this correct or is it just your dream ? (Like the rest of us....)
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Because of the difficulty in finding GC's and subs of all types on Long Island, New York, who are interested, sensitive and knowledgeable about restoration work, I have asked the Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities if they are willing to put a section in their website listing contractors who do restoration work.
Before you see this as another opportunity to get business, consider this: This is for people who do not think that new is better than old; who do not want to rip out rather than fix; who are willing to use old methods and materials, and know where to find them and how to use them. This means that most people aren't cut out for this type of work. It also means that customers aren't going to listen to excuses about why you mis-bid the job or can't do what was promised.
Having tried to scare most people away, is there anyone left who is interested in being a part of this?