OK, since I switched from remodeling for individual clients to framing full time for builders, I have worked for one builder in particular (an established one, at that).
Now, I have been basically unemployed for over six weeks. (No new slabs to start framing on) I was given no prior notice, and it has been “OK, it’ll be Tuesday, OK Thursday, OK now it’s next Tuesday….etc., etc.,” for several weeks.
Now we have a house that was supposed to have been ready to frame yesterday (Friday). I talked to the lumber salesman yesterday PM and he says, ” We dropped off the wall package this AM but the slab wasn’t poured.”
So I go over (over 50 miles out of my way over) to find the place. I called my super at 3:00 PM yesteray asking for directions and if the slab was ready…no answer as of yet. I was planning on snapping lines and plating today but had to call that off due to the fact: 1) I couldn’t find the place, and 2) I couldn’t get the super to return my call….this ain’t the first time!
Not to mention that this super, when I asked him about the local codes, he said “I dunno, just leave it out.” And so we’ve had to come back (on my dime) to two houses to do punchlist because he did not tell us (when asked) that we had to do certain things.
This is frustrating, to say the least. What say you?
Jason Pharez Construction
Framing Contractor
Replies
I say that's why I got out of subcontracting. Your builder figures if you walk he'll just get a replacement, so he has no incentive to be honest with you.
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I'd dump him. I'm sure he's been dumped before, unless he just started acting irresponsible. Unforseen circumstances can be forgiven but you got to eat.
Wop bop a loo bop a lop bam boom!
I'd dump him. I'm sure he's been dumped before, unless he just started acting irresponsible. Unforseen circumstances can be forgiven but you got to eat.
What Gunner said.
If you have any poo, fling it now.
If I were you I'd be long gone.
There's nothing I hate more than being d!cked around over work, the guy I'm subbing to is just starting to pizz me off. Two weeks ago he's telling me that he wants the next job finished in 8 or 9 weeks, that's two separate additions to roof, new subfloors throughout, kitchen to fit and all the trim, at least six weeks work.
Went in on Tuesday expecting to frame a doghouse dormer on the old roof, got told not to start as he was expecting rain and he didn't want the roof opened. I made it clear that I could assemble the front wall and the cheeks on the deck, cut the rafters and the ridge all before cutting into the roof but he didn't like that idea and asked me to take a couple of days off (not the first time, the past two months I've only managed to book 150 hours)
Now it looks like he's not expecting me in next week either, but he's keeping me hanging on. I'm going to phone round on monday, see if I can find another job.
p.s it's been one of the finest weeks of the year, not one drop of rain.
Yeah limey I know the feeling.
This super has told me over and over about, "Yeah I have another crew that has nine guys and does this house in six days." I told him, "Sure, but even if it takes me two weeks, I'm still making more money and you don't have to call me to finish the punchlist." Besides, why should I finish ahead of my schedule if there's nothing to go to?Jason Pharez Construction
Framing Contractor
Jason Pharez,
Why should you finish ahead of schedule if you have nothing to go to?
Three reasons,
First
If you are finished earlier you now have time to find other builders to frame for, maybe builders who pay more or have more work for you..
Second,
You can take care of some personal stuff on your own time frame rather than making a job late. Find a good deal on a new truck, or buy better equipment or talk to a bank about building spec homes.. whatever!
Third
If you are out of there he can call the next crew in earlier and maybe save himself a bit of interest costs.. Won't put money in your pocket but it will make you a preferred famer over the guy who's always late. (or make up for bad weather that delayed you on another house)..
This super has told me over and over about, "Yeah I have another crew that has nine guys and does this house in six days." I told him, "Sure, but even if it takes me two weeks, I'm still making more money and you don't have to call me to finish the punchlist." Besides, why should I finish ahead of my schedule if there's nothing to go to?
Spoken like a true young carpenter buck!
I used to say the same things when I was young. At some point in my career I began to understand that the business world, and specifically the building business world, doen't revolve around me, or my profit margins!
Jason, when a super is telling you that his other guy does it in six days, he's trying to warn you that if you don't start meeting that schedule, you won't have any more work. Sure, when things are going well, he'll keep you working, but at the first sign of a slowdown, he'll be tossing all the work to that other crew.
Ignore that warning at your own peril.
Also, don't ever talk to your client about your profit margin and what you feel is important to achieve that. They're not interested in your profit, they are interested in their profit. If they can shave three or four days off a schedule, they will.
blue
What Piffin, Gunner, and Dustin said. From what I can see, framing is a commodity item to builders, one sub is as good as another, just like CDX plywood from one mill or the other... doesn't matter which. Unless you can find builders who are people-oriented and are looking to put together a steady team, you'll just get treated like you have been. I'm sure there are builders out there with this mentality, but you have to find them. It's the same for me, working retail for homeowners--I have to find the right people and the right jobs for us, and it takes a lot of looking and a lot of saying no.
framers are a dime a dozen
well thats not my true beliefs, as we frame too
but I know to the big boys who do subdivisoins, etc, you ( me) can replaced in a heart beat. and to many of these guys, its not qulaity , its quantity
and youll get jerked on timelines and money
but boy sure dont try to jerk them on time lines or money
its not a two way street
I dont do subdivisons or big builders stuff anymore
they really dont care
dime a dozen, they just need one bi-lingual boss to pull it off
and the knowledge , in the back of their minds, that there are more framers out there that will under bid you in a second
Lets put it this way;
I cant take credit here but ,
there are rockers thasts been in business for 40 years here that I know of . The grandchildren are rocking now as its a family deal.
They are scheduled for Tuesday morning and they will show. If its not ready you go back to the back of the list . Thats right as they run 6 weeks behind. They wont wait a day , never have . They still have a great business but people got trained and know them well. For one thing what contactors like is they leave their bill tacked to the wall and youve got 30 days to pay it . If its not paid he will come dunning but you are off their list. He will not hang for slow pays again . The good pays can always schedule them but if they are not they are pretty busy and cant get to it .
Tim
That's the way everyone should do business.
Wop bop a loo bop a lop bam boom!
I remodel. Small stuff mainly. I remember when you said that you were changing and you said at least you won't have to deal with whiney homeowners and their problems. I thought at the time you may be trading one devil for another. At least that is the info I have gotten from my friends who sub new construction. I always viewed it as dealing with the homeowner I had a some more control over my time and got better money per hour. I just have to sell the job and do some education in the process. Hope it works out for you. But you will probably see more of the same. DanT
If someone else has work you can start right away, take it. If not, wait for a ready slab. If neither, go fishing. The builder you're subbing for apparently doesn't care about you, so why should you care about him. If he calls to say the slab is ready, but you already started work for someone else, that's his problem. You gotta make a living.--------------------------------------------------------
For a good time, visit MyToolbox.net See some of my work at TedsCarpentry.com
Well, you're right.
The crappy part is that I've been going to his jobs about twice a week to fix other framers' mistakes (or those who just didn't finish the job).
While talking to one inspector, he said, "Jason is my best framer."
Well that's great but it's only lip service if you don't keep me busy!Jason Pharez Construction
Framing Contractor
The crappy part is that I've been going to his jobs about twice a week to fix other framers' mistakes (or those who just didn't finish the job).
While talking to one inspector, he said, "Jason is my best framer."
I'd be willing to bet that if the other framer was standing there beside the inspector, he'd find a way to praise them too. he might even say that he was their best framer.
It's interesting that the other guy doesn't have to do his own service work. You are actually contributing to the other guys production capability by acting as his service tech.
I wouldn't suggest that you refuse to do the service on the other guys houses without studying the situation a bit more, but I would suggest a two tiered pricing schedule. I'd charge my normal $65 if I was doing some extras on my own houses, but bump the rate up to maybe $75 with a four hour minimum for work on the other guys houses.
Service work can be a good solid profit center and cash flow creator, but you have to get your rates up high enough. All too often the carpenters offer a lower rate because they are afraid that they won't get the houses. Then, they are angry when they have to do service work. After I bumped up my rate for service, I became very happy every time the super or assistant showed up to "ask a favor". Soon after that, they never would go anywhere else. We hired a guy specifically to do service work and gave the super his cell phone. Pretty soon, we had the guy doing 35 and 40 hours a week without ever spending a minute on the phone or going over to look at something. All the assistants came to us because we were happy to see them and the other guys were grumpy to see them.
The difference was, that we weren't worried about matching the productivity of the other crew. We were already where we needed to be for that builder.
blue
Jason,
I would start lining up other work. About 5.5 weeks ago. Now that you know what he will do get some leverage back and line up other builders. Subbing new construction is about leverage. They must "want" you. Do that by creating a shortage of "you". You'll have to weed through a buncha GCs. Slow pay, site not ready, poor super. Hang onto the good ones and fire the bad ones. You will have to work for a few bad ones till your schedule gets full of good ones. But always keep in mind the A builders and the C Builders. Fire the C's and keep the A list.
And don't be afraid to backcharge for having to make extra trips. Document time and who you talked to. Even a minimum charge would help. Our min is $75. They won't be afraid to backcharge you. Just last week we had a National Builder ask us to pick up some stuff from moving in the Sales trailer. Says just a little bit..2-3 yds. Picked up over half a truck. CaChing! $185. So we are going to have to watch this super now.
good luck
I can't imagine why you would not be working for more than one builder... I'm on the other end of this thing from most everyone else who posted here, and the good subs I have to wait for, but I try and give them 3 or so weeks notice so my wait will be minimal. Scheduling is always a challenge though when other subs earlier in the critical path don't show.
I wonder why he would have a framing package dropped off when the slab wasn't poured yet?
As far as the superintendent not knowing all the codes, yea, well, he should be helpful in that area, and it seems a little odd that he is not more focused on passing inspections to avoid delays and re-inspection fees, but let's not get confused about who's job it is to build to whatever codes are enforced.
BTW - I'll often punch my own houses for something minor... say < 1 hr work. Things get done faster that way...
Matt, I honestly tried to obtain work from other builders. I was due to start one for one, he calls as we're driving to the job and says he decided to go with another framer! Needless to say he'll be receiving a bill for sending him my insurance certificate.
The other builder I really want to work for, unfortunately is having trouble with getting foundations in place, and he already has two loyal crews to keep busy...I'll be checking in with him tomorrow anyway as he got a very high recommendation from a neighbor of one of my clients who went to school with him.
I also called over 10 tract builders in my area inquiring about work, and all of them said they're full up! I would call some of the custom builders, but with my skills, experience, and crew ability, I just don't think I'm prepared to make that leap yet.Jason Pharez Construction
Framing Contractor
Jason,
Welcome to the Big Show brother. NEVER put all your eggs in one basket. Like the other guys said, the guys in the big developments don't really care about you or when you need your next paycheck. If you don't like it, they'll go find another framer. It's that simple to them. That's the main reason I try to stay out of the developments.
Scheduling is just one reason why you don't want to work exclusively for a single builder. It's just not good for your business, because sooner or later, your business becomes just an extension of his business. When he's slow, you're slow. When his lack of planning dictates an 'emergency', it's now your emergency. Sooner or later you will begin to feel more like an employee than business owner. You'll also lose touch with market prices as you'll get stuck getting paid what the builder is paying rather than setting your own prices. I know you probably think it's a security blanket to not have to bid work, but sooner or later you have to learn how and it just takes practice, practice, practice. There's a huge amount of satisfaction the comes from accurately estimating a job, landing it, building it, and making good money on it. And it's not just the monetary gains that give you the satisfaction. It's business ownership at it's highest point.
That being said, I'm just not proud enough to go hungry and I'm never too proud to work. So I don't agree with the guys that say kick this guy to the curb. I ain't too proud to take his money when he's finally ready to part with it. But you have to start pursuing other leads. When he calls (and he will call) just see where he fits into YOUR schedule, not the other way around.
Say I bid 100 jobs Jason. I get maybe 60 to bite on the price. The other 40 may find someone cheaper or just never get the project off the ground. Out of that 60, 20 are probably stringing me and two other framers along and when they're finally ready they'll use whoever can start soonest. Another 20 will want to use me, but either I won't be ready for them or they won't be ready in time for me. The other 20 are my regular customers who are good to me and treat me, my business, and my time, like it means something..... for them I make damm sure I'm ready as soon as possible when they need me.
You just need more contacts Jason. In general, the big developers will just steam roll right over your fledgling business. Use you up, toss you aside, and go find another to fill your shoes. That doesn't mean they don't have their place or that there isn't money to be made. You just have to know how to play the game a little better. He probably knows that he is your bread and butter so he's exploiting that fact.... and you're letting him. Timing is everything. It's simply impossible to be available for every job on time and it's simply impossible for every job to be ready for you on time. I bid on everything that crosses my desk, and touch base with builders of upcoming projects constantly to give them realistic updates on my 'schedule' and to feel out where there's is at. Even still, I end up with jobs overlapping as well as dead time. But both can be minimized with more planning. But the important thing is open lines of communication and that's gotta be a two way street. If I know I'm not going to be ready for someone, I don't jerk them around. I tell them flat out and give them a realistic time frame of my availability. Most guys with a decent head on their shoulders respect that and reciprocate.
Don't let someone else run your business Jason. That takes all the fun out of it. And don't take sh1t from anyone either. I'd ask that A-hole why he didn't return your calls and maybe even why he's jerking your around on a start date. At the point you're at I'd probably lay down an ultimatum. "If you can't be ready by X/XX/06 I'm going to have to start another project, call me when you're ready". Firm but not insulting.
I'm thinking you're still being too 'nice' though. It's dog eat dog brother. Go take a bite.
I like what your words had in then in .
Ill tell somthing that happened when it was too late to help me but maybe it will help you guys.
Many years ago I decided to quit working for the public period. I had not done well but I had done a lot of work. I decided I didnt like working cheaper than the contractor so he could make money on top of me when I wasnt making enough .
I had got other interests buying houses and building small ones. I was making better money than I had all my life. Thousands more. I controlled the buying price and also the selling price. I sold many with out a realator inventing my own auctions from a book I bought , "How to Sell Your Home IN 5 Days". I could sell sometimes as much as realator price but never their percentage farther away. The main point is I sold when I wanted to and got paid for my work. No listing a house and waiting 6 months to sell it inccuring damages against it .
My trouble was in saying no to work. It pizzed them off because too many thought it was personal. DW said it would be better to price it acordingly and they will turn it down . Same results she said. So I took a 40 percent increase and lost a lot of work on the first call. I thought we were done . They often more times than not called back to give me a green light . The reason most often stated is because I could start tomorrow. After all I just had my own work. Other contractors priced their work cheap and got the job but did not show up . Others would call to say they have found themselves 6 weeks out the night before they were to be there. I believe I know what they did . I think they found higher paying work based off their work as an ace in the whole . I thought it funny because I had done the same thing . No longer did I need their work and my life long fear of starving wasnt humbled under their feet. Finally after all my life I was independent. I relied on my self and not them . That made it one heck of a lot easiar on me. The only difference was I was still treating them right and I felt good about it . For some reason that experience taught be about mark up and profit. Not just a living.
Tim
>>". . . my life long fear of starving wasnt humbled under their feet. I relied on my self and not them . That made it one heck of a lot easiar on me.
Lot of wisdom in there. Requires a risk, but the reward is there. Makes me pause to think about that one.
"Let's get crack-a-lackin" --- Adam Carolla
Diesel, as usual, you're right on the money.
I met with the super last week and we had a heart to heart...I thought that things would have evened out from there.
I know it's true that I need to stand up and say "Look bro! This is how it needs to be!", but at the same time I don't want to burn bridges that may come back to haunt me.
I've always thought (since I started framing) that when I went out on my own I could find a builder who cared about having loyal, consistent subs, just like my old boss's builder--maybe that's just naivety on my my part. But I know they are out there, and I'm still talking to the ones I know.
Ah, Brian, I've got a lot to learn, I know. But in the meantime, my lumber rep just left me a voicemail...it should be telling me whether they actually poured this thing our not. Thanks, man.Jason Pharez Construction
Framing Contractor
Ok, well at 8:45 Sunday AM my lumber salesman made the effort to a) find the house, and b) to make sure it was poured and drop the plans off. At least he's on the ball.
So I know how something to do for a week or so, and I can use this week to look elsewhere (closer to home at that!).Jason Pharez Construction
Framing Contractor
"What say you?"
scheduling deposit ... and ...
start check.
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
C'mon, Jeff! Scheduling deposit and start check for a framing sub?
This ain't remodeling. Read Jason's newer posts to understand how commodity-like his services are perceived by GCs in his operating territory.
Sounds to me like GCs consider framers a dime-a-dozen down in Jason's turf.
I think they do just about everywhere. With what appears to be a slowdown in new homes coming (or already started) I think I'd keep a foot in the remodeling business.
Yeah Gene, I wish I was in the position to require a deposit for new framing LOL, but that ain't happening. Maybe if it was for a private individual, but not for tract builders.
Heck, I still have (2) $500 retainers out on the last two houses we framed still pending inspection. They keep that 500 til inspection so if it fails you'll come back and fix it.
I told my super last week that since a) he knows I'm gonna finish my punchlist by now, and b) it's not my fault they're having trouble with the other subs I have to wait on to get the inspection, that I will not tolerate any more "retainers".
He replied I'd have to talk to the owner...OK fine!
Sorry but I finished my job, I'd like to get paid in full, and I don't appreciate others making interest on my money!Jason Pharez Construction
Framing Contractor
the top guy in any area ... doing any form of sub work ...
can always make his own rules.
respect in our business isn't earned ... it's demanded.
people treat you the way you let them treat ya ...
I've never framed for a builder ... but I have set cabs and done trim for builders, GC's and cab shops ... I always get a deposit and start check ... unless ... the job is sitting and I start instantly ... then ... it's pay immediately upon receipt of the invoice.
I also hear constantly that I'm the only one who "demands" a schedule and start check ... They all may complain a bit ... but they all sign that check. I probably have missed some oportunities over the last coupla years being "demanding" ... but I'd rather be thot of as demanding than a push over.
as time rolls on ... I now see why all the old subs are grumpy ... U gotta be to get paid on time!
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
I deal with a few subs who work like you do. Get me a deposit and schedule me and don't fool around. They are invariably really good and exactly what I need and I'm quite happy to oblige. The rest of the subs I use get paid as soon as they give me a written invoice. Good subs are critical to my business and they get pretty much whatever they want.
GCs with lousy cash flow might feel differently. I'm sure that 100% of tract builders keep an absolute minimum of cash in their account because it costs them money. I keep as much of my customers' money in my account as possible so that I can make subs happy and get their jobs done. Totally opposite business models, I guess.
I operate the same way when I sub stuff out.
my contracts get me the whole amount up front for each "phase" as a "prior to start" check from the customer ... then ... when ever the guys need their cut ... it's there waiting.
doesn't happen 100% of the time ... but I get close.
I have good subs/friends that do great work and bust a$$ for me ...
I do what every I can to keep them coming back.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
I have employed the top framer in my area, and never paid anything up front.
Gene, I've never heard of a framer, or any sub asking for a deposit from a builder. I'm not saying that it couldn't happen. I just don't see the need. I would just laugh at a sub that demanded a deposit check from me.
blue
That was my point, Blue.
I don't know the particulars of Jeff Buck's business, or the climate of residential new construction down in Pittsburgh, but I seriously doubt any kind of sub there, from sitework to finish, is commanding and getting "deposits" from GCs, in new construction.
But as regards Jason's situation, it seems as if things in his territory might be cooling off a little, and that he has plenty of competition. What do you recommend for a framing contractor as a way to differentiate himself from all his competitors, other than price? And furthermore, what kind of branching out should he consider?
But as regards Jason's situation, it seems as if things in his territory might be cooling off a little, and that he has plenty of competition. What do you recommend for a framing contractor as a way to differentiate himself from all his competitors, other than price? And furthermore, what kind of branching out should he consider
Gene, when things slow down it's all about relationships. When things are slow, the price cutting starts and everyone's trying to knock you out of a sub. If you've done your homework, you don't have anything to worry about, but you might have to match some of the price cutting...not all, but some of it.
Also, when things slow down, the larger crews will leverage their ability to speed up the schedule. That is a tough thing for a younster like Jason to beat. I don't operate with a large crew myself, but I know how to lie good. I'll promise that rough frame in five days if the other crew is talking about 6...then I'll get it done in my normal ten and hope that my relationship building has bore some fruit.
As far as branching out...I can't really speak for anyone else. We all have to find our passion. The most important thing is to not stand pat and rely on framing. It won't sustain you if you are a really small crew. IF you grow larger, you really can't be a framer anymore...you have to wear the hat of a business man.
I'm bullish on soft serve ice cream....or more specifically frozen custard, but I like doing real estate deals too. For many years, I though perhaps that I'd get my realtor license when I was done framing, but now I know that I don't want to be a realtor either, I prefer to just buy and sell or buy and hold and sell.
blue
blue, The only sub I have that asks for a deposit, is my drywaller. I gladly pay it, because he is the best!! This guy covers the whole floor with rosin paper, before finishing. When he's done, it is rolled up, and away goes the mess. I'm in customs though, and don't sub any carpentry. Brudoggie
So I go over (over 50 miles out of my way over) to find the place.
Jason, it's not 50 miles out of your way. If that site is on your schedule, you should have been dropping in on that superintendent every other day, especially if you are slow and need the work.
Framers like to think that their job starts on the day that they snap the lines, but that really isn't a realistic way that business' operate. Sometimes, when things are rolling good, it will work like that week after week. Other times, when things are slow, the carpenter has to change hats and wear his saleman's hat. A sales guy might work that deal for a month before getting the sale and earning the commission.
You seem to be aggravated that you're not getting perfect information from your contact in the builder's office but it doesn't sound like you've been making daily stops there to see and view the progress of the foundation in person. You seem to be relying on someone else's words, instead of your own eyes.
Welcome to the big buck's world of framing!
Out of the frying pan, into the fire.
blue
One thing that I see in this thread that is a good lesson to new business men as well as others is the fact that no matter what business you are in you need multiple streams of income from different sources to have a consistant income.
It doesn't matter if all you do is framing or trim or plumbing. You need multiple outlets whether it is multiple builders or retail clients. To take it a step further some of us (Mooney, Blue, Piffin, Mike Smith, Jerrald Hayes come to mind) have invested in one form or another in other streams of income. I have rentals, my wifes job, (yes that is a form of income that will tide you through slow times and often provide health care etc.) some mutual funds, my wife has a small side business also, and I buy and sell houses and sometime equipement.
But what I have, as a few others also do, is income coming in from various methods so if I am without income in one area I probably am in another. I just went through a slow period where we had one guy laid off and were just making enough to pay 2 others and expenses. Not a profitable period at all. But I sold a house, my mutuals made a couple grand a month and the wifes check still arrived on time. So I am marching on. Do I like slow times or reduced business levels? Absolutely not but I can survive them and never once lowered my prices to "keep busy". Now we are busy again and back to normal.
Granted when you are young and just learning as Jason is and are just starting out you have had little time to build your "resource pool". But it should be the goal of each of those who plan on being in business for a while to try and find other sources that will allow them to control their own destiny to a point and keep them from slow times with no income at all which as we all know and have experienced is right up there with stress moments #1! DanT
I agree with you Dan, and I do have other streams of income for when times are slow. I work for other contractors as sub labor, my wife makes excellent money, and I still take remodeling calls.
What irks me is that none of that is framing houses, and that's my passion.
Of course, if I read my profile, it tells me this "I don't have to like it, I just have to do it."
LOL, it's good to remind myself why I put that phrase in there.Jason Pharez Construction
Framing Contractor
Amen DanT!
Framers can't put themselves in a position to be held hostage. I've seen too many guys go under and be buried in debt when a builder decided to put the screws to them.
One of the ways I survived my early years was to hustle work from a wide variety of builders. I started in the framing only business about 88 and never did more than two houses in a row for any one builder in any one sub until sometime in the mid 90's. I constantly used the little leverage I created to get paid for the last house, before I started another. Unfortunatly, I didn't start investing in other means of generating cashflow until late 90's.
All you young (and old) guys should pay attention to DanT's words of wisdom. It doesn't matter how you generate other means of cash...just do something. If your building business becomes too successful, you can always close the doors on the other income sources.
blue
Sounds familiar. I have a G.C. that does this kind of thing to me all the time. That is why I have always held on to the remodeling work. It is always a hurry up and wait thing with this guy. But I make him wait too. For example, He was supposed to have a foundation for me on February 1. I didn't see that foundation until March 1. We had another job to finish so he had to wait or find someone else. If he had found someone else I would have moved the start date ahead on a remodel and life would've continued as normal. He didin't so we framed the house. I will continue to take on the additions and remodeling projects because it seems to be a stable market in my area. The new housing market is a hell of a roller coaster ride here and I have seen framing contractors come and go.
Jason,
On one hand, I wouldn't cut my nose off to spite my face. This guy may have problems you don't know about and he doesn't mean to string you along.
On the other, you have to eat. I would be out looking for something to do tomorrow at 6 A.M.
As for the Production or Tract framing? My father made a comfortable living at it for some time. His business used to churn out on average one completly framed house every two days. But when he tried to break his ties to production framing, he found out there was no real business. Just him working like a slave driver every day.
I've twice in my life run a crew doing production framing and the truth is, you really are just a commodity. If you walk, another framer will come along. And if he walks? Yet another will be along. And around here anyway, they'll all speak spanish and work for $2.50 a ft.
My last framing crew, I had three guys and was one of three guys framing in the same subdivision. It was a race to finish in time to get the next available foundation in order to not have to sit at home a day or two. One of the other framers was good. Real good. He had been framing much tougher houses that paid $1 sqft more. Around here that's big money. But he had to wait sometimes 75 days for that money. So there he was, taking a 20% pay cut in order to get paid in time to keep his business running.
Like a few people here have said, Look for the individual builders work. Not the big builder's. Even if you think it might be a little tough on your crew at first. From your other posts it's clear your trying to be a quality framer, you'll be ok.
An example: My father often uses a framing contractor that has almost 50 crews. When my Dad was looking for a framer to frame a house with a Bastard hip, not one of the 50 could do it. DOn't be one of the 50, be the one who can. You'll be much happier.