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Most expensive per hour or the highest total cost per job?
Most expensive per hour or the highest total cost per job?
Hmmm. Tough question. I'll go with "most expensive per hour."
PS:
Besides the electrician, plumber, sheet metal, and brick layer.-T
I believe the sparkie leaves with the most...
jmho
p
Perhaps I should've been a little more specific. I don't have time to learn another whole trade, so besides the electrician, plumber, sheet metal, and brick layer.-T
hell i learn a new trade a week....
ok... and i've posted this here in parts but...
If i wanted to make good $$$ I'd be peoples "go to guy"
many duel or upper income people just want to have someone to call and know whatever it is that needs doing at their house will be done... a lock, a door, a sink, a switch, mostly small things that need doing everyday.... where the husband might or might not be able to do it... but values his time more... lots of people live places part time...they need someone to care for their place when they are gone...
when you become trusted like many on this board are... you have keys to peoples houses... they don't ask for prices... and they pay you without question... you make their life better just by being one call away...
i could see with 20 customers making an ok living... on top of that they'd be lending you out to their friends....
requirements? have a good grasp of all basic trades... have a list of trusted trades you don't do... a truck with alot of tools... maybe a shop at home for small custom stuff... and a good personality...
I know of one "retired" guy that does this to the tune of 100k plus a year.... he even cuts their grass....
I think billing might be a problem... because you become friends with these people and might feel bad leaving a bill for $80 for change'n out 2 dimmers... but i think it's very important that you always charge for every trip and always leave a bill... keeps it "professional"
p
Interesting proposal P. One that I've often thought of as being very comfy and lucrative.
I have such a situation with most of my former customers, problem is I only do a couple of "big" jobs a year so it takes a while to build a client base.
Got any ideas for some shortcuts? How would YOU market such a venture?Live in the solution, not the problem.
I'd find some way to have contact with the parents of kids at the most expensive private schools... I know one guy who coached a team at THE best private boys school in the city and hired the kids (15 &16yo's) to clean up around the jobs...
"coach Dennis" had all the work he could stand...
another random thought .... gated commmunities... shouldn't be a ton of trouble to do a well done flier to every address inside the gates....
for the most part this type customer is very social... with a few good ones i think your name would get around pretty quick...
i'm thinking... very clean truck/van with a small tasteful name/logo and business cards....
contact interior decorators... someone has to install some things they sell... remove /replace doors so things can be moved...
just a few ithoughts
p
just a few ithoughts
Good ones too. I think you nailed it with the "social" aspect. These people are involved--with life. Civic groups, professional associations, etc.
In my area, the dream gig would be being the "go to guy" for about 30 or so people in the racing industry.
Food for thought, thanks.
FWIW, I still think occasionally about a story you once told in the business thread about the yacht "Black Gold". Remember that? If I ever get to the place where I can offer some financing for those scale projects, I'm there.
Your ideas might help make a success out of this old boy yet.Live in the solution, not the problem.
man... a few years ago I might could have helped you out... I use to do the sponsor programs and marketing in nascar... use to do the kyle petty ride .... when adam was still alive... back when racing was fun and sex was safe
that would be a good group... i know i traveled 27 weeks a year... and nothing got done at home... most of those guys are gone from home close to 40 weeks a year now....
I couldn't hang
p
Hey cuz ,Ya- know I have given estimates to people that have asked for me to do some Stone work/ masonry work for them and their faces get all blotchy and mottaled looking or they start squeeking and figetting around like their hair has just turned into a mess of worms or something. Shoot fire, after shoveling a few hundred tons of sand ,and lifting and tossing around a few thousand tons of Rock , Brick and block for the past thirty some years I too hope I,m one of the most expensive subs, if not I have worn myself out for nothing. Sorry I forgot to invite ya too my Christmas party , looks like it's gonna be on DEC. 22nd in 08 plan now ..I'm working up in Hillsville, right off of mainstreet now for about the next 3 weeks , if yer up that way give me a call I'll take ya out for a footlong or something.
Will be up there day after tomorrow (Thur.), and briefly Fri. AM. Shoot me your cell # in an email and I'll give ya a shout Thur. PM when I get there.
LaterLive in the solution, not the problem.
Sex used to be safe ???
A man, convinced against his will... Is of his own opinion, still. ~Anne McCaffrey
Thanks for contributing to the discussion, but please tone it down a little bit. I don't want this thread to end up in the tavern.-T
A good one I have come across is to donate time and or services to a high-end fund raiser silet auction.
Black tie type events - once a year fundraiser for wealthy philanthropic organizations.
They are very happy to have your "item" to auction off. I am pretty much guaranteed to get a new customer out of it. And nine times out of ten, the day's labor that I donated turns into another few days at least, paid. Through one organization here, that I have done this with for 3 years, I can estimate 15,000 in billing this year. All because I donated three days time over the last three years.
I do not mess with bake sales, not the clients I want. And the middle class does not support the kind of "ask no price - just take care of it" scenario you mentioned in a earlier post.
Remodeling Contractor just on the other side of the Glass City
The high society fundraiser is a good idea.I am thinking of getting involved with some historic preservation groups. To the OP:The highest paid trade specialists I have worked with are all very professional in presentation, very very skilled and also quite fast, but never in a hurry. I have known a few "six-figure guys"...a roofer, a tile setter, and a couple of trim carps.
ponytl,
I have a large number of key's, and keep busy with 25+- customers. If I don't feel comfortable doing it, I let them know, and give them a name/# of somebody that can! 99% of the time there are no question's of the cost, just," when can you do it?"
I have walked in to a few job's just to look at moving a switch or something, and ended up with a bath remodel, tile, drywall, heat, painting,insulating etc. I think that I have become the honey do list terminator....;}
Northeastvt
Ive always wanted your answer to be the right one, I have a company in Calif and have ended up with a bone cancer that has kind of changed alot of things for me but your idea of the go to guy is what i really wanted to do at one point
I may be wrong here but the question this guy should be asking is not who gets paid the mo st but who can make the most with less liability. out here although we do it our self is the demo guy i dont care if he strips the units tears out a driveway or takes off the roof always paid and does not have the employee problems it takes to maintain a full remodel crew without using subs think about it and im just grabbing numbers here but if a new diveway is say 5k he gets 1k and really not to much can go wrong hes paid and on to the next one. i have to frame pour be resonsible for everything and im sure my profit margin is no where near his. Just my opinion though> Current chemo impares thought and typing was always bad so thanks for listening. Does'nt really matter though on changing trades I've made money doing what I do and going through it fast now but I would not have wanted to do anything else though. everyday was a great day working but another acceptable trade to my enjoyment and money would have been tile Ive always liked that too. have a good year
Thanks for the insight.-T
Haven't read thru the rest yet. Your post is eerie to me.
Other than the good personality part, it could be my biography. Even built the small (3 car +-) shop out back for just what you say - small custom one-offs.
Funny that you used the words "go to" have used it to answer the hardest question in the world to me - "so what exactly do you do? "
Waaaay to many keys.
Alot of the time I get a message on voice mail, just go take care of it, bill it. Never even see them.
Actually have a couple customers on monthly billing, I have never been done with their requests, when I go to "finally finish them up" - there's a list.
Lot's of trith in your post -
J , Uncle Jeff to customers kids ;)Remodeling Contractor just on the other side of the Glass City
answer the hardest question in the world to me - "so what exactly do you do? "
"I keep husbands on the golf course by keeping their wives happy."
I've never said it, but it goes through my mind when talking with people.
Bowz
That's one of my niches.
I don't cut grass, don't paint, don't leave bills. Always T&M, mail bill promptly.
Have a book of garage door opener and alarm codes along with a bunch of keys.
The biggest worry is the code book - but it is written in code so if someone were to find / steal it - it would not do them any good.
Word of mouth spreads my name among the gentry.
JimNever underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
I'm not good at billing...
I could see that as the largest downfall... ie... not billing... because they are friends/great customers and it only took a minute to fix...
I think thats something you'd have to be very on top of... make'n sure you charge them when you should...
p
"I'm not good at billing...
I could see that as the largest downfall... ie... not billing... because they are friends/great customers and it only took a minute to fix..."
That is on my list of 2008 resolution's!! I have been doing work for most of my clients for years now. And a lot of them have become pretty good friend's. And some have even become investment partners on a few properties. Sometimes it's hard to bill them, or to not bill enough because " it only took a minute to fix...", but I am doing a lot better at it. Markup on materials was the same way, but this year it 20% on everything. I still come to the aid of clients locked out of there house (2-3 times a year) for free. And offered to carry in firewood etc for one that is getting an operation on his arm soon. I am in a small town, not more than 5 or 10 minutes travel time to jobs, if it's over that I charge from the time I leave my house until I leave theres. And of course I deduct time for lunch and any conversations that last over 10 minutes that are not related to the job.(Happens a lot!:). Billing, that's another story, I need to get them out a little quicker than I do now. I have people pestering me for bills, could be worse :)
Northeastvt
And highest paid= propane guy
$65 an hour....
we bill from time I leave office to time I get back. no matter if lunch was taken.
brownbagg,
I figured the one way charge covered gas and time, but I am still in the truck(time) coming back from 'there" job. Gave me something to think about, thank's.
Northeastvt
Lunches, I am not to sure about. But I tend to work and eat most of the time :) If I sit down for a 1/2 hour, I couldn't't see billing them for it . If I do sit down for a 1/2 hour, I am usually shooting the breeze with them. And wouldn't think of charging.
Northeastvt
I have people begging me for bills too - funny how that happens.
More worried about keepin' people's stuff taken care of than worried about the money.
I warn people now that I'll get the work done right (first) and as quick as I can (second) , but don't hold your breath waitin' for a bill. I'll get to it when I get to it.
I think I have a few customers who's work has had a birthday already and I haven't cleared it from my outbox.
Oh well.Remodeling Contractor just on the other side of the Glass City
If i wanted to make good $$$ I'd be peoples "go to guy"
That post sounds like my Handyman Business. I have few keys, but a lot of garage codes. I've even had brand new customers leave after I got there, told me what to do, and left me a blank check. Yes, the AMOUNT was blank, and signed. Must be my trustworthy personality.
The "Go To Guy" may be the new term that people were looking for in another thread that didn't like the title "Handyman." Maybe I'll incorporate it in my new ad.
I get business through the yellow pages, then referrals from those people. I even have a whole family, parents and three grown kids with families that I work for.
Referrals from a few friends (and they get thanked with an occasional round of golf when we can fit it in) and wife's co-workers. She's a teacher, and I've done work for the superintendent down through the para-professionals, then some family and friends of them. It just branches out.
Starting 2008, my rate starts at $70/hour (was $65 in 2007), more for travelling to suburbs that don't touch mine. More people than not are more interested in getting the small jobs done rather that kicking tires and checking prices. And since I've had plenty of business, I really discourage the tire-kickers asking for free estimates. I get too many calls from people who ask about my rate AFTER we schedule an appointment to get the work done. It's almost an afterthought. They seem happy that someone answered the phone, spoke intelligently with them, and can do the work.Pete Duffy, Handyman
I've often preached that... if you just answer your phone, show up on time and do what you say... people won't question the price...
I've touched on this alot.... and i see it more and more...
people just want to call someone ..... and write a check... thats how they fix & maintain their homes... the problem is most really have no one to call...
I almost sense that people who would have purchased an old house in a historic area... because thats the type people they are... are buy'n new... just so someone else will take care of any issues for the first few years...
I wish you well
p
You forgot HVAC.I paid my carpenter the most, then my HVAC, site work, sparkie, plumber, painter, mason, flooring, roofer, Electric and LP added up,
HVAC is what I was referring to with "sheet metal," but yes, also HVAC.
What I'm trying to do here is determine what I want to sub as when homeowner business is low. I have no problem with site work, flooring or roofing, because full fledged carpenters do all of those things. I also have no problem with painting, you don't need a licence, and most all of us know how to do that.
I'm referring to sub-contractors specializing in tasks a full fledged carpenter would have in his arsenal. The categories basically include, but are not necessarily limited to:
Concrete
Framing
Windows
Roofing
Siding
Decks
Drywall
Tile
Cabinets
Doors
Trim
Flooring
Which one of these or similar sub-contractors are the most expensive?
-T
Edited 12/31/2007 3:38 pm ET by JourneymanCarpenterT
Thats an apples to oranges request.Are you trying to figure out their hourly rate? Sf rate? Bottom line rate? Total lump sum? Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
Are you trying to figure out their hourly rate? Sf rate? Bottom line rate? Total lump sum?
I'm simply trying to get a hold on which sub makes the most profit based the experience of those who have subbed out work.
-T
Edited 12/31/2007 3:43 pm ET by JourneymanCarpenterT
Well, I can safely tell you that I never made a profit in framing. The gcs may have profited from my framing though. Sorry, I can't help. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
T,
I'm simply trying to get a hold on which sub makes the most profit
Not sure this answers your question, but. . .
I really have no idea which one of my subs is the most profitable. As long as I get good value (from my perspective) for the service they provide, I pay them what they charge.
Everyone has a different business model. It often appears that the plumbers, electricians and HVAC guys make the most, but I charge more per hour than my electrician. Does that mean I make more money than him? Who knows, we don't share out business costs with each other.
One other thing I will add, do not underestimate the value of a good painting contractor. You can be the best drywall finisher or trim carpenter in the world and a bad painter will make your work look like sh!t.
Too many people think that they can paint, and it turns into a disaster. BTDT. The paint needs to look good because it is one of the first things that HO's and their friends will notice.
My 2 cents.
I couldn't agree with you more about the painter.
I will do just about anything myself, except paint.
I had a really good painting sub for a while, when he moved out of town I was quick to hire one of his good guys, now I have a staff painter who knows how to make me look good.
I pay him well and if I don't have painting for him I will always keep him busy doing somthing, so as not to lose him.
For site work I had concrete and earthwork as one in the same. These two guys MUST work hand in hand IMHO. I don't know any poor operators or concrete guys that are hacks. I do however see many beat up companies that have the trades following them less than smiling.
I meet a lot of hack in concrete, in fact 80% are hacks, all it take is a bull float, a trowel and some dumb labor. The bad part about it is, concrete is the structal member of the building and it its control by a eight grade drop out crack head.if concrete crews ran they crews like a business, with moral, ethic, clean truck and polite people, they could name their price and take all the work away.
Your right. Most are dopes and act the part to perfection. I know several great guys who can and do make it happen. They are also going quite well for themselves.Any dumb #### can put his name on the door. I want their name on the job.
My most expensive sub?
Usually the one with the biggest screwup
sometimes it's me
Excavation contractor. They clear the lot, put in drive, install underground utilities, dig the foundation, pour footings and foundation, slab, backfill, final grade, loam.
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
Excavation! You are sooooooo right.
Per MH, by far, the most expensive sub on the job. Always.
You don't have to build too many houses before you see big chunks of money disappear when the Hitachi shows up. Good money in dirt, too.Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
Good money in dirt, too. You don't have to excavate too many houses before you see big chunks of money disappear when the Hitachi shows up. works with dirt too, the hitachi excavator aint cheap
Fitters/HVAC, then plumbers.
You a fitter?
If so then let the friggin plumbers work OC dammit ;-)
I have a travler ( plumber) from St Paul working on my crew outside of Seattle--- nice guy, getting towards the end of his career--- man you guys have some strange codes over there---- so I hear anyways.
"Why do you hurt me when I do bad things to you?" My youngest son to his older brother
Not a fitter, but I wish that I could charge their rates for bending nails! Are you speaking of plumbing codes or building? Recently I propsed using one of those rubber diaphragm air traps to vent an island sink. I saw it in FHB a few months back, maybe a year ago. Inspector said no, doesn't meet code.
The plumber that we have from your area says they have their own code that is not IPC nor UPC.
He also told me about doing a water column test on toilets after they had been installed.
The aav vent used to be illegal in my area to, but some campaign contributions from Studor & some lawsuits have made them legal here, but it's a good way to annoy the inspector & make him real picky on the rest of the job.
"Why do you hurt me when I do bad things to you?" My youngest son to his older brother
I’m trying to figure out where the money is. What’s your most expensive sub?
Don't know the real answer, but I want it to be "ME".
http://grantlogan.net/
I had to shut off some water lines to remove some cabinets. In the process, the supply lines to the laundry tub, sink and washer were removed.
I had the homeowner call a plumber to replace same in pex. Took him about an hour and he charged her $350.00.
Ironically, I had an eye examination by a doctor later that day with probably 300K in education. He only got $150.00 for about a half-hour.
Kowboy
...most expensive sub?
Trident class...
Sorry. I live a few miles from Groton sub base and GD sub-building shipyard. I couldn't resist.
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.
computer room flooring, bathroom partition installer, stainless steel countertop fabricator, and the tops, asbestos removal contractor
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
computer room flooring, bathroom partition installer, stainless steel countertop fabricator, and the tops, asbestos removal contractor
Wow! You do all of that?
bathroom partition installer
I've done that on the job. Is there really good money in it?
computer room flooring
Some of the union guys have told me they've done that. What exactly does that involve?
stainless steel countertop fabricator
I read the recent article on fabricating concrete countertops, but how in the world do you fabricate something like that?
and the tops, asbestos removal contractor
Tops hugh? How do you get into that?-T
and the tops, asbestos removal contractor
Tops hugh? How do you get into that?
Do it long enough, it just gets in your blood.
Ba dum ba.
Happy New Year all.Live in the solution, not the problem.
bathroom partition installer - I've done that on the job. Is there really good money in it?
Yep, that's why I said it. =)
computer room flooring - Some of the union guys have told me they've done that. What exactly does that involve?
It seems pretty simple to me, but I've never done it, just watched them do it - its a metal frame with sturdy drop-in panels that elevate the floor so computer cables can run wild underneath, without danger of tripping or getting unplugged.
stainless steel countertop fabricator - I read the recent article on fabricating concrete countertops, but how in the world do you fabricate something like that?
Dont know, but I got a bid on one recently, curved, with a small return lip along the bottom edge of both sides - it was something like 12K for about a 2' x 20' countertop
and the tops, asbestos removal contractor - Tops hugh? How do you get into that?
No idea - but I'm guessing you have to be something like a senator's brother-in-law, or something like that. Have to be registered with the California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) for doing asbestos work. These guys come out with plastic suits and respirators, haul this stuff across the country to a registered toxic waste facility, and charge boo-koo bucks. If there's asbestos in a job, and you didn't have an extra 20k or so in your bid, you're glued screwed and tatoo'ed.View Image “Good work costs much more than poor imitation or factory product†– Charles GreeneCaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
I hear there's good money in robbing banks.
Not much work involved, either...
A man, convinced against his will... Is of his own opinion, still. ~Anne McCaffrey
Stairbuilders are way up the list.
Like Jim Allen said, I made great money framing. Framing customs not tract homes.
An all around guy can pocket the most, but has to be liscensed and insured the most. Also has to have the most tools.
Apples to apples commercial carpenters make more than residential 8 out of 10 times.
Woods favorite carpenter
JourneymanCarpenterT
Well the further you get away from the trades the more money you really make..
The supervisor makes more than the jouneyman, the boss makes more than the supervisor, the contractor makes more than the sub, the developer makes more than the contractor etc..
With each step up the ladder your position gets riskier and riskier. They may need one supervisor to a dozen jouneymen etc..
Each time you take a step up the ladder everybody below you is waiting for you to fail so they can take your step..
If you're asking for perceived value, i'd probably say the Drywall guy. I may pay my sparky and plumber more per job but for that money i'm getting full mechanical systems. The last house I did had a tight budget (what a surprise) and this time the DW guy just ran mud, cost me a grand. :>(