Was meeting with realtor today and discussing some of the properties we are interested in.
She asked me if I would be interested in getting into winterizing houses for banks and for them.
Said couple that has been doing it is getting ready to retire and they need someone.
I have seen the stickers all over the houses but I dont know exactly what I am supposed to do and not do.
Anybody have ex[erience with this?
Hate to say this but………Southern Illinois here, what the going rate for something like this. Is it by the fixture or the job?
I would think by the room. baths are x kithens are y and such.
All help appreciated.
Just looking for ways to get ahead in this recession.
October 17th, 2009
Jeremy and Lisa
Was there ever any doubt?
Replies
It would be a double paying job.
In the fall you'd charge them to drain the pipes and in the spring you'd charge them to fix all of the busted pipes.
When I was a kid, my parents owned summer bungalows that we winterized each fall.
- Shut off water, drain the lines, tanks, water heaters. Blow out lines if you can
- Pour marine antifreeze (bio safe) down the bowl, and into the p-traps
- Clean out the freezer and fridge. We also put charcoal (Kingsford will do) in trays into both, then closed the doors. The charcoal will absorb moisture and keep the musty smell out
- Remove / seal all foodstuffs that may attract rodents
- Lock all windows and doors
- Turn off the power, gas
- Store all outdoor furniture indoors or secure from wind
- Cover the better furniture
- Practice your pipe sweating skills over the winter to repair the tubing that will burst.
Why is it going to burst if I drain the lines?
October 17th, 2009
Jeremy and Lisa
Was there ever any doubt?
No mater how much we blew the pipes and drained, there was always one leak. In my experience, Murphy's law was written for plumbing.
So do I get paid to fix the leak that I was spodda prevent?
That doesn't seem right to me.October 17th, 2009
Jeremy and Lisa
Was there ever any doubt?
I take care of some summer homes, the ones I am familiar with were designed to drain easily to winterize. It is a little more dificult to do one designed for year round living. Most plumbers do not worry too much about fall in supply pipes. It is really hard to blow everything out if there are too many low spots. You can do a great job and a leaky shutoff can let enough in the lines to freeze.I use RV antifreeze. Not sure how much you need to charge if you are assuming the liability for failures.For those who have fought for it Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.
You also want to drain the dishwasher and refrigerator (ice maker) lines.And either clear out the water in the pump or put in the RV antifreeze.Also plastic tiewrap are used to safety off the main water shutoff and close off the water heater gas or electric. And since those aren't as easy safetied off I guess label them.Also you might need to break some lock and/or replace locks. Check shelds and similar and put padlocks on them.Maybe board up or replace glass in a broken window or door..
William the Geezer, the sequel to Billy the Kid - Shoe
Edited 1/29/2009 12:27 am by BillHartmann
I was thinking I would disconnect house side of water meter and blow lines through there. that also prevents the leaky shutoff problem.October 17th, 2009
Jeremy and Lisa
Was there ever any doubt?
Most places that I have seen generally only have the main valve shut off.But IIRC one older house with an inside water meter had it disconnected.But that might have been from earlier problem of then not paying or trying to bypass the meter..
William the Geezer, the sequel to Billy the Kid - Shoe
One way to blow out the lines, is to connect your compressor by putting a female garden hose fitting on the end of an air hose and connecting to a washing machine hookup. Walk around the house and open valves one at a time
Don't forget that bottom of the toilet tanks hold an inch or two of water.
Thanks for the tipsOctober 17th, 2009
Jeremy and Lisa
Was there ever any doubt?
Talk to the people who are retiring?
They know what & how much.
Joe H
Good idea.
I have calls out already, just not been returned yet.October 17th, 2009
Jeremy and Lisa
Was there ever any doubt?
No problem, got the tips from a friend that has been making a living from this for 4 or 5 years when I was winterizing a rental. He said the paper work required from the banks takes up about 60% of time vs. the actual winterizations and lock changeouts.
This is a golden opportunity.
do not drop the ball... move quickly to secure it.
ask them for a checklist of what they want done and ask them what they expect to pay for the service.
if it is low, don't be afraid to negotiate with them.
also, ask what the frequency is (how many jobs per month)
Then, be sure to leave information prominently displayed inside the house somewhere, that you provided the service and offering other services.
Really, do not let this one get away.
I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
I am moving as quick as possible on this one.
I have time to pursue change,.
Im off to dig out the locals!October 17th, 2009
Jeremy and Lisa
Was there ever any doubt?
Good advice in the previous posts.
Been doing it in camps for years, and still screw up once in a while. Got in a hurry last Fall and forgot to disconnect the power before draining a water heater. An electrician friend says that's the cause for a lot of his Spring calls.
Make a checklist for each property, review it and update it, and unlike me <g>, check it before you start.
Pets will drink antifreeze and it is often lethal, so take precautions.
Check with an insuror on what you need for liability coverage .
With the market slump and a Navy base closing , there'd be plenty of work for you here.