Replies

1. 
   bbirdt | Jan 07, 1999 08:09am | #1

   *
   I have a suggestion. You might be hiring people that need a job and don't care what they do. You might want to try to advertise for someone who really wants to learn the trade. It works for me because I help out two carpenters and only answered adds because they suggested learning as necessary. Also I only work with them for a week a month. If your informative you might just catch a good one.

   Good luck. BIRD

2. 
   Guest_ | Jan 07, 1999 08:37am | #2

   *
   Try out some retirees perhaps. When I saw your post listed, I couldn't help but smile. I remembered how long I had been in that boat you are in. I now have a few people to help row but the boat has gotten bigger.

   It's a difficult position to be in and depending on what you do and what you need, makes the difference. If you want someone to aid in the craftsmanship area then maybe a retired tradesman is the key. however, if you need some dumb muscle on occasion then try the neighborhood teenager stock. A few bucks in one of their pockets without constant obligation to work will usually suit one well.

   Most likely it'll be luck that gets you what you need.

   Good luck,
   Pete Draganic

1. 
   Guest_ | Jan 07, 1999 09:57am | #3

   *Hey there....Just two observations. First, consider the liability issues. What happens in your state if someone gets hurt on your job and it's a 'casual' arrangement? Who's paying the bill, and who's really liable if there is a serious injury? Second, I've started using CLP (Contractors Labor Pool) because I have a need for only temporary occassional help; they've been very good at sending me pleasant, sufficiently skilled people. They're not cheap, but I now bid my jobs with their costs in mind...it's working for me.Brad

1. 
   Guest_ | Jan 07, 1999 06:54pm | #4

   *cc,have you tryed contacting other small contractors who might be in the same boat as you. It's possible that they could give you week of their time and you could do the same for them. Work out an equal pay scale and discuss scheduling concerns. Make sure they have insurance and that you can work with them.Sure you might find some jerks at first but you could find men that will be worth having this kind of relationship. This also works if you or they need more then one set of hands. Vince

3. 
   Greg_Toften | Jan 07, 1999 07:16pm | #5

   *
   You also might want to try the classified section of your local newspaper under "jobs wanted" or "situations wanted". In my local paper, a lot of retired tradesmen looking to keep busy, advertise for odd jobs. I know a couple of people who have tried using them subcontractors on small jobs and it's worked for them.

   Good luck!

1. 
   cc_ | Jan 09, 1999 06:57pm | #6

   *Has anyone out there ever used pre-hung doors and molding from Home Depot? I am building a house for a client of mine & after sending 6 requests for quotations to local lumberyards, Home Depots prices were on the average of 50% less than anyone else. I am talking red oak , not birch or luann. I am surprised at the differance in costs.Anyone ever used their doors?Thanks cc

4. 
   Guest_ | Jan 14, 1999 09:39am | #7

   *
   The way I have done it is I have allied myself with 4 other solos. When we run into a project we call one of the others and get together. We pay each other well, usually 50% after costs + a little to cover the leg work & design time. This way we can take on good jobs we wouldn't normally do.
   I'm a cabinetmaker & finish carpenter. One is a semi retired cabinetmaker and the other two are carpenters. ( All self employed )
   L. Siders

1. 
   Guest_ | Jan 14, 1999 09:48am | #8

   *cc, I have found that the doors from the home centers are a little rough and require a lot more prep than a better quality door. If a customer wants poor quality then they will have to find someone else to do them. Its about a wash as far as time goes. So nothing has been gained. I would suggest you look them over and go from there. L. Siders

5. 
   Brad_R. | Jan 14, 1999 03:55pm | #9

   *
   Buying doors at Home Depot can save you a few dollars, but not without drawbacks. A salesman recently kept asking me which hand I wanted my bi-hinge(double) doors! If you can find good help and only need doors that they do not have to special order, Home Depot might be the place. If you need more than this, stick to a lumber or door company.

1. 
   "C.P."_Pittman | Jan 15, 1999 07:06am | #10

   *I've worked solo most of my contracting career. When ever I get to the point I need that extra hand, the first place I check is my local building supply company. The sales people generaly have a good handle on which other contractors might be going through a slow period and in need of some work.This also works in reverse. I'll let them know when my biz is droping off, they give me leads to contractors looking for help.The local supply house is more than a tool store, it's a great tool.

1. 
   Bob_Rozett | Jan 16, 1999 03:50am | #11

   *When I need extra hands for certain jobs, and would rather not take on the problems associtated with payroll (taxes workerscomp ) I use CLP (contractors labor pool) Labor ready or one of the interim services. Describe the type of job clearly and they try to find a reasonable match, they take care of both the paperwork and insurance, however I never leave them unattended or left in a position to make a choice that I would ultimatly pay for. If you work on your relationship with your chosen source as to what you expect, they often will deliver and you will find that it is a reasonable part of the cost of doing business.

6. 
   cc_ | Jan 16, 1999 03:50am | #12

   *
   I have been in the industry for over 21 years, I have run the gambit from employees, supervising, partnerships, lawyers,commercial work, and being screwed by General Contractors.
   I have finally settled into a nice niche, even though I work by myself, I have found a nice inner peace with myself and the quality of the work I do.
   The only problem I am having is finding help when I need it and that is only about 1 week out of every month. The rest of the time I always manage to do the work myself. Other than paying guys I know in the trades CASH on the weekends to get me out of a bind, I am sure there are many guys in my position and would appreciate any response they have.
   Thanks cc