Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Mar 21, 1999 11:47pm | #1

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   Not quite the same, but, 22 years ago, my wife, 2 year old son and I built a house. It was nuts, ended up selling before finishing. Made me realize, I better learn more about building.

   After renting for 22 years, my wife thinks I've learned enough now, and we're gonna do another one this spring.

   But, this time, both the boys can really help.

   BB

1. 
   Guest_ | Mar 23, 1999 04:13am | #2

   *We've got the exact same situation here. After building our own house several years ago, I got into the trades, and now we've got this "little" company going. At first it was a little rough (the experience thing, of course), but we whiz along very well now. We find its best to each have our own space; she does the layout and cutting, I do the nailing and framing; I set the doors, she does the trim. People are always incredibly suprised when we show up for a job, but hey, life is full of suprises.

1. 
   Guest_ | Mar 24, 1999 03:47am | #3

   *I've been building for about six years. Framing, remodeling, comercial, residential, monsterous custom and high dollar tract houses. I decided to work for myself because I was sick of working for idiots other than me. A friend of mine had just bought a dilapidated victorian. It was gutted and it bad shape structually. I went to work with her restoring the place. She's a house painter and faux finisher. We repointed the entire foundation together, I taught her how to frame simple little tasks, she restored all the exterior siding, the original window sashes, all kinds of stuff. She painted the house five colors almost entirely by herself with brushes. Pretty darn quickly too. We finished, she sold it.We kind of ended up being sweethearts and are contemplating combining our businesses to form an restoration/remodeling company. We get along working together wonderfuly. When we're painting, she's the boss. When we're framing, I'm the boss. When we're doing something that neither of us are experts at, we both just figure it out. I'll tell you what, I much prefer her company to some of the guys I've framed with. Seems like the stupidest thing in the world to do, I can't believe I'm even considering it. But what the hell!Dan Morrison

1. 
   Guest_ | Mar 27, 1999 04:12am | #4

   *What are you guys NUTS?

1. 
   Guest_ | Mar 27, 1999 05:55pm | #5

   *You probably spent too much time blocking! Skip all the blocking this time and enjoy the house, even if the cabinets are a little rocky!Blue

2. 
   C._Corey | Mar 30, 1999 02:08am | #6

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   My business partner is also my personal patner. It is pretty challenging. Things get intense and it is hard to feel good towards someone you are around all day at work and then at home. We generally split the business between the field and the office but everything overlaps as we have been recreating a marginal business into a successful one that supports two owners. Our ideas often collide but at the same time we both bring differnet experience and important componets to the job. I believe women bring a very important component to the male world of construction. Men are more focused in a linear way while women see more of the big picture. You need the big picture to make money and be successful. In the end we all need to "marry" our differences to create a balanced whole. What do you think?

3. 
   W_Torell | Mar 30, 1999 02:11am | #7

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   Not all of us have the luxury of working with:
   1) a spouse we enjoy the company of all day-every day,
   2) a spouse that shares the same work ethic,
   3) a spouse that shares the same business ethics,
   4) a spouse that doesn't callous our ears with complaints and criticisms,
   5) a spouse that can take instruction as well as give instruction.
   Most of us men drag our wives kicking and screaming into the joyous/nightmarish world of construction. Many resolve themselves to the office environment, possibly moving out into the social climes for some much needed client contact. My wife, however, chose to strap on the bags and pursue a life at my side in the trenches. It was in her blood to do so, as her grandmother, grandfather and uncle are/were contractors. And to see the smile on her face when we set out the day's tasks, no matter how menial, would make any man's heart melt.
   The most difficult part of integrating her into my business was watching the company expand its workforce 100% (from 1 to 2!). This and the fact that I have more experience in the trades, which means that I act as boss, partner, best friend, husband, instructor, student all in the same breath.
   Anyone else enjoying (or not) this type of situation?

4. 
   Guest_ | Mar 30, 1999 02:11am | #8

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   If it works for you go for it!

   Don't let a business ruin your marriage, though. There is a sistinct poossibility of that happening. Watch fo the warning signs. If they show up, make the hard choice!

   Blue