Not too long ago, I was talking with a potential client, and the person made a statement to the effect that the economy must really be forcing down our prices, right? While it’s true that things are much more competitive than they were a few years ago, the truth is that remodeling; at least the kind that I do, is not a commodity product, like sorghum, or pork belly futures.
There is a lot that goes into a remodeling project…many different vendors, the field labor I provide, the supervision and expertise I provide, along with the work of a number of different subcontractors. Far from being something you buy straight off the rack, it is more like having a suit altered just for you…..while you’re wearing it. That’s a skill set that is hard to find. In short, it’s not bushels of wheat.
So, does the economy dictate my pricing? The short answer is yes, but not as much as you might think. The price of building materials hasn’t changed drastically, nor have things like liability insurance, fuel, tool repairs, etc. In fact, some costs have gone up, like advertising, for instance. I mean, how else am I going to get people to consider me for their project?
This is as true for me as it is for my vendors and subcontractors. Cutting overhead is something that all of us have to do, but, as a small company with no staff but myself, and an office in my home, my overhead is already pretty modest.
So, while overhead expenses have not dropped significantly for me, my total annual sales HAVE dropped quite a bit from the same period last year. What does this mean for a company like mine? Well, for one, it means that my overhead expenses are a much larger percentage of total sales than they were a year or two ago.
Like all contractors, I mark up my costs by a certain percentage. That markup, or gross profit, allows me to pay my overhead costs (including my salary) and, if I’ve done a decent job of estimating, make a modest profit as well. When my overhead costs increase relative to the price of the job I’ve just sold, there is still, hopefully, enough gross profit to pay for my overhead.
What there is less of though, is NET profit. In fact, in many cases, a project that I might have sold for the exact same price two years ago, at a profit, will now, at the same price, allow me to break even at best. This is not a recipe for long term success, as you might imagine. Profits are what allow me to salt away money for tough times, or to expand and take advantage of new opportunities. They are truly the life’s blood of a business…..certainly of mine! When I price the work I do, even now, there has to be SOME profit in it, or I question why I would want to do the project at all.
What keeps me going is the belief that this won’t last forever, and that the profits I DID manage to salt away when times were better will see me through, as they have so far. So, will I lower my price? Probably not, since I know what I’m giving away. Building a project whose revenues won’t even cover my overhead is not appealing! Like the old saying goes: “I can go broke working on a money losing job, or I can go broke sitting at home…..but sitting home is more comfortable!”
Something to chew on.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
The Power of Scheduling
There seems to be an idea among some contractors that remodeling doesn’t lend itself to precise scheduling. There are too many variables. Who knows what you’ll find when you open up the walls? What if my vendors or subs don’t deliver on time?
All of these concerns are real, and I think most professional contractors, whether explicitly or not, can figure on some idea of how long a project should take, including visits from Mr. Murphy. What they can’t do is say, precisely, when the thing will be done. When a deadline is looming though, you really need to know.
Lack of precision bugs me, and I’m always trying to fine tune things, especially schedules. In project management, there’s this concept called the “critical path”, which is comprised of a string of tasks whose completion depends absolutely on the ones prior to it. It’s kind of a formal way of saying “first I put on my socks, and then I put on my shoes, etc.” In a remodeling project, like an addition for example, you might see these:
1. excavation 3 days
2. footing inspection 1 day
3. foundations 6 days
4. framing of shell 6 days
5. trade rough-ins 10 days
6. close-in inspections 1 day
7. drywall 5 days
8. interior trim 10 days
9. interior finishes 12 days
10. final inspection 1 day
If you were to add all of these up, you’d get something like 55 days. Are there other things that need to be done on the project? There are, but they are not on the critical path. The tasks above MUST be done before those that follow can start….they are critical.
Those other tasks like exterior trim, siding, exterior painting, landscaping, etc. all need to be done, but they can be fit in around those tasks that are critical. Those 55 days though, give you a good idea of how long the overall project will take. More important though is that by keeping track of how things are going on each of those tasks, you have some idea in advance of any problems that are coming up.
If you know, for example that weather has slowed you down on the shell framing; you also know that, unless you do something, everything down range from that task will be delayed as well. You might then think of how you could make up some of that lost time. Maybe you could overlap the trades a little bit on the rough-ins (don’t do that too often though, or they’ll be cranky!), or maybe you could put another carpenter on the job, to speed up the interior trim.
The point is that only by writing the tasks down, and tracking their progress, will you have that advance knowledge in time to do something about it. It is all too easy, especially on longer term projects, to fool yourself into thinking that you’ve got enough slop time to make your end date. When subs are late to the job, or your crew is lagging (or you screwed up the amount of time you allotted for things…….it happens!), you can see plainly, if you are keeping to your schedule, how this affects things and that no, in fact, you DON’T have enough slop time.
There’s an old saying that goes: “If you’re aiming at nothing, you’re guaranteed to hit it”. Bottom line? Write it down, track it, and hold you and everyone else involved accountable. It’s not rocket science, but it is necessary.
All of these concerns are real, and I think most professional contractors, whether explicitly or not, can figure on some idea of how long a project should take, including visits from Mr. Murphy. What they can’t do is say, precisely, when the thing will be done. When a deadline is looming though, you really need to know.
Lack of precision bugs me, and I’m always trying to fine tune things, especially schedules. In project management, there’s this concept called the “critical path”, which is comprised of a string of tasks whose completion depends absolutely on the ones prior to it. It’s kind of a formal way of saying “first I put on my socks, and then I put on my shoes, etc.” In a remodeling project, like an addition for example, you might see these:
1. excavation 3 days
2. footing inspection 1 day
3. foundations 6 days
4. framing of shell 6 days
5. trade rough-ins 10 days
6. close-in inspections 1 day
7. drywall 5 days
8. interior trim 10 days
9. interior finishes 12 days
10. final inspection 1 day
If you were to add all of these up, you’d get something like 55 days. Are there other things that need to be done on the project? There are, but they are not on the critical path. The tasks above MUST be done before those that follow can start….they are critical.
Those other tasks like exterior trim, siding, exterior painting, landscaping, etc. all need to be done, but they can be fit in around those tasks that are critical. Those 55 days though, give you a good idea of how long the overall project will take. More important though is that by keeping track of how things are going on each of those tasks, you have some idea in advance of any problems that are coming up.
If you know, for example that weather has slowed you down on the shell framing; you also know that, unless you do something, everything down range from that task will be delayed as well. You might then think of how you could make up some of that lost time. Maybe you could overlap the trades a little bit on the rough-ins (don’t do that too often though, or they’ll be cranky!), or maybe you could put another carpenter on the job, to speed up the interior trim.
The point is that only by writing the tasks down, and tracking their progress, will you have that advance knowledge in time to do something about it. It is all too easy, especially on longer term projects, to fool yourself into thinking that you’ve got enough slop time to make your end date. When subs are late to the job, or your crew is lagging (or you screwed up the amount of time you allotted for things…….it happens!), you can see plainly, if you are keeping to your schedule, how this affects things and that no, in fact, you DON’T have enough slop time.
There’s an old saying that goes: “If you’re aiming at nothing, you’re guaranteed to hit it”. Bottom line? Write it down, track it, and hold you and everyone else involved accountable. It’s not rocket science, but it is necessary.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Funny Story……..and True!
I said when I began the blog that I’d share my experience and my experiences from over the years. So, in that vein, a story from early in my career:
Back in the late 80’s, I was an assistant superintendent for a local home builder, working a tract of condos called Hampton Pointe, in Reston, VA. It was an awful job which gave me the beginnings of an ulcer at the time, and a nervous tic that I carry to this day, whenever I’m stressed out. Stressful as it was though, working a large site with lots of trades around was kinda’ fun…..lots of BS’ing at the roach coach (food truck) and, in general, a sense of camaraderie that I sometimes miss.
One morning, I was sitting at my desk in the construction trailer, when one of the framing carpenters walked in, holding his hand. He asked if I had a first aid kit, as he had injured his hand. Apparently he had stumbled while holding on to the trigger of the nail gun he was carrying. In the process of trying to break his fall, he got his hand between the nose of the gun and the floor. As he landed, the gun fired, and drove a 3 ¼” framing nail through the first three of his fingers; pinning them together like a shish kebab.
It was odd looking at the injury, because there wasn’t any blood at all. It looked like a carnival trick. We were both pondering what to do next, and as we did, a few of the other carpenters came in to look. There were the jokes of “Hey, why don’t I get it outta’ there with my nippers…or how ‘bout my cat’s paw? (a nail puller).” The injured carpenter was a good sport, but things were beginning to hurt, and he looked a little glassy eyed.
A few minutes later, Trudy, our on site sales agent came in, to go over one thing or another. She was a kindly, middle aged woman, but not the sharpest knife in the drawer, if you know what I mean. She took a look at the carpenter and almost swooned. After gathering herself up, she asked a question: “Once it started to hurt…” she asked “why did you keep hitting the nail with your hammer?!”
Picture, if you can, coffee being spit through the nose and out the mouth of everyone in that small space, followed by screaming laughter (even from the injured guy). Once things died down, it was gently explained to Trudy how these new-fangled pneumatic nail drivers work. For the rest of my time there, I couldn’t look at her without chuckling to myself.
As for the carpenter, after a week or so off, he was back to work. So there ya’ go…..a funny story….and true!
Back in the late 80’s, I was an assistant superintendent for a local home builder, working a tract of condos called Hampton Pointe, in Reston, VA. It was an awful job which gave me the beginnings of an ulcer at the time, and a nervous tic that I carry to this day, whenever I’m stressed out. Stressful as it was though, working a large site with lots of trades around was kinda’ fun…..lots of BS’ing at the roach coach (food truck) and, in general, a sense of camaraderie that I sometimes miss.
One morning, I was sitting at my desk in the construction trailer, when one of the framing carpenters walked in, holding his hand. He asked if I had a first aid kit, as he had injured his hand. Apparently he had stumbled while holding on to the trigger of the nail gun he was carrying. In the process of trying to break his fall, he got his hand between the nose of the gun and the floor. As he landed, the gun fired, and drove a 3 ¼” framing nail through the first three of his fingers; pinning them together like a shish kebab.
It was odd looking at the injury, because there wasn’t any blood at all. It looked like a carnival trick. We were both pondering what to do next, and as we did, a few of the other carpenters came in to look. There were the jokes of “Hey, why don’t I get it outta’ there with my nippers…or how ‘bout my cat’s paw? (a nail puller).” The injured carpenter was a good sport, but things were beginning to hurt, and he looked a little glassy eyed.
A few minutes later, Trudy, our on site sales agent came in, to go over one thing or another. She was a kindly, middle aged woman, but not the sharpest knife in the drawer, if you know what I mean. She took a look at the carpenter and almost swooned. After gathering herself up, she asked a question: “Once it started to hurt…” she asked “why did you keep hitting the nail with your hammer?!”
Picture, if you can, coffee being spit through the nose and out the mouth of everyone in that small space, followed by screaming laughter (even from the injured guy). Once things died down, it was gently explained to Trudy how these new-fangled pneumatic nail drivers work. For the rest of my time there, I couldn’t look at her without chuckling to myself.
As for the carpenter, after a week or so off, he was back to work. So there ya’ go…..a funny story….and true!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Design/Build vs. Architect, and My Ideal
There are basically two ways in which residential remodeling projects are designed and built.
The “traditional” way is for a homeowner to hire an architect or designer, who then prepares some initial design schemes, costs them, and then assists the homeowner in either negotiating with a contractor to build the project, or in preparing a detailed set of drawings and specifications which can be given to multiple contractors to bid.
For some architects, this is where their involvement in the project ends. Others continue on, acting as the homeowner’s agent; approving payment requests, answering contractor’s questions throughout the duration of the project. Still others help the homeowners to select finishes, paint colors, countertops, etc.
Fees for this range of services (at least for the projects I’ve worked on) can range anywhere from 8% to 18% of the total cost of the job. That is to say that, if the contract price were, let’s say $150,000, the architect’s fee could range from $13-27k additional to that.
Design build, as an alternative, places the responsibility for design and construction with one company. The design/build process typically done in two phases, the first of which is where the homeowner will hire the design/build firm to do an initial “feasibility study”, in which a few rough design concepts are explored, and some costs assigned to them. Fees for this initial phase are generally between 1%-3% of the expected construction budget, depending on the scope of work.
The second phase takes the design and costing to completion, and allows the contractor to give a fixed price to the owner to build the project. Ideally, by this time, all product selections have been made, and the plans and specifications are as complete as those generated by an architect to issue to bidders. Fees for this final phase are generally between 8%-12%, depending on how involved the contractor is in finish coordination, product selections, etc.
Over the years, I have worked with both scenarios, and have had good (and not so good) experiences with both. Either way can work fine and there are advantages and disadvantages to both. Here are a few:
Potential advantages to working with an architect:
-Architects have a design sense that results from specialized training (and innate ability, if we’re honest), and an aesthetic sense that, frankly, many contractors lack (at least those who attempt to do design work themselves.) When the obvious solutions don’t pan out, an architect can really shine.
-They provide valuable advice to owners who may not fully understand the processes of construction.
-They can often help the owner feel less intimidated about holding their contractor to expectations of quality or timeliness by acting as the “bad cop”. Some contractors really get their backs up at this but, handled well, it is nothing more than checks and balances, and acting as an honest broker.
-Being more removed from the budget, they are able to explore design options that, under hard constraints, might not have occurred to them. These options are sometimes more expensive, sometimes not, but can often make for a truly successful and economical design.
Potential disadvantages to working with an architect:
-You have to factor the cost of design into your overall budget, and, for smaller projects, it just might not be affordable. This is true of design/build as well, but architect's fees, in my experience, tend to be higher.
-Architects, to generalize, are about as skilled at pricing their designs as contractors are in doing design work……not very. As a result, their budget predictions are often wildly off the mark. Many architects will try to get preliminary pricing early on, before proceeding too far, but contractors (myself included) grow weary of putting in uncompensated hours pricing scheme after scheme for project after project, only to see the project go to bid in the end…..or not get built at all.
-Depending on their experience level, some architects may not have a firm idea of how houses actually go together. This can lead to design solutions that look great, but are a true bitch to build.
-Issues of class still persist, where the architect can sometimes be perceived as above the builder, resulting in attitude problems all the way around.
Potential advantages to design/build:
-Fees, in total are generally lower than those of architects, and include the planning time necessary to fully explore cost options.
-Budget overruns happen less frequently, since the design and planning teams are constantly in touch……..in other words, the left hand knows what the right is doing.
-Design to construction issues are fewer, since the designers and project planners actually speak to one another as equal partners.
-Timing of design to construction is often quicker, as the preliminary design routine of “preliminary designs….pricing….Oh my god, that's waaaay too expensive...back to the drawing board” is avoided. Also avoided is the bidding process.
Potential disadvantages to design/build:
-Unless your design/build firm has architects on staff, or partners with an experienced architect, the resulting design may be pretty ordinary to downright ugly………however well it fits your need for more space. Many design/build companies have variations of their own square peg that they try to pound into every hole, square or not. A 14'x20' family room addition with a palladian window in the center, and vinyl siding might fit in Gaithersburg, but not likely in Chevy Chase.
-Creative design, working within the walls of an existing home, making those little “jewel box” details…..again, depending on your design/builder, you might be disappointed.
-There is an absence of the checks and balances that exist with the traditional, three legged stool of architect, contractor and owner. Assuming you have checked everyone’s references (including the architect’s, if you go that route), you should not have a problem. There is something to be said though, for having a third party “on your side”; someone who can raise issues of quality, site cleanliness….whatever, and achieve results.
Obviously, the above list is not exhaustive, and opportunities for success or failure abound in each. So, what do I prefer? What’s my dream scenario? I can’t say that either is better than the other, but I’ll lay out what I believe to be a good way to work.
One thing that is true about architects is that they get paid for the work they produce. The sketches they draw, the plans they prepare….all of those are paid for. Rightly so, in my view. How about the contractor?
You might be surprised to know how many hours it takes to fully price a remodeling project. A kitchen might take 6-8 hours to price and write up a proposal, whereas a good sized addition or whole house remodel might take 60-80 hours, between site visits with subcontractors, a client meeting or two, number crunching and writing it all up. It’s a lot of work and, unlike architects, we seldom get paid for it. Somehow, it is expected that those uncompensated hours are just “the cost of doing business”.
As a contractor, I don’t have an MA in Architecture (a BA in Political Science, actually). Nor do I have a license that is very difficult to obtain. What I do have is many years of experience….of seeing what works and what doesn’t….of what I need to be aware of when dealing with a house in a particular part of town, or of a particular age….of what soil I’m sure to encounter when I dig footings near Rock Creek Park….of who still makes that oddball style of trim….of whether brand “x” is a piece of junk. In short, I know A LOT about houses and remodeling them.
So, I suppose my ideal would be where I am paid for the work I put into planning a project, just as the architect is paid for designing it. Whether that is design/ build or not doesn’t really matter to me, though at least in design/build I am getting paid to do that. I am also making money (hopefully) on the construction itself.
Bottom line? When each person’s expertise and contribution to the whole is recognized, valued and appreciated, and where each is trusted, things are off to a good start.
The “traditional” way is for a homeowner to hire an architect or designer, who then prepares some initial design schemes, costs them, and then assists the homeowner in either negotiating with a contractor to build the project, or in preparing a detailed set of drawings and specifications which can be given to multiple contractors to bid.
For some architects, this is where their involvement in the project ends. Others continue on, acting as the homeowner’s agent; approving payment requests, answering contractor’s questions throughout the duration of the project. Still others help the homeowners to select finishes, paint colors, countertops, etc.
Fees for this range of services (at least for the projects I’ve worked on) can range anywhere from 8% to 18% of the total cost of the job. That is to say that, if the contract price were, let’s say $150,000, the architect’s fee could range from $13-27k additional to that.
Design build, as an alternative, places the responsibility for design and construction with one company. The design/build process typically done in two phases, the first of which is where the homeowner will hire the design/build firm to do an initial “feasibility study”, in which a few rough design concepts are explored, and some costs assigned to them. Fees for this initial phase are generally between 1%-3% of the expected construction budget, depending on the scope of work.
The second phase takes the design and costing to completion, and allows the contractor to give a fixed price to the owner to build the project. Ideally, by this time, all product selections have been made, and the plans and specifications are as complete as those generated by an architect to issue to bidders. Fees for this final phase are generally between 8%-12%, depending on how involved the contractor is in finish coordination, product selections, etc.
Over the years, I have worked with both scenarios, and have had good (and not so good) experiences with both. Either way can work fine and there are advantages and disadvantages to both. Here are a few:
Potential advantages to working with an architect:
-Architects have a design sense that results from specialized training (and innate ability, if we’re honest), and an aesthetic sense that, frankly, many contractors lack (at least those who attempt to do design work themselves.) When the obvious solutions don’t pan out, an architect can really shine.
-They provide valuable advice to owners who may not fully understand the processes of construction.
-They can often help the owner feel less intimidated about holding their contractor to expectations of quality or timeliness by acting as the “bad cop”. Some contractors really get their backs up at this but, handled well, it is nothing more than checks and balances, and acting as an honest broker.
-Being more removed from the budget, they are able to explore design options that, under hard constraints, might not have occurred to them. These options are sometimes more expensive, sometimes not, but can often make for a truly successful and economical design.
Potential disadvantages to working with an architect:
-You have to factor the cost of design into your overall budget, and, for smaller projects, it just might not be affordable. This is true of design/build as well, but architect's fees, in my experience, tend to be higher.
-Architects, to generalize, are about as skilled at pricing their designs as contractors are in doing design work……not very. As a result, their budget predictions are often wildly off the mark. Many architects will try to get preliminary pricing early on, before proceeding too far, but contractors (myself included) grow weary of putting in uncompensated hours pricing scheme after scheme for project after project, only to see the project go to bid in the end…..or not get built at all.
-Depending on their experience level, some architects may not have a firm idea of how houses actually go together. This can lead to design solutions that look great, but are a true bitch to build.
-Issues of class still persist, where the architect can sometimes be perceived as above the builder, resulting in attitude problems all the way around.
Potential advantages to design/build:
-Fees, in total are generally lower than those of architects, and include the planning time necessary to fully explore cost options.
-Budget overruns happen less frequently, since the design and planning teams are constantly in touch……..in other words, the left hand knows what the right is doing.
-Design to construction issues are fewer, since the designers and project planners actually speak to one another as equal partners.
-Timing of design to construction is often quicker, as the preliminary design routine of “preliminary designs….pricing….Oh my god, that's waaaay too expensive...back to the drawing board” is avoided. Also avoided is the bidding process.
Potential disadvantages to design/build:
-Unless your design/build firm has architects on staff, or partners with an experienced architect, the resulting design may be pretty ordinary to downright ugly………however well it fits your need for more space. Many design/build companies have variations of their own square peg that they try to pound into every hole, square or not. A 14'x20' family room addition with a palladian window in the center, and vinyl siding might fit in Gaithersburg, but not likely in Chevy Chase.
-Creative design, working within the walls of an existing home, making those little “jewel box” details…..again, depending on your design/builder, you might be disappointed.
-There is an absence of the checks and balances that exist with the traditional, three legged stool of architect, contractor and owner. Assuming you have checked everyone’s references (including the architect’s, if you go that route), you should not have a problem. There is something to be said though, for having a third party “on your side”; someone who can raise issues of quality, site cleanliness….whatever, and achieve results.
Obviously, the above list is not exhaustive, and opportunities for success or failure abound in each. So, what do I prefer? What’s my dream scenario? I can’t say that either is better than the other, but I’ll lay out what I believe to be a good way to work.
One thing that is true about architects is that they get paid for the work they produce. The sketches they draw, the plans they prepare….all of those are paid for. Rightly so, in my view. How about the contractor?
You might be surprised to know how many hours it takes to fully price a remodeling project. A kitchen might take 6-8 hours to price and write up a proposal, whereas a good sized addition or whole house remodel might take 60-80 hours, between site visits with subcontractors, a client meeting or two, number crunching and writing it all up. It’s a lot of work and, unlike architects, we seldom get paid for it. Somehow, it is expected that those uncompensated hours are just “the cost of doing business”.
As a contractor, I don’t have an MA in Architecture (a BA in Political Science, actually). Nor do I have a license that is very difficult to obtain. What I do have is many years of experience….of seeing what works and what doesn’t….of what I need to be aware of when dealing with a house in a particular part of town, or of a particular age….of what soil I’m sure to encounter when I dig footings near Rock Creek Park….of who still makes that oddball style of trim….of whether brand “x” is a piece of junk. In short, I know A LOT about houses and remodeling them.
So, I suppose my ideal would be where I am paid for the work I put into planning a project, just as the architect is paid for designing it. Whether that is design/ build or not doesn’t really matter to me, though at least in design/build I am getting paid to do that. I am also making money (hopefully) on the construction itself.
Bottom line? When each person’s expertise and contribution to the whole is recognized, valued and appreciated, and where each is trusted, things are off to a good start.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
On being fussy
One of the more respected sub-categories of carpentry is the fitting out of yacht interiors. Every square inch needs to count and, because your nose is never more than a foot or two away from anything, it needs to look good.....better than average.
We don't fit out yachts, but it seems that, no matter the size of the project, we're always accounting for every fraction, and building to levels of precision that sometimes drive me nuts.
I work alot with my architect friend, Amy, and I swear, she must have boatbuilders in her blood somewhere. Every project we work on together comes down to "Can you skootch that over like....an eighth of an inch?" or "Can we shoehorn a laundry chute in under the Master Bath shower seat?" or "Are those cabinets centered?" Sometimes I feel like I need to get out my micrometer. I mean "EQ" means E bloody Q!", doesn't it?
It might just be a perception though. Is there a line between picky and anal? I'm sure there is, and it's a fine one to be sure. I'd describe myself as anal, and I know I've crossed over it more times than I can count! I can't speak for my friend Amy (and if I did, she'd hammer me!), but I think that, if pressed, she MIGHT admit to crossing it as well from time to time.
For whatever frustrations there are in being so meticulous though, the rewards are in peace of mind granted to those of us with borderline OCD. Nobody else will ever know that those cabinets that are supposed to be centered between two windows are, if you were to take out a tape, a half an inch off. But I will. And it....will....drive....me....crazy. I suppose it would bother Amy as well.
And so my architect passes it to me, and I, in turn, push those that work for me to deliver something that is better than good........something that is, as Amy puts it "crisp". It's hard to define, but we know it when we see it.
The other day though, I was doing a small job by myself; digging a couple of pier footings and pouring a few bags of concrete. Digging and pouring precisely, to be sure.......but I got to leave the micrometer in the truck. I have to say that sometimes, that suits me just fine!
We don't fit out yachts, but it seems that, no matter the size of the project, we're always accounting for every fraction, and building to levels of precision that sometimes drive me nuts.
I work alot with my architect friend, Amy, and I swear, she must have boatbuilders in her blood somewhere. Every project we work on together comes down to "Can you skootch that over like....an eighth of an inch?" or "Can we shoehorn a laundry chute in under the Master Bath shower seat?" or "Are those cabinets centered?" Sometimes I feel like I need to get out my micrometer. I mean "EQ" means E bloody Q!", doesn't it?
It might just be a perception though. Is there a line between picky and anal? I'm sure there is, and it's a fine one to be sure. I'd describe myself as anal, and I know I've crossed over it more times than I can count! I can't speak for my friend Amy (and if I did, she'd hammer me!), but I think that, if pressed, she MIGHT admit to crossing it as well from time to time.
For whatever frustrations there are in being so meticulous though, the rewards are in peace of mind granted to those of us with borderline OCD. Nobody else will ever know that those cabinets that are supposed to be centered between two windows are, if you were to take out a tape, a half an inch off. But I will. And it....will....drive....me....crazy. I suppose it would bother Amy as well.
And so my architect passes it to me, and I, in turn, push those that work for me to deliver something that is better than good........something that is, as Amy puts it "crisp". It's hard to define, but we know it when we see it.
The other day though, I was doing a small job by myself; digging a couple of pier footings and pouring a few bags of concrete. Digging and pouring precisely, to be sure.......but I got to leave the micrometer in the truck. I have to say that sometimes, that suits me just fine!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Signs of Recovery?
I'll offer my take on why I think things might be getting a little better. Firstly, the phone has been ringing a bit more than in the past year or so, which is good news. Given the equity situation many people are in, and the resulting difficulty in getting project financing, people are finding it tougher to do the project they really want to do, and are taking alot more time to select their contractor. They ARE calling though, which tells me that there is interest........if not ability to pay!
The second reason is sort of funny, in a way. You wouldn't think that you could gauge the state of the economy by how poorly some of your subcontractors or vendors are performing. Experiences on both of my ongoing projects though, have got me to thinking.
It's almost axiomatic that, in my business, you're going to be let down by a sub or vendor at some point. When the economy was burning hot, it sometimes took awhile for vendors to get quotes to me, or to schedule subs on some of my jobs. As much as I feel this way as a contractor, it's almost certain that clients felt that frustration as well.
When things got slow, it was suddenly MUCH easier to get your folks to pay attention to you! "Want me there tomorrow......no problem, Mike!" Hell, sometimes I'd have quotes in my e-mail inbox not a half hour after I had requested them. I had visions of people sitting around like the Maytag repairman.....just....waiting....for....something....to....do.
On my recent projects though, I 've been having......issues, though. Rough-ins that took a week and a half were taking three and a half. An HVAC system install that should have taken three weeks is clocking in at something like nine or ten. What the hell is going on?
So, my theory. I think that a number of companies let people go when things slowed down, and also chased down any leads that came their way. Now, it seems a lot of those leads are turning into jobs, but people are reluctant to hire back those they let go, lest this all be some big mirage. As a result, many vendors & subs; having taken on all this work with the idea that "I'll get it done.......somehow." are now over extended and unable to keep anyone happy (least of all ME!)
They put in a few hours at my job and a few hours at the other guy's, hoping to get it all done on time and not tick any one person off TOO badly. For my part, I get to needle and cajole, and hopefully get them to pass that screwing on to someone else. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, but it certainly has me committed to building a "deeper bench" as they say in the sporting world.
So, in the end, it seems like me being frustrated with non-performing subs and vendors is a sign that maybe we're turning a corner.
I sure hope so!
The second reason is sort of funny, in a way. You wouldn't think that you could gauge the state of the economy by how poorly some of your subcontractors or vendors are performing. Experiences on both of my ongoing projects though, have got me to thinking.
It's almost axiomatic that, in my business, you're going to be let down by a sub or vendor at some point. When the economy was burning hot, it sometimes took awhile for vendors to get quotes to me, or to schedule subs on some of my jobs. As much as I feel this way as a contractor, it's almost certain that clients felt that frustration as well.
When things got slow, it was suddenly MUCH easier to get your folks to pay attention to you! "Want me there tomorrow......no problem, Mike!" Hell, sometimes I'd have quotes in my e-mail inbox not a half hour after I had requested them. I had visions of people sitting around like the Maytag repairman.....just....waiting....for....something....to....do.
On my recent projects though, I 've been having......issues, though. Rough-ins that took a week and a half were taking three and a half. An HVAC system install that should have taken three weeks is clocking in at something like nine or ten. What the hell is going on?
So, my theory. I think that a number of companies let people go when things slowed down, and also chased down any leads that came their way. Now, it seems a lot of those leads are turning into jobs, but people are reluctant to hire back those they let go, lest this all be some big mirage. As a result, many vendors & subs; having taken on all this work with the idea that "I'll get it done.......somehow." are now over extended and unable to keep anyone happy (least of all ME!)
They put in a few hours at my job and a few hours at the other guy's, hoping to get it all done on time and not tick any one person off TOO badly. For my part, I get to needle and cajole, and hopefully get them to pass that screwing on to someone else. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, but it certainly has me committed to building a "deeper bench" as they say in the sporting world.
So, in the end, it seems like me being frustrated with non-performing subs and vendors is a sign that maybe we're turning a corner.
I sure hope so!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
The Doctor Is In
About a month ago, I got an e-mail from my neighbor across the street. He had attached a few pictures, and asked would I please look at them and give him my honest opinion as to whether or not his house was falling down. The photos were of some cracks in the concrete slab in his family room. He also had a concern about some squeeky subfloor upstairs.
It so happens that he and I live in the same model house, and I have cracks and squeeks identical to his. I went over and paid a house call, looked at everything, and pronounced the house in no mortal danger; a diagnosis at which (more on that later) my neighbor was greatly relieved.
I wondered to myself afterwards how anyone could look at those things and be worried, since they were pretty simple signs of a middle aged house to me. The more I thought about it though, that didn't seem fair. I mean, I've been tearing houses apart for over twenty years, and that certainly informs any opinions I have. I'm not sure I was ever taught in a formal way how to look at something and tell whether or not it's serious......after all these years, I just know.
When I put myself in my neighbor's shoes (or any of my clients, for that matter), I realize that things which seem patently obvious to me are anything but to them. I'm guilty of occasionally lapsing into "contractor speak" and being maybe a little glib at times, and this encounter with my neighbor made me realize that a little bit more. This was brought home to me in a more pointed way the other day.
When my family and I were at the beach last week, I sprained my ankle....nothing too bad, just a little sore. Anyway, the other day, I was sitting at my desk....doing nothing really, and all of a sudden, my ankle began to hurt like hell, WAY more than it had before. I mean, it hurt to a point that walking was not easy to do.
My wife, bless her, kept saying I needed to get it looked at, and I kept saying "Stop worrying, I'll be fine....jeez." In the back of my mind though, I was a little worried; not that I would tell my wife that.
We went out to dinner that evening, the ankle still hurting, and as we came home and pulled up to our house, my wife turned not into our driveway, but our neighbor's.....he of the squeeky floors and cracked concrete. My neighbor, you see, is a trauma doc.
He may not know everything about houses (that's my job, after all), but he does know about things that get twisted, mangled and broken.
I limped up to his front door and rang the bell. My neighbor sat me down, poked and prodded a little bit, told me to wrap the ankle, ice it, stay off it as much as possible, take 800mg. of ibuprofen, and go see someone if it didn't feel better in a few days. Bing-Bang-Boom. No big deal. A diagnosis at which it was my turn to be greatly relieved. Just to make sure though, he rang my doorbell the next morning to check on "his patient". You can't buy neighbors like that.
We all have our purpose in life. I am grateful to live in a place where I know and truly like my neighbor (and neighbors), and where my purpose and his can cross paths......and give me a little more perspective!
Thanks, Doc!
It so happens that he and I live in the same model house, and I have cracks and squeeks identical to his. I went over and paid a house call, looked at everything, and pronounced the house in no mortal danger; a diagnosis at which (more on that later) my neighbor was greatly relieved.
I wondered to myself afterwards how anyone could look at those things and be worried, since they were pretty simple signs of a middle aged house to me. The more I thought about it though, that didn't seem fair. I mean, I've been tearing houses apart for over twenty years, and that certainly informs any opinions I have. I'm not sure I was ever taught in a formal way how to look at something and tell whether or not it's serious......after all these years, I just know.
When I put myself in my neighbor's shoes (or any of my clients, for that matter), I realize that things which seem patently obvious to me are anything but to them. I'm guilty of occasionally lapsing into "contractor speak" and being maybe a little glib at times, and this encounter with my neighbor made me realize that a little bit more. This was brought home to me in a more pointed way the other day.
When my family and I were at the beach last week, I sprained my ankle....nothing too bad, just a little sore. Anyway, the other day, I was sitting at my desk....doing nothing really, and all of a sudden, my ankle began to hurt like hell, WAY more than it had before. I mean, it hurt to a point that walking was not easy to do.
My wife, bless her, kept saying I needed to get it looked at, and I kept saying "Stop worrying, I'll be fine....jeez." In the back of my mind though, I was a little worried; not that I would tell my wife that.
We went out to dinner that evening, the ankle still hurting, and as we came home and pulled up to our house, my wife turned not into our driveway, but our neighbor's.....he of the squeeky floors and cracked concrete. My neighbor, you see, is a trauma doc.
He may not know everything about houses (that's my job, after all), but he does know about things that get twisted, mangled and broken.
I limped up to his front door and rang the bell. My neighbor sat me down, poked and prodded a little bit, told me to wrap the ankle, ice it, stay off it as much as possible, take 800mg. of ibuprofen, and go see someone if it didn't feel better in a few days. Bing-Bang-Boom. No big deal. A diagnosis at which it was my turn to be greatly relieved. Just to make sure though, he rang my doorbell the next morning to check on "his patient". You can't buy neighbors like that.
We all have our purpose in life. I am grateful to live in a place where I know and truly like my neighbor (and neighbors), and where my purpose and his can cross paths......and give me a little more perspective!
Thanks, Doc!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Licenses
Lesson for today: If you ever get a contractor's license in DC, don't EVER let it lapse!
A few years ago, I realized I wasn't getting any work in DC, and had plenty in Montgomery County. So, when the time came to re-up, I just let it slide.
Fast forward to this year, where I am interested in projects wherever they are, including our nation's capitol.
I have been trying off and on for the last few months to renew my license there. I am amazed at how many hoops you need to go through. My first task was to re-establish my corporation. Some hundreds of dollars in registration and late fees, and that was done. I am in the process now of gathering the other requisite paperwork.
Most of it is pretty straightforward; things like passport photos and their charming one page triplicate contract form, which they tell you is the ONLY contract that is valid in the District of Columbia. My lawyer gets a chuckle out of that, but you do what you have to do, right?
Two things however, are killing me. DC requires a criminal background check, and a certificate of good standing (meaning you don't owe DC any money for any past omissions or misdeeds). Here's the trick: both have a valid period of one month. I was naive enough to send away for the background check and good standing certificate at the same time; assuming that both would take a few weeks to get, and thus be concurrently valid.
Not so much.
Maryland got me my background check in short order. DC cashed my check....a month ago. As of today though, no certificate. So, today, I decided to brave 941 North Capitol St., and see if I could pick it up in person.
Aside from being reamed for $20 to park my truck, things went well enough. I waited an hour or so for my number to be called, and then had a nice conversation with a surprisingly pleasant woman, who looked up my company, verified that I was indeed in good standing, printed out the certificate, and then told me to head down to the cashier, pay my $15, and bring back the receipt, at which point she would hand me the certificate, and I would be on my merry way.
Generally, the cashier is the fastest process at 941 North Capitol St. Whatever flaws DC has, and there are many, it can generally be said that they are efficient at parting people from their money.
Not today.
The cashier's station was down to one working computer for awhile and what normally would have been a 5-10 minute in and out, became an hour and a half standing in line. To pay $15.....again.....for something I have already paid for. Ugh.
Eventually, I made my way to the cashier, paid my money, went back to the nice lady, got my certificate, and headed on home. Save for a $25,000 bond and an insurance certificate, I think I now have everything I need. For the finishing touches, I have hired what is known as an "expediter", who takes all my myriad papers, submits them and greases the skids, as it were.
I'm told I'll have my license a month or so after everything is submitted, so I guess we'll see.
I'll tell you one thing though, once I get licensed this time, I won't give it up until I'm cold in the ground!
A few years ago, I realized I wasn't getting any work in DC, and had plenty in Montgomery County. So, when the time came to re-up, I just let it slide.
Fast forward to this year, where I am interested in projects wherever they are, including our nation's capitol.
I have been trying off and on for the last few months to renew my license there. I am amazed at how many hoops you need to go through. My first task was to re-establish my corporation. Some hundreds of dollars in registration and late fees, and that was done. I am in the process now of gathering the other requisite paperwork.
Most of it is pretty straightforward; things like passport photos and their charming one page triplicate contract form, which they tell you is the ONLY contract that is valid in the District of Columbia. My lawyer gets a chuckle out of that, but you do what you have to do, right?
Two things however, are killing me. DC requires a criminal background check, and a certificate of good standing (meaning you don't owe DC any money for any past omissions or misdeeds). Here's the trick: both have a valid period of one month. I was naive enough to send away for the background check and good standing certificate at the same time; assuming that both would take a few weeks to get, and thus be concurrently valid.
Not so much.
Maryland got me my background check in short order. DC cashed my check....a month ago. As of today though, no certificate. So, today, I decided to brave 941 North Capitol St., and see if I could pick it up in person.
Aside from being reamed for $20 to park my truck, things went well enough. I waited an hour or so for my number to be called, and then had a nice conversation with a surprisingly pleasant woman, who looked up my company, verified that I was indeed in good standing, printed out the certificate, and then told me to head down to the cashier, pay my $15, and bring back the receipt, at which point she would hand me the certificate, and I would be on my merry way.
Generally, the cashier is the fastest process at 941 North Capitol St. Whatever flaws DC has, and there are many, it can generally be said that they are efficient at parting people from their money.
Not today.
The cashier's station was down to one working computer for awhile and what normally would have been a 5-10 minute in and out, became an hour and a half standing in line. To pay $15.....again.....for something I have already paid for. Ugh.
Eventually, I made my way to the cashier, paid my money, went back to the nice lady, got my certificate, and headed on home. Save for a $25,000 bond and an insurance certificate, I think I now have everything I need. For the finishing touches, I have hired what is known as an "expediter", who takes all my myriad papers, submits them and greases the skids, as it were.
I'm told I'll have my license a month or so after everything is submitted, so I guess we'll see.
I'll tell you one thing though, once I get licensed this time, I won't give it up until I'm cold in the ground!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Cleaning House
This weekend, my wife and I looked around in our basement, and were amazed at the things we have kept over the years….some that have followed us from apartment to town house to house without ever being used. We agreed that some stuff had to go.
In the past, I would have thrown some stuff in the truck, and headed down to the dump. Recently though, I’ve become reacquainted with freecycle (www.freecycle.org). If you’re not familiar with it, it’s a list serve, where people post items that they either no longer need, or requests for things that they DO need. The only requirement is that, in both cases, the items offered or requested be free. If you want to sell something, you can always head over to Craigslist.
Freecycle’s goal is to keep items out of landfills, and you’d be amazed at how eager others are to take your unwanted stuff.
A few years ago, we gave away a bunch of my wife’s old shoes to a woman who “just looooved shoes!” OK, everyone has their fetish, but really, it was great for us both. We got rid of something we no longer needed, and she got something she really wanted. We posted some stuff over the weekend and, within hours, had multiple e-mails asking when they could come by and relieve us of our burden. Some of the stuff got picked up yesterday.
Not only am I helping keep stuff out of the landfill, I’m saving the gas to get there. Another plus is that I’m saving my back…..they come to ME!
All in all, I think freecycle is a great idea; and something I plan to use a lot more. I’d encourage you to visit their website and sign up.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Tools
The other day I broke a pair of fingernail clippers that I have had for, well, about 25 years. I was crushed. They were not like your normal nail clippers, but more like a pair of wire cutting pliers. Anyway, they were made in
I don’t remember how I came to have these particular nail clippers, but I treasured them. They were so well made and finely finished. They were a joy to use. Everyone talks about “German Engineering”, and I’m sure you’d laugh. But really……they were THAT good. They broke, by the way, not in the line of duty, cutting nails, but in a futile mission, trying to open a hermetically sealed, tamper proof, me proof, everything proof plastic package…..you know the kind, I’m sure.
Always a stupid move to abuse a good tool.
Anyway, I went online this afternoon, to try and find a replacement, and was surprised at what they cost! A new pair is something like $35! That’s a lot of money just to cut your nails, but it caused me to think.
I still have a number of the tools I bought when I first went into the trades. A fair number of squares, punches etc, but even a few power tools; notably a Skil #77 worm drive saw, a Bosch #1582 jigsaw, and a Black & Decker drill. They were then, and still are some of the most expensive tools in their class. All of them are still running strong, however, after almost twenty five years. At the time I bought them, I was making something like seven or eight dollars an hour, and what I spent on those tools was a HUGE amount of money for me!
Like those nail clippers though, I haven’t regretted the expense at all. Those tools are well made, well engineered, and have lasted longer than I would have expected. I wouldn’t be surprised if my grandchildren will be able to make use of them.
I was taught early on, by more experienced carpenters, that, when buying tools, you should always buy the best that you can afford. Even though it hurt at the time to buy the best, I have never regretted it. Those tools have made me far more money than I ever spent in buying them. When you think about it, what is more expensive? A saw that costs $200, but lasts for 25 years…..or 3 or 4, at $100 apiece, that only last a few years each?
So, yeah, in the end, I plunked down the $35 for the nail clippers. As long as I don’t use them to open up any more absolutely un-openable packages, I figure they’ll be clipping my nails for the rest of my life.
Not a bad deal at all.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
It's better than plumb!
Years ago, I asked a helper who was using a level to plumb a wall, whether the wall was indeed plumb. "It's better than plumb!", he said. Sigh.
On a job we're working on right now, I need to match some window sizes. To do that, I needed to measure the existing masonry openings. when I did, I discovered that all of them....and I mean all of them on the original house were 1/2" out of plumb. Some were out to the left and others to the right, but ALL of them were out.
Houses settle, but that's not what caused this. 60 odd years ago, the mason who laid up these walls used a level that was 1/2" out of adjustment. How he never caught on, I don't know, but here we are. I mean, if the bubble reads plumb, it 's plumb.....right?
No. You need to check it every now and then.
So, look at the picture, and you'll see how it's done. Not too hard, right? Now, what you do with your level after you discover it's out of whack is up to you. If it's a Craftsman or a Stabila, just send it back for replacement. If it's not? Well, I think most carpenters have a decent collection of 4' concrete screeds.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
They don't build 'em like they used to.
Thank god.When I run across things like this, I wonder. I mean, whose fault is it that the framing has been hacked down to something the size of a furring strip?
Quick....you blamed the plumber, didn't you? But is it his fault? I mean, the tub and toilet have to go where they have to go, don't they? That's what it says on the plans, right?
Okay, maybe it's the carpenter's fault, for not taking the time to locate all of the plumbing locations BEFORE he laid out the joists. It's not tough, with a little forethought, to shift your layout a little bit, to accomodate things like traps, & drain pipes. Then, as now, few carpenters bother, and just figure "Oh well, I'll fix it when I have to."
The plumber doesn't care too much, one way or another. He'll just get out his sawzall (or, 60 years ago, his handsaw & rigging hatchet) and MAKE the pipes fit. Ouch.
So, the carpenter takes a little beating here, but look at the joist pockets in the brick. the carpenter didn't put them there, the mason did. He didn't give a rat's ass where the plumbing was going to go. He was hired to get the walls up......quickly. And who told him (or didn't tell him) what was going where? The contractor, that's who.
In my world, that's ME. I can bitch and moan all I want about subs or trades that don't care, but, in the end, they are doing what I tell them (or don't tell them) to do. The mason? He'd be happy to put joist pockets wherever I want them........if I tell him. The carpenter? He'll put the joists wherever there are pockets to put them in.........if they are there. The plumber? He loves it when he goes to install his drains and finds.....miracle of miracles.....space for his pipes!
There were builders who didn't care 60 years ago, and there were builders who did. The same is true today. So, when people say "They don't build 'em like they used to anymore", that can either be praise for the old, or praise for the new..........depends on who "they" was!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Missed appointments………and Karma
It drives me CRAZY when I set up an appointment to meet with a potential client, and they blow me off. It doesn’t happen too often though, fortunately. When it does though, boy do I get…….how do I politely say it…….irked. After all, YOU CALLED ME! I didn’t twist your arm, knock on your door, or call you during dinner. Grrrr.
Irked is how I felt this morning at 7:30, standing outside a prospective client’s home; having rung the doorbell several times, and waited for someone who was patently not there.
Irked is how I felt when I got back to the office, and began to compose a snarky e-mail to this guy that had blown me off.
Empowered is how I felt when I hit the “send “ button.
Horrified is how I felt when, a few minutes later, I received a response from the prospective client, wondering why the fuss?... since we had agreed to meet NEXT Wednesday, not THIS Wednesday.
We all have this little voice in our head, right? You know, the one that says “Ignore me at your peril!” Why is he so hard to hear sometimes; especially when he says: "Don't be snarky there, Michael-o! That guy might have had a good reason for missing this morning's appointment."?
Like.....we set it up for Wednesday.......the 22nd.....NOT the 15th. Is that a good reason, little voice?
"Yes, that could be a good reason..........you moron!"
So now, today’s assignment, 100 times on the chalkboard:
The little voice is my friend. He keeps my feet in my shoes, and out of my mouth. I will try REALLY hard to listen to him from now on! The little voice is my friend. He keeps my feet in my shoes, and out of my mouth. I will try REALLY hard to listen to him from now on! The little voice is my friend. He keeps my feet in my shoes, and out of my mouth. I will try REALLY hard to listen to him from now on! The little voice is my friend. He keeps my feet in my shoes, and out of my mouth. I will try REALLY hard to listen to him from now on! The little voice is my friend. He keeps my feet in my shoes, and out of my mouth. I will try REALLY hard to listen to him from now on! The little voice is my friend. He keeps my feet in my shoes, and out of my mouth. I will try REALLY hard to listen to him from now on!.................
OK, it’s not a hundred, and “copy” & “paste” keep my hand from cramping, but I get the message, and will try hard to listen to the little voice. He’s my friend.
Anyway, after a profuse apology on my part, I'll be seeing him on the 22nd. Hope your day is going better than mine so far!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Those guys are certifiable!
For the last three years, I have volunteered with NARI, my trade association; teaching (facilitating is probably a better word) the “Certified Remodeler”, or CR course. It’s a pretty involved thing…..12 weeks of classes, 2 hours per week; followed by an all day exam consisting of 550 questions.
We go over lots of different material. Everything from business management principles to sizing the returns on an HVAC system. Even with years of experience, it’s a challenge, believe me. When I took my certification exam, only 4 out of 12 passed……it’s a toughie.
Anyway, we just finished up the course, and I’ll be administering the exam this Saturday. The two guys I taught this year, Joe Sherrick & Dan Krienbuhl, have worked their tails off. I just want to say “good luck”, and thanks for being such active participants. I always enjoy the class, and each year, I get more insights into my profession.
Just when you think you know everything you need to know, there is more to be learned. Products, codes and best practices change all the time, and it takes a committed pro to keep up with all of that. So, if you happen to be talking to a contractor, and he or she has a “CR” after their name, know that they are among the most dedicated in the business, and that they had to work their butt off to get those two letters.
So, hats off guys, and best of luck this Saturday!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Momma, don't let your babies grow up to be.....Carpenters?
I’ll start by saying that my experience is less typical than many who go into the trades. After I graduated from college, I wasn’t in a particular hurry to start the rest of my life. The thought of sitting behind a desk wasn’t appealing and, at 21, the thought of being there for over 45-50 years was inconceivable.
At the recommendation of my father (an architect), I took a job with a colleague of his, whose company did historic preservation work. I signed on as a laborer/apprentice at something like $7.00 an hour. Ever since I was a kid, I had liked working with my hands…….drawing, building treehouses, go-karts…whatever. The thought of getting paid to do this was appealing, even if the job, at times, was not. In any event, it seemed like a rewarding enough thing to do, until I figured out my true calling.
Before too long, I had to admit to myself that I liked what I was doing. I liked the smell of sawdust. I liked moving around. I liked doing something tangible each day. I liked the fact that I lost 20 pounds and was wiry and strong. There were downsides, sure. Crawling through a hundred year old, dark, 12” high crawlspace filled with all manner of creepy crawlies, feeling like I was about to pass out in the 100 degree heat, or beating the feeling back into my fingers while setting roof trusses in a snowstorm.
For all the downsides though, there were times that more than compensated for them. Hard to believe, but being outside on a glorious autumn day, with the sun in your face, while doing something you love, can almost make you feel like you’re stealing. There are countless others.
One of the most spiritually uplifting feelings I can remember, is standing on a freshly swept 1st floor, getting ready to frame and stand the walls, as the sun began peeking over the horizon. I’m not what you’d call a morning person, but that feeling…of newness….of the act of creation that was about to happen….of what I would have done by day’s end, is a feeling I still remember when I find myself up at that hour. It’s that sense of purpose that says “Today, I am going to DO something real….something that will remain after I’m gone.”
Obviously, I’m a sap, and I’m sure I intellectualize far too much, but I can never understand why someone would NOT want to do what I do. I can’t imagine doing anything else.
What bothers me though, is that I’m sure there are tons of kids who would love to do this work, if only their parents, or their society would tell them it’s OK. I can only speak for where I live, but I get the sense that our school system thinks you’re a failure if you end up in the trades.
When I was younger, the school systems ALL had shop classes…..woodworking, print making, auto mechanics, and on and on. For me, it was a welcome change of pace to put down a book, and work with my hands for awhile, as I suppose it was for many others. It didn’t mean you weren’t using your brain, by the way. You just used it in a different way.
There was an article in the New York Times recently, written by a guy named Matthew B. Crawford. He makes the case far better than I can about the rewards to be had working with one’s hands. It was condensed, I believe, from a book entitled “Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry Into the Value of Work,”. I haven’t read the book yet, but I loved the article http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/24/magazine/24labor-t.html?pagewanted=allhttp://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/24/magazine/24labor-t.html?pagewanted=all
He says a lot of the things that I feel, and I encourage you to read it…….and give some thought to what it means, as he puts it, “to be of use.”
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Bidding
Bidding projects is one of those things that occasionally drive me crazy. Really, you can’t get away from it. Every newspaper article you read says “Always get three bids!” It’s understandable that you, as the client, want to get the best value for the money you spend. I’ll offer a few thoughts, though…..
When you tell me you are going to get a few prices, I am going to ask you a few questions; the first of which will be “How many?” In a three bid situation, I have a 33% chance of being awarded the job, all else being equal. Not great odds, but acceptable. If you are getting more than three prices, my odds decrease…….right along with my interest.
Getting more than three prices tells me that, despite your protestations to the contrary, your primary concern is price. That’s fine, and totally understandable. The thing is though, that the lowest price is not at the top of the list of benefits that I offer my clients. I focus on the service I provide, the knowledge I bring to the table, and the professionalism with which I run my company. These things cost money and often mean that I am not the lowest price out there. I’m OK with that.
Now, in any bidding situation, SOMEONE has to be the lowest price, right? Of course, and in a competition among equals (i.e. professional companies, licensed & insured, certified, etc.), I may well be the lowest price, as easily as not. Remember though, that I said competition among equals.
So, another question I am going to ask you, when you tell me you are competitively bidding, is WHO I am bidding against? If I am bidding against my peers, that’s fine. If I am to be bidding against some unlicensed handyman or “a friend of yours”, my interest goes away. This is not competition among equals, it’s a race to the bottom……and I’ll pass on it.
The final question is “What do you want?”. There’s an old saying that goes: “price, quality and speed……pick any two”. So again, what do you want? I’d suggest that, however your situation plugs into that old saying, you’ll be better off choosing from companies that fit that bill.
If you’re looking to do a major remodel, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, and lasting for many months, you want someone who has their act together………who’ll be there a few years from now, to service the project. That’s not a guy with a pickup truck and a nailbag, that’s a professional contractor. Likewise, if you need a bunch of odd jobs taken care of, or a small, uncomplicated project done, maybe that IS a guy with a pickup truck and a nailbag……maybe.
Just be honest with yourself………and honest with me.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Please, check my references!
It is surprising to me how few people bother to check references when they’re selecting a contractor to work on their place.
Most potential clients will ask for a list of references, which I’m happy to provide. I think that people with whom I have worked successfully are some of the best advertising I can get. So it surprises me then, when I ask “What did they say about my company?”, and I’m told that they never contacted the references at all. I mean, I’m glad I come across as honest, ethical and competent but really…..you never called them?
More than one client has said something along the lines of “What’s the point? Of COURSE your references will say good things about you” Well, yes, of COURSE they do…..that’s what I pay them for (cue laugh track). There are other things to consider though.
Remodeling, especially in an occupied home, can be a nerve wracking experience. Your life will be disrupted, your personal space invaded. For someone who has never gone through that process, it can be incredibly stressful. So many choices to make, information to process, deadlines to worry about. How your potential contractor deals with all of those things is critical to your happiness.
So, if you are someone who places a high value on people returning your phone calls, or answering e-mails promptly, then ask about how well your potential contractor does those things.
If you go absolutely bonkers over the slightest bit of dust……..ask how that was handled.
If you like to know who will be at your house, and when……ask how scheduling information was handled.
Ask. Ask. Ask.
The point of these questions is to get an idea of how your potential contractor does things. Sure, he’s a great guy, and he does great work, but how will you all get along? Will you need to modify your style, or will you need to ask him to modify his (a somewhat less successful approach, historically!)?
See, it’s not just about the end result. It’s also about the journey that it takes to get there. The questions you ask early on will help that journey to be as pleasant as possible.
So, ask already!
Friday, June 26, 2009
What does "Time and Materials" mean?
In general, for most of the work I do, I work for either a fixed price or on a "time and materials" basis.
With a fixed price, a client shows me the job, and I tell him or her exactly what I will charge to do the work. Simple. No risk to anyone but me.
Sometimes, however, I just can't give a fixed price. If I'm digging into something that I have no way of knowing what I'll find when I open it up, or if the scope of work is general, I may need to work on a "time and materials" basis.
What this means is that I charge the client for every hour I spend on the job, and for all of the materials, subcontractors and any other job expenses that apply (trash removal, for example). To those charges, I add a markup, or fee, which is generally a percentage of the total costs.
You'd think "time and materials" would work out great for the contractor, right? Well, in one way, it does. There is little risk to me, since I haven't given a fixed price. At this point, the risk is on the client. Perfectly fair, and certainly understandable, but here's the rub.
Clients are usually a happy campers when they know, to the penny, what their project is going to cost. When they don't know, anxiety can set in. You can guess who the anxiety gets taken out on, can't you?
Now, you should know that I do my best to estimate what the work will cost. I've been at it for a long while now, and have a good sense of what things will take. I'm going to share that expertise with you, and I'm generally pretty good, but here's a nugget of truth.......I DON'T HAVE X-RAY VISION, AND I'M NOT CARNAC THE MAGNIFICENT!
So, despite the fact that I consider myself honest and ethical, despite the fact that I'll tell you verbally and in writing that things could end up costing more.....a lot more, despite your assurances of "I understand", despite all of that, I will....when I present you that invoice that is twice what I thought it MIGHT cost, when I see the look in your eyes that says "How could you?!"....I will feel awful. I will feel like a thief. I will feel like I have let you down.
I hate that feeling.
I don't know if most contractors feel this way, but I know that a lot of us do. So, the next time you and your trusty contractor happen to be talking about what the best way to go about things might be, consider the above. It might make sense to pay your contractor by the hour for just long enough to discover what the true extent of the work is going to be, and to then have him or her give you a fixed price to complete the work.
You'll be happy because you know what things are going to cost, and your contractor will be happy because he knows he has given you an accurate cost; one that will let him make some money and not feel like a grifter at the end of the day. Win-win.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Demolition
Contrary to what you might have seen on any number of HGTV shows, demolition does not involve the constant use of sledgehammers. Maybe if you're wrecking an entire house, and don't care what collateral damage you cause.....maybe then. Mostly though, you'll end up breaking stuff you don't want to break. If you're a homeowner, maybe that's not as big a deal. As a contractor though, I get to pay for things I unintentionally break. So, sledgehammers.....not really happenin' for me!
Things like pry bars, levers and even a smaller hammer are much more surgical tools. They can be focused.
Now, they won't give you that beating your chest, gorilla sense of satisfaction, that's true. They will keep money in your pocket though, and, for me at least, that's good enough.
Happy demo'ing!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
RAIN.........continued
Ahh, the patter of raindrops leads a man's thoughts to..........constructing an ark. In the interest of helping others, who might not be as adept at the conversion of cubits to modern day measurements as myself, I offer the following:
A cubit is the measurement from a mans forearm to the tip of his middle finger. As you can see that means that each mans cubit is a different size. To solve this problem in Ancient times the universal cubit would be the length of the kings cubit.
According to Wikipedia
The distance between thumb and another finger to the elbow on an average person measures about 24 digits or 6 palms or 1½ feet. This is about 45 cm or 18 inches. This so-called "natural cubit" of 1½ feet is used in the Roman system of measures and in different Greek systems.
Over time, units similar in type to the cubit have measured:
- 6 palms = 24 digits, i.e. ~45.0 cm or 18 inches (1.50 ft)
- 7 palms = 28 digits, i.e. ~52.5 cm or 21 inches (1.75 ft)
- 8 palms = 32 digits, i.e. ~60.0 cm or 24 inches (2.00 ft)
- 9 palms = 36 digits, i.e. ~67.5 cm or 27 inches (2.25 ft)
Good to know when you're downloading plans from any of those "DIY Ark" sites. The take away here is that your ark may vary a bit. Not to worry, so long as you can fit all of your stuff aboard. Happy arking!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
RAIN
Rain is wonderful. It feeds my tomatoes, greens my lawn (in the greenest of ways), washes my truck........all in all, pretty useful.
What rain does NOT do, is allow me to make any money, when I am trying to finish a small exterior project. Two days, tops, is all the sunshine I need. It doesn't look like I'm going to get it though.
So, dear customers, we're trying to start your project....really. And we will....really. Once this little thing is done....really.
IF IT WILL JUST STOP RAINING!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Cobbler's Kids
The cobbler's kids have no shoes, so the old saying goes. Not entirely true for me (I've done my Kitchen, Master Bath and built an office), but there are always things remaining to be done.
One day, it would be nice to rework the front of my house, and have a nice screened porch, where everyone could hang out and chat with the neighbors as they pass by.
So many people spend all of their time in the back yard, sequestered from any interaction at all with their neighbors. Neo-urban communities, like Kentlands and others, have picked up on the idea that it is actually NICE to know your neighbors. I have to say I agree.
A neighbor of ours a few years ago extended his front porch into a really great patio. It is a place where not only his family socializes, but where we, as neighbors, are welcomed when we see them outside.
So it's not an original idea on my part, and it's a small thing, really. It is one of many small things though, that make my neighborhood a place where I want to be.
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