All Forum Posts by: Account Closed

Even if there were an aftermarket product to convert traditionally vented (i.e., vertical) water heaters to direct vent, it's likely to void any warranty and create a potential liability.  That said, as @Pat L. mentioned, running stand alone flue pipe through a masonry chimney is not uncommon at all, for the very reasons you're asking.

Keep in mind though, you'll likely need a custom cap made to keep out the elements and critters.

On another note, if the chimney is "flaking all over the place", is it sound? The cost to repair it may be for good reason and I do not recommend installing new flue pipe through a questionable chimney.

My pleasure!

@Jerry Rubinow - might consider reading this: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/01/27...

@Account Closed - might want to check out this resource: http://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2015/. It may help you ascertain the ballpark numbers you're looking for.

Welcome @Chris Ifeanyi - glad to have another contractor aboard!

Keep doing more of this... the wealth of information here is endless!

Welcome and best of luck! 

The responsibilities that a PM should be in charge of are proprietary to your wants, needs, etc.  Having a strong PM on your side is incredibly valuable and if bringing one on board from the word go fits within the numbers, then by all means. You'll just have to decide how much lease (control) to give them if they are a hired hand rather than an equity partner.

Before hiring a PM, you may want to hire a GC for the first few projects and deal directly with them yourself.  This way, you will experience first hand the things involved and can create the list of responsibilities you want to delegate to a future PM.  Crawl, walk, run.

As for GCs, some have in-house crews to handle the work. some use all subcontractors, and others may do a combination of the two.

@Sylvia B. asked, was the grout thoroughly dry before the dust fell on it?  If not, then it's not likely to simply come up.

And since I just recently had an issue with gray grout not curing to the proper color (it had a whitewash look to it) are you certain it's drywall dust?

Regardless of cause, if you've cleaned it well and it still looks bad, I suggest using a grout stain.

A PM could manage individual employees, subs and GCs... or a mixture of all three as the circumstances require. Might want to start with the GC approach first and as you learn and grow ,and your PM is solidly on board and with your program, then spread out to subs and/or employees.

As @Hugh Ayles said, until you're established, it may be prudent to go the GC route. Focusing your energy on your business, rather than your crews may be time better spent. You might want to consider scaling your growth instead of hiring seven people all at once... hire a solid PM, get your relationship with him/her running well and then let them vet and hire your crews... after all, they'll be the one managing them.  Take the time to have your PM learn how you want things done and then task them with teaching the others as they come on board.