All Forum Posts by: Account Closed

@Hunter Cone 

Thank you for the great question! Honestly, I see these in many investors and am sooo glad you are really trying to get a handle on how to conduct your self in a professional manner.  Most quality contractors I know have a lot of work and don't necessarily like dealing with investors because some, not all, are cheap and clueless.  

The list is long but I'll keep it to 5:

1.  Please don't ask me (contractors) to come do a walk through and give you a number on the spot if the job is fairly involved and includes several trades.  I hear it time and time again, "I won't hold you to it..."  But then they invariably DO hold you to it.  Also, if you want me to come do a walk through and write it up as a line item quote, forget it!!  That's a waste of my time.  Now, if you and I have an established relationship, you've sent work my way, I will give you an overall number first and if we can agree on it and I know I get the work, yes then I can itemize, to a degree.

2.  Show up on time.  I am ALWAYS on time.  Please be on time.

3.  Return calls and texts quickly.  I met with a real estate guy a couple weeks ago, we walked through the house, he said he'd get back with me and he has disappeared.  Not a peep.  And he is now on my "do not call" list.

4.  NEVER have several contractors scheduled to arrive at the same time.  I will walk as soon as I see another GC arrive. Very rude.  Should you need to get several quotes fine, just don't schedule other GCs to walk through with me.  

5. Treat your contractor with respect.  I read time and time again on BP how people put down contractors (I know, yes, some deserve it) but don't lump all of us in the same category.  Don't low ball him on quotes.  Don't ask him to cut out his profits. Don't ask him to cut corners.  Don't ask him to cover up bad wood, bad plumbing, bad wiring, etc.  Don't ask him to do the work without a permit if a permit is warranted.  And on and on....

Bottom line, as the Bible says, Do unto others as you'd have them do unto you.  If you do this you will develop a great team and make tons of money!

Welcome!  I wish I had had the foresight you do in regards to starting at your age.  I commend you for that. And, thank you for your upcoming military service!  Gather a team you can TRUST, goes for locally or across the nation or globe.  

Best!

As a contractor, the city of Birmingham itself is a royal pain to deal with when it comes to permitting - as in the permit office.  The inspectors are not so bad.  Other cities around Hoover, Vestavia, Leeds, Homewood as examples all have permit departments and will cite you (and shut your job down) if you don't have a permit.  Always the better choice to go ahead and permit your job.  

I spoke with an inspector about 6 months ago in Hoover who said they will be cracking down on homeowners doing unpermitted and unlincensed work on their homes (he was referencing flippers) if work totaled $10,000 or more - though he didn't say exactly what the crackdown or penalty was going to be. (In Alabama, at $10,000 or more you have to have a state builder's license)

Glad to hear it's fixed.  Shark Bites are a great way to solve problems like this til the plumber (or in this case the city) can get out.  

I am a state licensed contractor in B'ham area.  I'd be interested in talking to you.  

Thanks

Mike 

@Morgan Madill 

I am a remodeling contractor in B'ham, any way I can help you let me know.  

I've lived in and around Birmingham for 20+ years.  Lots of GREAT areas of town and, of course, areas in my opinion to avoid.  But all depends on your goals.

Feel free to message.

Best,

Far and away the best home inspector I have ever dealt with is James Mason with Pillar To Post.  I have dealt with him for nearly 10 years.  He inspected my home when I purchased.  

Here in Bama our stay home order will be relaxed on 4/30, but it won't be totally lifted.  From what our Gov. said if all goes well, we'll see the rest of businesses allowed to open the middle of May.  

I know a lot of people here who are raring to go.  Since I am in construction and considered essential, we've been open,  but I have had several folks postpone larger projects.  I think we WILL get back to business as a country, just a matter of when.  

Hi David,

This may be too long in coming, I see you posted about 3 months ago, but I am a contractor in the Birmingham area.  Let me know if you are still interested in connecting with folks here.

Best,

Mike

Do things right and you never have to worry about it!