All Forum Posts by: Randy F.

Will, I see where you're coming from, but I could only agree with your scenario if trustworthy contractors didnt exist. They DO exist. And I would think that by the time a decision is made to partner, a level of trust has already been established. If the GC signs the agreement stating he will bring materials in at his cost, whether that be at wholesale or retail, he should be trusted to do so.

These are details to work out, but if an investor has an established pipeline to plug properties into, I guess he wouldnt look to partner with a GC in the first place. Consider a scenario from the GC's perspective...

...The GC can save a crapload of money on materials and says that because of the high cost of the money the investor brings to the deal, he thinks it fair to charge the rehab retail for his materials. If he floats both labor and materials at cost, and then the investor cant move the property untill 180 days past projection, what then.

Ideally, we would all approach our business dealings from a position of strength. A GC worth his weight looks to do the same. The challeng, once a relationship based on mutual respect and trust is formed, is in crafting an agreement that covers any and every eventuality and reflects the true picture of their strengths and what each brings to the table.

I guess the bottom line for me is that if you cant trust those you need to run and grow your business, you resign yourself to flying solo, putting a whole lot of energy into babysitting, and only grow your business at a rate you can manage thru your own resources.

Thanks, but this IS Alaska. Everything is higher priced here. When I move down and start rehabbing in the lower 48 again, my first few estimates wont come in too low, thats for certain!

Thats the good thing about us "old" guys. We dont have a lit match under our butts making us want to get in, get out, get paid. The work is what it is and it dictates how much time it takes to get done right. And even if it takes longer than what we should make doing it, we have an idea in our heads what it SHOULD cost, or what is a FAIR price compared to other options, and thats what we charge. Me thinks the world just needs to slow down and chill out!! Take the time to think about what "integrity" means to us. And consider the idea that "what goes around comes around, and nit just how that may effect MY life, but do I ensure that what good does come my way continues thru my actions to reward others for the good they are doing. I think it would do us all good to remember that as important as is our own bottom line, there are many things in life that need to share that stage!

Bill, I take back almost all the rotten things Ive said about you! :c) That was a great post!!

I was hoping to get responses from areas where people actially use their tubs!! I hear they dont take alot of baths in ND!! :c)

Note: I can say that! I was born in SD... Where men are men and sheep are nervous!

Im with you on mechanical bond. I had a convo with a guy at the home show a few years ago and he assured me chemical bond was the way to go. I wasnt convinced. Old school common sense prevailed. Thats why I posted this... Hoping to learn if it stands the test of time.

Just curious how many have opted to resurface old tubs rather than replacing them. If you have, were you pleased with the results? Did they hold up in rentals?

I refinished a few tubs in the eighties will good result, but have no idea how long they held up. A friend had purchased a specialty franchise. Back then, the products available required a mechanical bond. It was quite labor intensive to scuff the surface adequately to create enough "teeth" to ensure a good bond. From what I understand, todays products provide a chemical bond so prep is limited to a thorough cleaning. I wouldnt recommend the DIY kits as I'd want the warranty offered by the specialty guys.

Ive run into numerous scenerios where the tile surround was done fairly recently and in excellent shape, and the fixture had been replaced at that time as well, so there was no ready excuse to rip out tub and replace. In these instances I gave the homeowner and investor the options and each one chose replacement.

The last quote I received for resurfacing a tub was $375 and they are in and out in hours. Under certain circumstances, it may be a good option and be a time and money saver.

Whatchyathinkaboudit?

The Milwaukee guy nails it! Why am I not surprised? :c)

Do you live on da sout side down dere hey? Where dey park dere cars side by each?

"Way too expensive" from a guy who you say does a decent job and you trust may not be as expensive as the next one who bids low to get the work and then slams you with all the unforseen "little things" that can and do come up. Or the one that does crappy work and then says, "what did you expect for that kind of money?" Or the one that gets a downstroke and promptly disappears. Or... You get the idea.

You should be getting bids that include a scope and projected timeline. If the numbers dont line up with the scope then ask questions. You say he does decent work and you trust him. Open, honest communication starts with you. Some who carry the checkbook leave others with the impression that they only want to hear what they want to hear. You need it straight up so you always know where youre at. Some need to be given license to give you that.

I know first hand what its like to work your butt off, deliver high end work on schedule and within budget, only to be nickeled and dimed to death. At that point Im gone. When I am shown Im appreciated I am as loyal a the day is long and will treat YOUR business as if its mine.

If you have found a good one, I hope you dont send him packing over a few bucks because you havent seen enough of the type of contractor you DONT want. We seldom learn from the mistakes of others.

Dont take any of what I say personally. I can only go with the info provided and Im kinda sorta passionate about this stuff after 30+ years.

Take what you can use and leave the rest. Good luck to ya!

Edited: I had to leave my post and come back to it. After posting I saw your response to David. 20% is substantial if the orhers are competent. Let us know how it turns out.

It seems to me that a great approach to finding the right mentor is to use BP's "collegue request" feature.

The more time I spend on these pages, the more certain individuals stand out. For me, they are those who provide well written, concise, logical answers without injecting alot of ego into it. Those you feel on the same wavelength with, you could shoot a "colleage request", and use the message feature to begin developing a relationship.

Its no different than investing, in that due diligence reduces the potential of jumping in without all the info required to make an informed decision. Rather than wasting your time, and tha of a prospective mentor, "follow" those that stand out from the crowd and when comfortable doing so, make contact by "request" and take it from there.

Its very important to remember though, that everyone is here by choice and are offering their knowledge and experience out of the kindness of their hearts. Not something to take for granted or put unrealistic expectations upon. Prolly didnt need to say that... But I said it anyway!

Anyway!... Good luck!