All Forum Posts by: Chad B.

Hondal...Do you mean you would like to see the search engine be able to just search a specific forum? I'm thinking something like ebay has where you able to specify the category your search is looking in because there already is a search engine here.

I love this question!...This is an issue I deal with every day. The way I approach it is that every project is different which makes my needs for each trade dependant on that project. For example lets say it's a complicated addition with complicated roof lines and structural load attention. I have only 1 framer I would trust on a project like that and I know he is more expensive but I know he gets it done right the first time. Now lets say I've got an easy basement to finish, well I'm going to call my carpenter who is on the cheaper end to frame the basement and it just so happens he is also a good finish carpenter who'd I'd have no problems trusting with a finished basement. I'll give him both jobs and just watch him close on the framing. I have one HVAC contractor who is just fantastic at historic renovations but is just average at new home construction and he costs an arm and a leg. So where he saves me money on a historic home he costs me money on new houses and probably isn't a good fit there. I have a tile guy who provides about the best quality and price of anyone I know but there are times he will go missing for weeks at a time without returning phone calls, as frustrating as it can be for me to deal with him sometimes I will take the chance and give him the job if I have the extra time in the schedule.

I apply this approach to all jobs and all trade contractors. Sometimes I get a feeling a certain contractor may too busy or even over extended financially to give his full attention to the project so I will pass it onto my next best fit until he gets things back under control. Quality is always job one in my opinion but with good construction management you can get what you need by fitting the right contractors on the job. It is a fine line balancing these three because rarely will you find a contractor with it all and when you do they usually won't stay that way for long. As word gets out on them, they get busier and their quality or customer service suffers or they are forced to raise prices so they don't get overbooked.

This is why I think it is so important to build a large database of contractors who you are familiar with and don't get lazy when assigning a job. Think about and track all your contractors strengths and weaknesses after each job so you know where to fit them on future jobs. I currently have a list of about 200-300 contractors who I have worked with and have a list of new contractors waiting in the wings. From time to time I will give a new guy a shot but try to never use more than 2 new guys on any one job just so things don't get out of control.

I look forward to other responses on this question.

Ryan welcome to the site (or after ***********'s post maybe I should say welcome back). I'm up in Winnetka and I'm a residential general contractor. Ever got any construction questions let me know.

Chad Blankenbaker

P.S. Is it true that two Ryans are better than one? OK maybe that was weak but I couldn't resist.

Finally some speaks up! I thought I was alone on that one. Glad to here a professional electrician speak his mind and look to future posts from you Heathen. Welcome to the site.

I've always liked the look of the brush marks in the wood especially on historic or period specific projects. I've even had painters who wanted to spray because of speed but then I had them go back after they sprayed with a clean brush just for the effect. If your after quickest and cheapest go with the spray.

Without knowing the manufacturer of this window, I would say it sounds like the spring loaded balance is not working. You may have to order a new one from the manufacturer. Once you get the part they are easy to replace.

Good Luck. I regestered and voted so I hope that helps. Come back and tell us how it goes. If you get it up and running I'd love an opportunity to come down and check it out.

Welcome Wayne, Hope you find this site as educational and interactive as I have.

Good to know guys...Thanks

Is there any way to add a spell check button on this thing so I can check my spelling before I submit a message. I know my spelling can be awful at times and I don't want to sound dumber than I already am.