Interesting statement. What is the price point where it's considered excessive ? It would seem to be the height of hypocrisy to suggest a qualified, experienced, contractor *not* charge a good wage (if the local market will allow it). I've been in this (home building) business for over 30+ years. I build "high end" custom homes (and charge accordingly). I am not familiar with whatever "pissing contest" is going on between Mike and the 'home inspector' community. All I know is, his show will CLEARLY point out (without destructive teardowns) the sloppy workmanship that shady contractors have done to a home. I have not seen the shows (as claimed here), where drywall has been removed to find a defect. The defect was pretty obvious from the beginning. For example, mold/water marks on the outside of drywall. Mike traced it back to the roof (and showed for the cameras, the sloppy flashings). Then got a moisture meter, THEN told his crew to tear down the drywall. Confirming the rotted framing underneath. Or how about shoddy electrical work that's obvious to any competent sparky. Do you need to do a destructive tear down? I don't think so ! Then the homeowners will describe the crooked business practices that the contractor engaged in. With regard to the "grow house" episode. If you had viewed it, any fool would've been able to tell something illegal was going on (the first clue would've been the holes drilled into the foundation to run a tap off the mains before the electric meter). I take it (from the attitudes displayed here), that no one here would bother informing anyone of this theft-of-service "modification". (ie. see / hear evil, document it, forward it to client, but speak no evil/none-of-my-business). yes ? As an aside, I forwarded this discussion link to some clients and people not-in-the-business. The overwhelming comments i've heard from them are "what is their problem ? jealousy?" (and compared it to the anti-Bill Gates hysteria of people criticizing him - not knowing the Gates Foundation has given away BILLIONS in charity $$$). Mike has done several of the shows, where he's personally donated either funds or materials to help a broke homeowner (who has seen their life savings stolen by corrupt contractors). Mike is a hero to the public, the fact that you guys are on here bad mouthing him as if you're all without sin is amazing. Everyone that personally knows Mike will tell you he's a straight up, honest, down to earth guy. He originally did not want to do the show. The producers persuaded him it would be helpful to the consumer. Given the large number of hacks out there ripping people off. He also participates in programs aimed at educating new students in the building trades, to "do it right" (vs. the 'this-is-the-way-it's always-been-done'). One of the biggest complaints (of the trades) on the show was, the constant stop/work/stop/work that goes on during a project. It's a TV show ! the producers/camera crews/editing people - they need to compress a project down to 1 hour. It's tough on everyone. I've been a lurker on this board for about 2 yrs. It pisses me off to witness (as someone who's grown up around building houses), the crappy, shoddy workmanship that hacks engage in (that i've seen in the pictures you guys post). Keep up the work. Educate the homeowner.
