ericwlewis

And there in lies the problem. You've been underpaid for 17 years. This is gonna be a hard lesson. To remove an existing door, assemble and install a new one that fits, fabricate and install appropriate panning, flashing and trim, case the interior, and clean up the mess takes my guys around 4 hours. The labor rate for that is $700, and thats after I've made a very comfortable margin on the door. BTW, add at least an hour to that if the job has lead paint to deal with. If you can do all that in a couple of hours: First, why would you spend twice as long on an inspection for less? Second, your work isn't worth $250. That's not a dig. Slow down, do a thorough job, and pay yourself accordingly. The quality of your work will improve, and so will the quality of your clientele. remeasure opening after removing interior casing- 10 minutes remove door-15 minutes clean up- 10 minutes remove packaging-5 minutes remove doors from jamb-5 minutes carry frame around to back of house and test fit-5 minutes place manufacturer specified caulking/flashing etc- 10 minutes place frame in opening/plumb/level/shim/tack in place-10 minutes reinstall doors-5 minutes check operation of doors-1 minute adjust if needed and secure-10 minutes reinstall interior casing-3 minutes caulk interior trim and where indicated by manufacturer-10 minutes Looks like I was mistaken if I implied it takes a couple of hours. 99 minutes covers it in my estimation. This is of course if it is a pre-assembled door, delivered by the supplier, on a conventionally framed house, for the same size door. First it seems like "your guys" (#?) take alot of smoke breaks. Second stating my work is not worth $250 IS a dig. PS Tom, you were not one of the fellas I was thanking earlier and what you're smelling isn't a hoax.

NOW THAT'S WHAT I WAS TALKIN' ABOUT! These are some suggestions with reasons I can wrap my head around. I really appreciate the time you all have spent with your replies. I've got LOTS of work to do now. If that patio door took me 4-5hs to put in, I'd shoot myself! And that would cost $250. No really, thanks fellas.

Kind-of what I expected from some of you guys. My middle name really is Watson as is my dads, his dads and his dads first name. 007 was assigned to me, but cool. if some of you had read correctly, I NEVER offer repairs for my inspections. My realtor friend from church asks about twice a year if we (my brother and I have had our remodel/ construction buis for 17 yrs) can make repairs for her clients. I don't offer refunds, I just had some young client and her jackass realtor harass me until I gave in, a refund made them go away. I am positive that 17yrs of solving problems my remodeling customers have had is worth the mention. That experience makes the home inspections much more complete IMO. the goolge add is called outrank and I have gotten 3 inquiries but no inspections When you guys say word of mouth, is that your mouth? is that clients mouths? are you suggesting they refer you if they were happy with you? what? how much is enough? $100 an hour? Each inspection takes about 4-5 hours of my time after you include; travel, inspection, research, report. I can't see anyone with 2 brain cells paying $400-$500 for an inspection. I bought my first two houses before I knew you didn't need a circular saw to cut drywall, and the thought of even getting a home inspection never entered my mind, let alone paying more than $300 when they only see you for a couple hours. not sure what puffery I'm engaged in?? I've donated, sponsored etc.... 2/3rds of the yellow pages calls I get, I get the work! It's the only reason I keep it. I have not TRIED to get realtors to recommend me because it seems unethical and I'm not looking for them to hire me. I work for the buyers only. I've just replaced my 94 classic, not beat up truck with an 07. I'm not trying to sound defensive but, MAN, I ask some questions and a few of you responded like you knew me. If you did know me you wouldn't talk to me that way because I don't treat people I know like that and expect the same in return. There is such a thing as constructive criticism and you don't have to be a jerk to provide it. If my work isn't up to snuff and no one is telling me, it must be because I'm so personable and they like me. does a contractor wear Khakis and a golf shirt, I don't think so.

I found this site a few weeks ago and have found it quite entertaining and helpful. I started my HI buis in Jan 07. I was informed by a realtor friend from church that there was more than enough buis to keep me busy year round. She was sorely mistaken. I have two realtors that "recommend" that what seems like certain clients to me. I have a yellow pages online add that gets me about 3-6 calls a month and have just started a google first page program. I don't have a snazzy website, just a page. I would LOVE to get away from remodeling and construction, 17 years has been long enough! QUESTIONS; 1) What kind of advertising works for you all? 2) Do any of you need to keep your "dayjob" to stay alive? 3) Do any of you make repairs on other HIs reports and if you do, do you advertise that. 4) Does anyone ever get feed back from customers, positive or negative? My inspections are up to snuff and I have only paid out one refund since day one. Suggestions anyone?

LIKE

In Indiana, I always write up ANY exhaust duct in ANY age house, that does not have a dedicated roof jack. With several newer homes using attic air to supply combustion air for gas appliances, it just makes good sense. I don't use code as a reference to my recommendations, I use experience and common sense of what's right. As far as those diagrams with the arrows...... I have found snow and rain water blown IN the ridge and box type vents. Just sayin'.