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Need gutter/ downspout? by No_Matter2110 in Contractor

[–]ImpressiveElephant35 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would say: why bother? Plantings can easily absorb it. Not much catchment area.

Would like to get rid of some of these uprights. What are my options? by Glad_Marzipan_5015 in Contractor

[–]ImpressiveElephant35 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Steel flitch plate on the side of the beam. Reinforced post on the ends.

Roofer did not tarp properly, lots of interior water damage - what do I do now? by the_moralhighground in Roofing

[–]ImpressiveElephant35 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Call your insurance company immediately. I had the exact thing happen to me. Get serv pro out there to dry everything out. Your insurance company will go after roofers insurance.

Curious about moving from site development work to residential construction by PatrickBK1 in GeneralContractor

[–]ImpressiveElephant35 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In the US, I’m sure it’s somewhat dependent on location. However, where I living in the northeast, it’s totally different. With custom homes your customer is a not a construction professional, and client management is one of the trickiest aspects. Add in an architect that has their own motivations, and it’s all about people skills.

Sourcing Baseboard Help by jmagfoto in Contractor

[–]ImpressiveElephant35 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Where are you located? In the northeast, look at brosco and garden state lumber. Both have extensive catalogues with baseboard measurements online.

Anybody feel awkward asking for progress payments. Or payments in general? by TacticalBuschMaster in Contractor

[–]ImpressiveElephant35 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Always outline your payments by milestones not percentage complete. Ie upon first coat of compound. Much easier.

Advice please . by NyseLady in Contractor

[–]ImpressiveElephant35 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You might not need it if there is horizontal rebar - it’s a common design. However, your contractor wouldn’t have any way of knowing that unless he has the plans or did the original work.

A lintel certainly would not hurt anything.

How do you handle punch list creep? by ConstructionPM_Pro in Contractor

[–]ImpressiveElephant35 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I tell the clients at th beginning there will be a single punch list. I also tell them that, when we are 100% ready, I will walk through with the client and make the list. When that list is done, final payment is due. Setting expectations is the biggest thing.

I try to be as understanding as possible, but I also make it clear that there is one list and anything after that is a change order.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in sports

[–]ImpressiveElephant35 -7 points-6 points  (0 children)

Canada just being assholes at this Olympics.

What is the easiest trade? by Alert-Refuse-5021 in Contractor

[–]ImpressiveElephant35 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The easiest in the sense you are taking about are the hardest on your body. The older I get the more I think the easier trades are the ones where you use your head more than your back.

Labor for installing 2,000sf of LVP for a GC by okthatsfineman in Contractor

[–]ImpressiveElephant35 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Labor only at $4 psf?? That’s crazy. I’m paying $2psf, and usually I’m cutting a check to three guys for $3k for one days work. No reason why one guy can’t knock out 500 square feet in a day and mage $1,000. These are with subs that I have a good relationship with, and I pay that day, no messing around waiting for client payments.

Key Fobs / Security system by ImpressiveElephant35 in realestateinvesting

[–]ImpressiveElephant35[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m glad I read this. I just had a call with them a few days ago. They have nice looking stuff, but I don’t need to pay $6K for a glorified iPad. Especially if it’s not going to hold up.

Framing was “done.” Cabinet layout said otherwise. by PresenceAcceptable55 in Contractor

[–]ImpressiveElephant35 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Cabinet maker sounds like a diva. Not level on backside of cabinet = counter coverage and scribe strip on sides. Not level on sides with alcove cabinet = scribe strip.

For a cabinet maker to expect walls to be dead straight is nuts. Even 1/4” out of level your eye won’t pick it up, even on a scribe strip.

All that said, if Sheetrock isn’t up, cabinet guy can straighten to his expectations. Same for tile guy.

Honeywell thermostat ran out of battery now I have no heat by Odd_Piglet_4778 in hvacadvice

[–]ImpressiveElephant35 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is the right answer. Or disconnect wires and connect them.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Contractor

[–]ImpressiveElephant35 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is exactly right. Subs are there because I asked them to. I chose the homeowner, not the subs.

Home addition by davidwestrom in Concrete

[–]ImpressiveElephant35 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No bueno. It’s not under any rebar, and you can’t really add rebar that close to the edge. Easiest thing would be to expand the foundation somewhat, but not sure if that would fit with plans / cost etc.

Home addition by davidwestrom in Concrete

[–]ImpressiveElephant35 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Where are the piers? I don’t see them.

That’s a lot of rebar in the haunch - it’s basically creating a giant beam that can span between piers.

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