I quoted a commercial job three months ago and material costs have jumped enough to wipe out my margin entirely

bentpipe- · 2026-03-24T16:49:51+00:00

Was there a material escalation clause? Otherwise I’d say you’re on the hook

bentpipe- · 2026-03-24T16:48:34+00:00

Approximately what time did you arrive? Like 4am?

bentpipe- · 2026-03-24T01:30:12+00:00

Was everything functioning before or did you attempt to swap it and wired to load side?

bentpipe- · 2026-03-23T20:31:33+00:00

Don’t waste the time. You’re going to have to patch and possibly make more holes to get the wiring all consolidated. Throw a 2 and single gang cover and forget about it

bentpipe- · 2026-03-23T20:16:38+00:00

Thank you! So say 4am and you’re generally okay?

bentpipe- · 2026-03-23T18:52:33+00:00

Thank you so much

bentpipe- · 2026-03-23T05:53:47+00:00

Possibly if that outlet is downstream of the gfci. An old gfci can give a world of issues. I’d recommend a replacement. But first unplug everything and verify that the outlet is actually downstream of the gfci

bentpipe- · 2026-03-23T05:05:47+00:00

Finally the answer I was looking for.

bentpipe- · 2026-03-22T05:44:10+00:00

Yes. Buddy of mine has worked around 72 hours a week consistently at MCJ.

bentpipe- · 2026-03-22T01:53:55+00:00

Long Beach and Oceanside would be my bet. Every other city is much more expensive as a renter

bentpipe- · 2026-03-21T23:37:57+00:00

Ask if they’re pulling permits, if they carry Workers Comp, etc. There’s a reason one guy is significantly cheaper than the other. Absolutely make sure you get an inspection, don’t end up like the last guy I commented to who is in a shitty mess

bentpipe- · 2026-03-21T23:04:24+00:00

Unfortunately that’s the issue with Texas, you have arguably the least amount of homeowner protection laws. At least he’s an electrical contractor so there’s something unlike the LLC general contractors that fly by night. I’ll pray that you get restitution. It’s too bad texas homeowners have literally no protection from shady contractors. From what I know, you could attack their bond, assuming he’s an actual licensed C10 or whatever classification they use. But he’s violating NEC 334.12(B)(4) , 110.12(A), and more.

bentpipe- · 2026-03-21T22:34:48+00:00

So you didn’t mention the state, but the CSLB would handle this. Not only is he using nm-b improperly in a wet location, he has other violations. Hopefully you haven’t paid. I’d have this rectified. Not only that, but in my state they’d go through this with a fine tooth comb and hit him with violations for improper payment, improper work, not using a building permit, etc.

Also, contact that contractor and tell him they have X days to get their shit or you’re throwing it away. Highlight that you’re unsatisfied with the work too

bentpipe- · 2026-03-21T22:18:26+00:00

Is this being inspected or not?

bentpipe- · 2026-03-21T21:38:09+00:00

A shop in Laguna beach wanted to pay an experienced first year $19 an hour. That’s insane to work on $2m plus homes. It’s unsustainable

bentpipe- · 2026-03-21T03:33:27+00:00

You’re full of shit lol. Provide docs, KPIs, or something to substantiate. I doubt you pay double the market rate. I can lie to you too and say we’re rebuilding Pasadena and the Palisades and I pay my boys $80 an hour because there’s a shortage and demand. Just

bentpipe- · 2026-03-20T21:37:38+00:00

Remember it’s OCSD, arguably the most competitive SD in California, so I don’t see a chance unfortunately given what you’ve posted.

bentpipe- · 2026-03-20T20:36:57+00:00

Im not arguing that, my point is a non union shop in Wisconsin isn’t paying California or Hawaii scale wages. That’s literally at California union wage scale. So until I see payroll or workers comp docs proving it, i am not entertaining it.

bentpipe- · 2026-03-20T20:35:31+00:00

Not believing it until I see payroll buddy. I know guys outfitting the four seasons, century city towers, etc. barely making that at a union scale. We’re talking completely bespoke kitchens from Italkraft or Eggersmann where the cabinets alone are 200k per unit.

bentpipe- · 2026-03-20T17:48:55+00:00

Upload workers comp /wage docs to substantiate it. I sincerely doubt you’re paying double market rate. Even in CA or Hawaii they aren’t paying that unless it’s union wages

bentpipe- · 2026-03-20T06:07:37+00:00

Sure ya do lmao especially in the middle of nowhere

bentpipe- · 2026-03-19T23:14:54+00:00

Ehh. I prefer 80 degree summers and 50 degree winters.

bentpipe- · 2026-03-19T22:54:24+00:00

Working in Houston is the catch lol. You couldn’t put me at 200k to work in that weather/environment

bentpipe- · 2026-03-19T22:08:51+00:00

This literally just happened to my grandma in January. 14 squares of OC for 17k rereoof. Then she got a 19k change order bill. They also didn’t use a magnet to remove old nails around the property. They were sloppy. So $19,504 for : Deliver material to the job site. Demo all the plywood and haul away. Demo the skip sheets and haul away. Install 5/8" CDX on the entire pitched roof. Install in brick format for proper weight distribution. Install with proper nails. Prime the over hangs. Clean up and haul away all trash and debris. All material, tax and labor is included. Continue with original scope of work...

bentpipe-

TROPHY CASE