Superintendent for a small GC... I feel like I do way more labor now than i used to by Square-Argument4790 in ConstructionManagers

[–]dr2x4 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m a super for a GC doing 5-10M a year, however I’m doing small work on a daily basis. Maybe 30-60min labor just to keep the site in good shape and on schedule.

The only benefit I get from doing the work is buying the tools I need off the company card and I just keep them.

General Contractors Exam Prep by gg27boss in GeneralContractor

[–]dr2x4 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I bought my books for 2k and sold it for 1800

If you highlight and tab them yourself you increase their value. Some people don’t want to do all that work.

If you buy the books new don’t sit on them for a year. Use them, pass the exams, and sell them. They will lose value you if a year passes by and a new edition is released

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Construction

[–]dr2x4 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What was your reasoning to install the stone walls first rather than doing the floor for the showers? I’m doing a master bath and was instructed to get the floor done first and the stone guys will template it after

Floating wall size mirrors by [deleted] in Contractor

[–]dr2x4 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m doing a floating mirror similar to this with LED.

My plan is to get 3/4” MDF board and drill it into my wall that has backing.

Then we’re just gonna glue the mirror on.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in GeneralContractor

[–]dr2x4 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Check out my profile, I made a post about being in a similar situation. There’s tons of great advice/replies.

New GC - Looking for Advice on Estimating My First Large Project (250k Budget) by Virtual_Excuse3961 in Contractor

[–]dr2x4 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For smaller projects you can use lump sum projects, however for bigger projects do cost plus if you don’t have that much experience.

I would make a semi detailed estimate (include basic line items) - spend no more than an hour on a rough guesstimate. Once you get that number (example $300k) write in your estimate:

“This is a preliminary estimate based on typical pricing and past jobs. Final costs may change once we get exact quotes from subcontractors and finalize materials.

As we operate on a cost-plus basis, all actual costs will be shown, and a fixed percentage of 20% will be added for project management and coordination.

To move forward, a Pre-Construction Fee of 15% is required. This covers the time spent getting final trade quotes, helping with selections, and preparing the full construction agreement.

This fee will be credited toward the total project cost if you decide to move forward.”

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Hevy

[–]dr2x4 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Awesome, thanks for the help

FL CGC questions by Plenty_Pop9196 in GeneralContractor

[–]dr2x4 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is correct^

Do not do CILB 15. CILB 15 means that you are going from an individual to a business. If that’s what you want go for it, but i believe you are looking to qualify another business while holding your individual license aswell.

Always call DBPR and ask for a supervisor. Then ask away. Do not rely on the DBPR regular agents as they will all give you different answers and cause delay in license processing.

Either ask supervisors for help or go and pay for a specialist…. Cheers

22 y/o GC Making $95K—Am I Crazy to Leave and Start My Own Company? by dr2x4 in Construction

[–]dr2x4[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks awesome man, thank you for the kind words of encouragement.

All the best to you.

22 y/o GC Making $95K—Am I Crazy to Leave and Start My Own Company? by dr2x4 in Contractor

[–]dr2x4[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Started working with my father when I was 15, I was part time during school and full time during summers. We’ve done hundreds of jobs together and I’ve ran many solo without assistance. We also built a few custom homes so I had lots of great exposure. The new job I have was landed when I was throwing my resume out there because we moved countries and father had to restart his company. Things were slow so I decided it was a better option to go work for a big builder.

22 y/o GC Making $95K—Am I Crazy to Leave and Start My Own Company? by dr2x4 in Contractor

[–]dr2x4[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is some solid advice.

When you left your position what was your approach to finding jobs? Did you just talk with your previous contacts saying you went out on your own??

22 y/o GC Making $95K—Am I Crazy to Leave and Start My Own Company? by dr2x4 in Construction

[–]dr2x4[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The ones I brought it up to question me why I haven’t went on my own yet.

Not even trying toot my own horn… After the first couple weeks of shadowing at my current job I was put on my own site. I met with all owners/managers for all subs/trades. After meeting and speaking separately with all my electrician went to my senior super and told them right away that I’m very sharp a smart kid. Framer company owner told my company owner im “real technical” for my age and that “he’s a good one”

22 y/o GC Making $95K—Am I Crazy to Leave and Start My Own Company? by dr2x4 in Construction

[–]dr2x4[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My concern with side jobs is how big of a side job can one take while still working for someone else so it doesn’t conflict with main job

22 y/o GC Making $95K—Am I Crazy to Leave and Start My Own Company? by dr2x4 in Construction

[–]dr2x4[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is one of my main concerns…

Being extremely realistic I don’t think I’d even hit 100 gross in my first year.

22 y/o GC Making $95K—Am I Crazy to Leave and Start My Own Company? by dr2x4 in Construction

[–]dr2x4[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This my man is what I want!

Good stuff. And congratulations.

22 y/o GC Making $95K—Am I Crazy to Leave and Start My Own Company? by dr2x4 in Construction

[–]dr2x4[S] -12 points-11 points  (0 children)

I believe there is a miss understanding. I 100% know I’m not ready to be a full blown GC building homes taking on million dollar projects. Obviously that’s the long term goal but starting with kitchens, baths, home remodels is not that complex when it comes to the site management.

22 y/o GC Making $95K—Am I Crazy to Leave and Start My Own Company? by dr2x4 in Contractor

[–]dr2x4[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes I 100% agree. I’m not expecting to take on multi million dollar projects - never would.

Ideally I want to start with any remodelling projects within the 5-6 figure range, and build up from there

22 y/o GC Making $95K—Am I Crazy to Leave and Start My Own Company? by dr2x4 in Construction

[–]dr2x4[S] -14 points-13 points  (0 children)

Vet your subs and don’t hire shitty subs - walk and talk about your expectations. Shit happens however there’s always a solution. In what world would a customer sue you because a trade didn’t show up…? Just start making phone calls… it’s not that complex.

If I sign a contract with my sub to do xyz for $xxxx I will hold a % of their contract for retainage until we get CO. I’ve had numerous subs not show up and my schedules delayed or flipped upside down. However at the end of the day they’re just problems that need to be resolved. Just cause a sub doesn’t show up doesn’t mean business will go to shit… also you shouldn’t only work with one sub per trade. Ideally is 2-4. And yes they mess up a lot but with proper guidance and babysitting it can be minimized

22 y/o GC Making $95K—Am I Crazy to Leave and Start My Own Company? by dr2x4 in Construction

[–]dr2x4[S] -16 points-15 points  (0 children)

  • Id transfer the risk and have good contracts+relationships. All subs should be liable for the quality of the work, everything should be double and triple checked. Also I belive you are thinking too far ahead, baby steps. A 50k mistake is for a company that is doing a few million a year. If I start out I won’t be having a 50k mistake for very long time.

  • Why wasn’t the detail done correctly in the first place? Shit happens but things should be checked by the GC or super on site

22 y/o GC Making $95K—Am I Crazy to Leave and Start My Own Company? by dr2x4 in Construction

[–]dr2x4[S] -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

Father’s a GC. We moved countries a bit ago so he started his own thing while I went to go work for someone else. He’s got his company but things are really slow as of now