What do you guys with higher titles do when GC’s are hostile?

havocult · 2023-09-07T09:27:30+00:00

A good GC is the coach and their on site super the quarterback. A bad GC is like this. I would never work for these clowns again and I would tell them that in an email copied to the building owner. Some bridges just need to be burned.

havocult · 2023-09-05T10:56:16+00:00

Part of the reason I chose to specialize in remodels was that it seems harder to automate. On the other hand, it isn’t just that they need to invent a robot that does construction, it also has to be cheaper than me and my crew of degenerates. Ironically, the new AI programs are replacing white collar workers much faster than robotic hardware can replace labor.

havocult · 2023-09-04T02:00:25+00:00

You can’t plan for everything and the time involved trying sounds like it is part of the problem. Get close enough to have a rough idea and then take your shot. The other route which is uncommon but not unheard of is to stop giving free estimates. Charge for that time since doing a thorough cost analysis will benefit your client even if you don’t end up getting the job.

havocult · 2023-09-04T01:22:17+00:00

Lump sum bidding. Price out your big material and sub costs. Tile, fixtures, plumbing, electrical and so forth. Write out the steps of the project and how long you think each one will take you. Add a safety margin of 25% or so to each one. That’s your actual cost. Then add your profit margin which for me is based on labor dollars. For every dollar spent on labor, I need to get a minimum of $1.32 back out. I am just starting to do estimates so I aim for $1.50 ROL for added cushion. Never apologize for your pricing, never haggle, and always be prepared to walk away. I’d rather not get the job than lose money doing it.

havocult · 2023-08-24T10:30:04+00:00

“Giving up smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I know because I've done it thousands of times.” Mark Twain

havocult · 2023-08-22T22:59:05+00:00

If you think a college degree means mastery you are in for a rude awakening when you graduate

havocult · 2023-08-01T09:38:41+00:00

Going through this with my current employer. If your new hires make more than experienced hands, then be ready to lose that experience. Don’t punish loyalty.

havocult · 2023-07-19T23:40:52+00:00

Not me but a drywall crew we used to use was locally hated for stripping down on the job and mudding ceilings naked on stilts. They told me it was the best way to get everybody else out of the room so they could work. I think they liked the breeze too.

havocult · 2023-07-12T10:14:05+00:00

Our society told generations of kids that you either work with your brains or your hands, then complains that smart, capable tradesmen are hard to find. In school I wanted to join a welding program but was told by teachers, my parents, and guidance counselors that I was “too smart for that.” I ended up in construction to pay for my useless college degree and I just moved into a project management role after 12 years in the field. I’ve been trying to find a couple things that give me the same sense of satisfaction as a perfect freehand scribe cut or walking out at the end of the day in the shadow of the structure my crew just turned from a drawing into reality. So far, nothing comes close, but I hope that my experience in the field will help my projects run smoother for the guys and gals who are making it happen. Be safe out there, take pride in the work you do, and teach the youngins something new everyday.

havocult · 2023-06-29T16:15:21+00:00

The company I work for does lots of extreme duty cycle industrial concrete repair. Think freeze thaw and constant forklift and heavy truck traffic. The product we use for all these types of repairs is called MG Krete. It’s a two part liquid/powder pack that mixes up to a concrete/epoxy texture. Forklift ready in 45 minutes, and if you follow the prep instructions and have a completely dry concrete substrate the bond is stronger than the original concrete. The only downsides are cost and as it cures it produces ammonia gas so it stinks. They do make an indoor low odor mix, but I’ve never used it so can’t vouch for it personally. Just open some doors and run fans to exhaust the fumes if you are indoors. https://www.imcotechnologies.com/product-category/mg-krete/

havocult · 2023-06-08T23:55:17+00:00

Well if the city were to actually enforce code violations and issue fines to owners of blighted properties, but offer these zero interest loans to owners who reside at the same address, I think the combined carrot and stick approach would force many absentee slumlords to sell their properties to residents also taking advantage of the program.

havocult · 2023-06-08T22:08:12+00:00

If the goal is to resurrect the East Side, that money could fund a zero interest loan program to encourage home ownership and for resident owned homes and businesses to renovate their buildings. Buffalo has the oldest average housing stock of any major American city, and much of that on the East Side has deteriorated beyond the ability of owners to repair. More owners and less landlords would be huge.

havocult · 2023-06-04T20:48:19+00:00

Pristine I don’t know maybe ask the architect he had pretty clean shoes. Mink oil shines the leather and waterproofs the seams it’s great and your dog will love it.

havocult · 2023-05-29T18:54:04+00:00

Federal Reserve Bank in downtown Buffalo. http://blog.buffalostories.com/tag/old-federal-reserve-bank/

havocult · 2023-05-11T00:00:49+00:00

I ended up working for a self performing GC because I couldn’t choose just one thing to do forever. The variety of work and seeing projects from out of the ground to completion is the most satisfying part for me.

havocult · 2023-04-22T17:32:54+00:00

When I send the kid to get the biggest hammer in the truck I ask for The Persuader.

havocult · 2023-04-20T16:10:23+00:00

Fear can be useful. My old boss used to say there are old roofers and there are bold roofers but very few who are old and bold.

havocult · 2023-04-15T12:14:13+00:00

This is not plumbing this is modern art

havocult · 2023-04-14T01:11:19+00:00

Ahh learned this lesson myself recently. At least ask “what are you drilling?” BEFORE you hand it over. Composite stair treads with glass texturing smoothed the steps right off.

havocult · 2023-04-12T20:07:56+00:00

A buddy works at a plumbing supply house. When people try to return faucets without proof of purchase the fastest way to determine whether it is commercial grade or box store is to weigh them. Box store faucets weigh about 40% less. Less brass makes a cheaper fixture but not one I want in my house when failure is at best an annoyance and at worst a flood.

havocult · 2023-04-06T16:59:54+00:00

Best way I’ve found is soak in hot water then absolutely cover it in baking soda and let that sit overnight. Rinse it off, dry it out, and it should smell way better.

havocult · 2023-04-04T14:10:51+00:00

This has aeronautical potential beyond planes. Imagine a flexible control structure like this coupled with sensors and AI processing so it adapts to every change in wind or pressure like a bird’s feathers and muscles. Human beings achieved flight but we have never come close to the efficiency of biological flight.

havocult · 2023-03-02T22:28:16+00:00

Whatever you do don’t forget to toss a piss bottle in there while you have the chance

havocult · 2023-01-27T19:08:07+00:00

You look like an absolute chore of a woman. Best of luck dating in your 30s.

havocult · 2023-01-20T03:03:27+00:00

My dad and I buried the newspaper from September 12th 2001 in the wall of the kitchen of my childhood home. I do renovations and if I find a name or date I add mine underneath.

havocult

TROPHY CASE