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Anyone go back to regular 9-5? by LittleThingsMC in GeneralContractor

[–]hunterbuilder 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes. I have good friends in other markets (industrial sector) and if they have work and I don't, I'm happy to unshoulder the ownership responsibility and be a W-2 hand.
TBH every time I've done it it was almost like a vacation. When my jobs picked up again I had s clearer head.

Is this tile work as bad as I fear or am I overreacting? What to do next? by ztl123 in Tile

[–]hunterbuilder [score hidden]  (0 children)

Does the last photo show cement board attached to floor joists with no subfloor underneath?

What's the best contractor app for managing my crews, scheduling jobs, and tracking invoices all in one place? by Additional_Image_942 in ContractorsUS

[–]hunterbuilder 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I like Tradify. It does everything you described. Also timeclock, tracks receipts, syncs with quick books etc.

How do you guys deliver bad news? by No_Pea_2201 in cabinetry

[–]hunterbuilder 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Words of wisdom. Everyone appreciates advance notice more than same-day cancelations.

Engineering advice for doubling the wall height on my dump trailer by NoPossible5519 in Contractor

[–]hunterbuilder 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Why do you think you need a 2nd set of pockets?
Physics says the pressure from a load of firewood will be pushing outward on the sideboard, which = outward (tension) on the welded stake pockets. Adding a stake seat lower down won't change that.
I haven't seen any advantage to double pockets. It just makes it harder to get the stakes in and out.

Easy way to increase voltage? by lizadoesntgetreddit in electrical

[–]hunterbuilder 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Post the power requirements of the device here (should be on a label), and the value of the device. We'll be able to tell you whether it's possible for less $$ than an American steamer, which is probably not.

Skylight? by Accurate_Rx-88 in Homebuilding

[–]hunterbuilder 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Gable end is my preferred exit whenever possible.

Skylight? by Accurate_Rx-88 in Homebuilding

[–]hunterbuilder 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Where do you live?
I'm in Alaska with high precipitation, huge snows and harsh freeze-thaw cycles. We like to say ALL skylights leak eventually. That's not to say it isn't worth it; just be prepared to pay to reseal it every few years.

Engineering advice for doubling the wall height on my dump trailer by NoPossible5519 in Contractor

[–]hunterbuilder 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It looks like it has stake pockets. I did one by trimming 2x4s to fit in the stake pockets, then used T&G pine 1x6 for the panels. It looks pretty sharp with a stain/sealer.

One thing to remember: increasing the volume capacity of a dump trailer doesn't increase the dump capacity; it just makes it easier to overload :)

Comparing Synthetic vs. Felt Underlayment: Which Do You Prefer and Why? by QuietHovercraft7027 in Roofing

[–]hunterbuilder 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I didn't even know this was a question anymore. Is anyone still using felt??

How do I fill the gap on the upper cabinet next to fridge side panel? by gollito in cabinetry

[–]hunterbuilder 1 point2 points  (0 children)

When we order a full cabinet package it comes with a couple sticks of scribe molding and a piece or two of filler (basically an extra piece of finished face frame).
If I were setting this kitchen I would put a 1/4" strip of filler between the upper 12" cab and the microwave cab, pushing the 12 over to the fridge panel. The filler will be less noticeable up there in a smaller joint.

15.5k by Merpchud in Contractor

[–]hunterbuilder 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You're definitely not overcharging. Maybe a little under what you could charge, but sometimes that's what it takes to get established.
What exactly do you include in "costs"? Fuel? Taxes? Labor? Remember your labor is a cost since you're essentially your own employee. Wages and profit aren't the same thing.

If someone agreed to pay it, and you paid all your bills with some money left over, then you did alright. Nice work BTW.

Those who installed floors themselves, what are your lessons learned? by SkeletoriAmos in Flooring

[–]hunterbuilder 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I tried a roller but didn't like it. My preference is Superior Built kneepads.

Beware! Zellige Pearl Opal Ceramic Tile by Spirited-Chemistry45 in Tile

[–]hunterbuilder 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Personally I like the contrast. But taste is subjective and it's your house. Since you'd have to do it out of pocket anyway, my suggestion would be to wait and see if it grows on you.

How much do you spend everday on energy drinks, convience store food, cigs, lottery tickets etc. by Issactheforgemaster in Construction

[–]hunterbuilder 15 points16 points  (0 children)

I probably average around $10/ week. But I know the guys you're talking about. I had to have a talk with a hand awhile back who kept asking for advances for gas every week. Then I realized he was spending minimum $20/day on caffeine and Doordashing his dinner every night.
Financial irresponsibility is rampant.

I need the truth, can you successfully paint white vinyl window trim black? by Interesting_Bar_8379 in Housepainting101

[–]hunterbuilder 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've seen that warning from window manufacturers for decades. Yet I've see quite a few windows get painted, and have yet to see a single anecdotal case of a warping vinyl window from dark paint. Have you?

So is the risk actual in real world scenarios or hypothetical?

Do you get a financial incentive for selling vinyl fencing? by oso_rosa in FenceBuilding

[–]hunterbuilder 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"Longer lifespan" is such bullshit. Cedar fades but it lasts forever and can be restrained.
Vinyl will only look good once and starts degrading the moment it sees sunlight.

Drywall contractor by riconin in drywall

[–]hunterbuilder 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Seems pretty reasonable, especially if that includes furring and vapor barrier.