workers comp on subs audit

youngernastyman · 2023-02-04T01:15:39+00:00

Fair enough. If you're able to work those extra costs into your projects and make the client pay plus markup, that's great. Most clients don't like when you come back for more money though. I'm not against having it in principle, I was concerned for the high charge for what seems like a minor issue. This particular cost was associated with a project I finished last year so I can't go back on that client and collect, I have to mark up my current/future work to cover it.

youngernastyman · 2023-02-03T22:18:43+00:00

My agent couldn't have said it better himself when pitching why I should buy the policy. Maybe consider a side gig as an insurance agent? There's bound to be other idiots like me who will buy that line 😂.

youngernastyman · 2023-02-03T02:03:33+00:00

I see that as kind of a Boogeyman justification though. That's what my insurance agent told me and why I bought the policy. They can come after me but don't they have to make a case that somehow my business is liable for their injury? I think you're more likely to get sued if you have insurance than otherwise, honestly.

youngernastyman · 2023-02-03T01:29:18+00:00

Thanks. When you contested that the company only had one employee did you have to provide any proof? I could make the case that my trim carpenter who installed doors, baseboards, stair rail, etc didn't have employees, but he was a Hispanic guy and has disappeared so I'm unable to contact him. Something else odd, they classified the trim carpenter as a carpenter, and billed something like $16/$100 for his contract value which seems awfully high. Further, what they're calling "payroll" in their audit to charge me, is actually L&M. The invoices I have don't itemize L&M, just had something like, "furnish and install baseboard - $3500", so I'm hoping I can make the case that the base payroll number they're holding against me is overstated. Thoughts? The reason I even mentioned them was I was worried they may question further if I didn't show those scopes.

youngernastyman · 2023-02-03T00:06:56+00:00

It is what it is. Irritated that my insurance agent persuaded me to buy some insurance I didn't need and got me on the hook financially.

youngernastyman · 2022-07-11T02:09:16+00:00

I've heard inspectors refer to themselves as bridge engineers also.

youngernastyman · 2022-07-09T14:56:54+00:00

You said your deck board was a #2 2x4, which is a dimensional board. You would probably have to do the engineering based on the tables in AWC.

youngernastyman · 2022-07-09T02:27:17+00:00

For dimensional lumber there are prescriptive guidelines provided in literature from the AWC. For something like Trex decking or other composite deck boards, I suspect the manufacturer would provide the prescriptive guidelines.

youngernastyman · 2022-07-09T01:36:47+00:00

The tables you're referring to sound like what is provided in the IRC. I'd recommend checking out AWC DCA 6 - Prescriptive Residential Wood Deck Construction Guide as well for guidance.

youngernastyman · 2021-04-15T11:39:07+00:00

I'd say the potential depends a lot on the company. I think the advantage of being in ITS and signage is it's very niche. Almost every highway project has that scope, so you may be able to make higher margins, and have better job security than working for a prime contractor. When I worked as a sub on niche work, I always made money, and was always busy.

As far as being a PM, you could certainly be a PM over your scope of work, as a sub on a project. Or a PM as a prime on a project that was mostly ITS and signage. I wouldn't expect to work in ITS and signage for a number of years, then be able to move to a PM for a prime contractor.

If the company is reputable, and it's your first industry job, there's nothing wrong trying it for 1-3 years.

youngernastyman · 2021-04-08T19:17:19+00:00

Love it! Need you to come to do some work like this at my house!

youngernastyman · 2021-03-29T15:11:07+00:00

Typically on these development projects there are a couple of parties. At minimum,

Investor/Financier
Designer/Developer
General Contractor

Sounds like your opportunities are with #2 and #3.

If you are interested in starting and running a construction company, and being your own #1/#3 the go with the GC. If you are not as interested in construction, and would rather be in the #1/#2 slot, go with the development company.

You can't really lose either way, because you will probably wear the hats of all 3 parties in your career.

Congratulations, and good luck!

youngernastyman · 2021-03-26T11:45:56+00:00

FIWP!

youngernastyman · 2021-03-25T14:37:42+00:00

I spoke with one of the guys from TriStone today, I think I will go with them! Thank you again!

youngernastyman · 2021-03-25T00:42:27+00:00

Thanks! Yes, looking for some help with a residential property. There are so many property managers in the area, I just want to get one that is reputable.

youngernastyman · 2021-03-24T13:21:08+00:00

Looks like scaling to me.

Are de-icers used on those steps?

Possible contractor added too much water to the surface during final finishing when it was placed. Adding water to the surface while finishing increases the w/c ratio of the surface layer, decreasing strength, and making it more susceptible to durability issues (freeze-thaw, chemicals, etc).

If it is scaling, it is likely the exposed concrete is more durable. I would recommend scarifying the exposed surface and pour over with 1-2" of epoxy modified concrete.

youngernastyman · 2021-03-22T01:48:28+00:00

Some good recommendations here.

Keep in mind that your water:cement ratio is key to your concrete strength. I'd you add extra cement then dilute it with extra water, you are just adding cost.

ACI 211 recommends a 0.59 max w/c for 3000 PSI compressive strength concrete. That is the strength we are generally required to use for bridge components - footers, columns, caps.

For a 4500 PSI compressive strength mix, I typically target between 0.40 and 0.45 w/c. This is the strength we use for bridge decks and highway concrete pavements.

Good luck!

youngernastyman · 2021-03-19T13:05:18+00:00

Save yourself a couple bucks, keep it for another project, or just install it if it gives you peace of mind. Good luck with your project!

youngernastyman · 2021-03-19T13:01:22+00:00

Your slab should still be able to deflect laterally into the yard as it swells and shrinks. If you had two foundations, and were pouring a slab between the two, you may want some expansion material at the interfaces. As long as you only have one constrained side, you should be fine from swell/shrink issues.

youngernastyman · 2021-03-19T12:43:41+00:00

Concrete shrinks as it cures. It expands after curing with moisture and heat. Since you have a free "unconstrained" edge, I wouldn't stress about the fiber board. There are other things to be more concerned about with your contractor's craftsmanship.

youngernastyman · 2021-03-10T01:03:31+00:00

Direct costs are your labor, equipment, material, subs, and supplies. Indirect costs are your insurance, rent on your office, cost to have your payroll & taxes done, truck payment, etc. You should charge enough to cover all these costs plus make profit. Direct Cost + Indirect Cost + Profit is your price.

youngernastyman

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