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| Name: |
lucky67
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| Subject: |
electrician
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Date:
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10/16/2010 7:04:52 PM
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i want to install accent lights on my driveway; need reliable ,REASONABLE, electrician; any recommendations ?
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I have a guy working for me that is in school for HVAC/ Electrical work. I'm sure he could handle what you describe. He's reasonable and he works hard. Send me an email if you want me to hook you up.
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| Name: |
lakeplumber
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| Subject: |
electrician
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Date:
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10/16/2010 10:32:36 PM
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Depends on what you mean "REASONABLE", Good electricians ain't cheap and cheap electricians ain't good.
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| Name: |
Pontoonfisher
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| Subject: |
electrician
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Date:
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10/18/2010 7:28:47 AM
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You lost me when you wrote "reasonable." That word and contractors do not go together.
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| Name: |
roswellric
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| Subject: |
Here's an exception
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Date:
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10/19/2010 9:20:59 PM
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Kevin Arthur
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I know of several exceptions for good professionals. Cheap isn't the proper term, but reasonable is. There are a lot of good guys out there that need work and they are willing to work hard for a reasonable rate. Expensive doesn't mean good. That being said, don't expect a good job without paying $15-$20 an hour for somebody that knows their stuff....and be sure to include the time they spend planning the job and collecting materials.
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| Name: |
lakeplumber
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| Subject: |
Might find someone....
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Date:
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10/19/2010 10:01:54 PM
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... that low but more reakistically $30.00 + an hour (for work done outside of a company). If a licensed contractor does work at LM, they will bill you enough to make a boat payment.
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| Name: |
Ulysses E. McGill
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| Subject: |
Might find someone....
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Date:
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10/19/2010 10:36:01 PM
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in this economy, there are a lot of very qualified guys that are far more worried about feeding their family than keeping a boat. I have no problem with a guy getting 30+ if he can find work, but there are plenty of folks willing to drive for 1-2 hours to the lake area, work hard, and earn 15-20 if you offer them a full days work for any period of time . There are also many "close by" guys in the same situation. I have reliable and qualified guys showing up every day and they are happy to be here; I did let 1 guy go last week when he developed a poor work ethic after a few weeks, but it took me less than 4 hours to replace him.....Just put an add on Craigs List and watch the resume's pour in.
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| Name: |
lakeplumber
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| Subject: |
Might find someone....
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Date:
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10/19/2010 10:55:21 PM
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We call the "craig's list" handy hacks. Usually not qualified to do skilled labor (although I do realize that many qualified persons have been laid off of their jobs). That is a sad state of our economy. I would hope that a person of great character would pay the man what he is worth, and not approach the worker with the mindset of thinking that he has him over a financial barrel. THat is the other sad side of the situation; thinknig that you can make the man accept less than his craft is worth simply because he "needs" to feed his kids.
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| Name: |
Ulysses E. McGill
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| Subject: |
Might find someone....
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Date:
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10/19/2010 11:32:48 PM
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The economy is a fact of life and I am holding no one over a barrel. As I said, the guys I have doing work are happy to have it. I'm as aware as anyone when it comes to cutbacks . A few years ago the company I work for declared bankruptcy and in the reorganization I lost over half of my total compensation package. Was I happy? no. Was I forced to accept reality? Yes. I continue life with what I have, I do my job well, and I hope things will improve....for me and for everyone else.
An advertisement on Craigs List will get some hacks along with some very qualified folks; call it what you want. That's where the interview process comes in and I'm willing to spend the time sorting it through. In addition, I get flyers and cards in my mail box every week from folks that need work. I don't see anything wrong with providing work for guys (at a fair and agreed upon wage) when we are both happy at the end of the day.
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| Name: |
roswellric
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| Subject: |
Here's another exception
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Date:
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10/20/2010 9:37:30 PM
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I don't think you can find anyone that is highly skilled for $15-20/hr. I used to own a mid-sized landscape company and 15 years ago we couldn't crank up a truck for less than $27/man hour.
I have found its a matter of efficiency. The $20/hr folks take twice a long as say a $30/hr person that knows what they are doing. The problem I have had is finding someone skilled. There are lot of "handymen" here posing as skilled or "master" technicians.
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| Name: |
lakeplumber
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| Subject: |
Well said...
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Date:
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10/20/2010 10:54:28 PM
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... and spoken like a true businessman. When you figure in overhead, trucks, insurance, payroll taxes, Soc. Sec., you cannot crank your truck for <$27.00-$30.00/hr. Believe me, I have worked behind many handy-hacks who called themselves plumbers and it looks like something a helper would do. I could not believe some of the things I saw (plumbing) up at "the Ridge". Some of the HO there have had some significant problems by hacks.
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| Name: |
Ulysses E. McGill
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| Subject: |
Here's another exception
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Date:
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10/20/2010 10:56:55 PM
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I agree there are many factors that must be considered. A business owner with employees, overhead, trucks, etc. has to cover their cost or go out of business....a lot of them have gone out of business and that has resulted in a glut of good guys needing good work. No one should expect someone skilled to show up, work a few hours, and get paid 15-20 an hour for the time he/she spent at your house....I never said anything to the contrary. One must consider planning time, time to gather materials, and travel for small jobs. (I think I basically said that earlier). If one considers all of that, there are many guys that are skilled, willing, and happy to work for that kind of a paycheck and that is reasonable for all parties. What I don't like is someone that comes to a lake home and automatically inflates a bid...I've seen it happen many times.
In my case, I'm well versed in planning and contracting and I have all major tools. When I do major projects I supply and purchase all materials. When the guys I hire show up, I tell them what needs to done. All I need is a guy who is skilled at getting my instructions completed correctly in a timely fashion , and someone who is reliable with a good work ethic. In turn, I pay them on time and for every hour worked (with consistent 8 hour days). When you had your business, I would assume you did the same with your employees and much of that $27/hour didn't go directly to them. Most people do not have the time or will do things this way, but it's not rocket science. It can also save many thousands of dollars and result in a superior product on large projects if one is willing to put in the time and do their homework.
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You make a good point using The Ridge as an example and it goes along with my statement that expensive doesn't mean good. There are only 1 or 2 contractors (that have built there) that I would trust to build me a home, yet all would be considered expensive by most. My parents live there and have seen considerable problems with many of their neighbors homes. My dad has spent the last 15 years in a second career as a contractor/developer and did his own home much to the initial reluctance of Russell. I'd put the quality of his home up against anything there, and the key was finding the right guys (not necessarily the most expensive guys or the "standard" local guys).
I live in another Russell "hood", and have seen the same....unfortunately first hand. My current project is to correct many problems that have resulted from poor workmanship from a major (and expensive) builder in Russell neighborhoods.....yeah, I know....just because a builder is expensive doesn't mean he hires good subs. BTW, none of my comments in this string were ment to knock you personally, but they are valid. Like I said, I have no problem with a guy making as much as he can, but I am going to get the best value for myself...I am in fact a capitalist. Just sayin'.
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