Ever wondered how to avoid the common pitfalls of homebuilding and remodeling? I'm Chris Kirby, the owner of three construction companies, and I'm here to share my expert insights on how to navigate these complex processes. From the importance of detailed written estimates and setting up effective payment schedules to obtaining necessary permits, I'll guide you through the essential steps for a successful project. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast, homeowner, or contractor, we'll explore the significance of clear communication and the role of trust in building a successful partnership with your contractor.
Mulling over a kitchen remodel? Brace yourself, as we unravel the often overlooked aspects of preparation, such as electrical work and interior design. We'll explore common misconceptions about timelines and the art of planning for the arrival of materials, especially custom cabinetry. We'll also shed light on why inspecting materials on delivery could save you from delays and disappointment. Furthermore, we'll delve into problem-solving in home building, as I reveal how even small issues can escalate, causing frustrations for both builders and clients. So, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on social media to stay updated with more homebuilding and remodeling advice.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
The Homebuilding and Remodeling Show.
Let's go.
Welcome everybody to theHomebuilding and Remodeling Show
.
My name is Chris Kirby and I'llbe your host.
(00:21):
I am the owner of threeconstruction companies on the
Alabama Gulf Coast.
The show is about residentialconstruction.
We're going to cover topics ofhomebuilding and remodeling.
Are you thinking of doing aremodel or building a home?
Are you a contractor looking toimprove your knowledge base or
grow your business?
Have you ever done a remodelproject or built a home?
(00:42):
There were so many things youwish you knew or that you could
have done differently during theprocess.
Then this show is for you.
We break down the process ofbuilding and remodeling and how
to have the best results duringyour project.
Whether you are a DIYer lookingfor tips, someone looking to
hire a contractor to do aproject, or a contractor looking
(01:04):
to expand your knowledge baseor your business, welcome aboard
.
Glad to have you.
Stay tuned.
We kick off the show with mythoughts on homebuilding and
remodeling.
I'll share best practices andtalk about some of our
experiences in business and outin the field.
These shared thoughts andlessons learned are meant to
help you on your very ownjourney.
(01:25):
Let's go.
Number five can you provide adetailed written estimate.
On some of the boards and stuffonline, we've been kind of
kicking this one around as faras how to not only write the
estimates, but how detailed dothe estimate act?
Does the estimate actually needto be, and do you do a bulk
(01:49):
estimate?
Do you do an online item?
So those I know what we do as acompany and I know what results
it gives us, so I can't saywhich way, one or the other.
But as far as the detail of theestimate, let me get back to
(02:10):
that.
As far as the detail of theestimate, that should be there,
no matter what.
How they do their pricing onthe details is where what I'm
saying.
Some contractors are going toget a $25,000 here's a list of
everything being done with abottom line price.
Or you're going to getcontractors that give you half
(02:33):
the details you need for $25,000, but they may give you a line
item breakdown of here's whatthe $25,000 consists of replace
this, replace that, install this, remove that with make or break
(02:53):
the actual outcome.
The end result is bathroomremodel, but are you paying for
allowances or they paying forstuff?
What kind of a material arethey using?
Where they get the materialfrom?
Are you buying the material?
Is their stuff going to bemissed?
That you're expecting to be ina bathroom remodel?
(03:13):
Question five the detailedestimate matters and that's that
.
Question number six is projecttimeline.
A part of that estimate andconversation moving forward
should be how long is theproject going to take?
And goes back to questionsthree and four, which is how
long have you been in businessand have you done similar
(03:34):
projects?
If you're dealing with a newercontractor, they may not.
They may give that.
They should give you an answer.
It may understand this is theirfirst time doing a project.
They may have some kinks anddetails to work out.
May, again, they can get to thequality outcome.
(03:58):
It may take them longer to getthere.
Their timing may be off,whereas you get a seasoned
contractor, their timing may beon point.
However, that doesn't meanyou're going to get a quality
outcome it you just look at theperson that you're dealing with,
engage that, how they'retalking to you, how they're
communicating.
(04:18):
It's really going to be apersonal choice and all of these
questions are just guidelines.
But just look at now they'reinteracting with you.
Demeanor is important to you,what answers are important to
you, and really read that andthen ask these questions and you
still make a decision based onhow you feel about how they
(04:42):
spoke to you and how theypresented.
Question seven is will youobtain the necessary permits?
Great question Some jobs do notneed to be permitted.
Most jobs do.
However, you need to discuss anot just will you obtain the
necessary permits, which is whatany homeowner should know,
(05:05):
right, but the contractor shouldbe educating you on whether or
not they need a permit and youshould be able to kind of verify
or trust them that they will orwon't need one.
But anyway, when it comes tothe details of the permit, right
, the homeowner ultimately isresponsible for that permit.
It's your house and whatcontractor you hire is hired by
(05:29):
you, but it's still your home.
The cost of the permit, goingthrough the steps to get a
permit, the contractor should beable to help you out with those
things and like for us, we pullthe permit, we pay for the
permit, the client pays us, butwe do all of the work to obtain
the necessary permit.
The permit is posted on site.
The client is confident thatthey're getting the permit.
(05:51):
The permitting is going to goas it should go, because we've
pulled permits hundreds of timesit's not an issue, but it is a
detail that you need to work outwith the contractor that you're
working with.
Number eight is what is yourpayment schedule?
This is another one that I canjust we probably just go on and
on and on about figuring out thepayment schedule for a project
(06:17):
is really going to be based onyour confidence in that
contractor, because we do a drawskit system, because we have a
payroll in our employees or W2.
Some people want to dohalf-half, some people want to
do 40, 40, 20 and 40 percent.
40 percent and 20 percent orhalf-half would be 50 percent,
(06:40):
50 percent Again, most of thetime, if they're asking for a
deposit, it should be formaterials to cover the job and a
little bit, potentially, of thelabor, but it shouldn't be much
more than that.
You really, when you're askingthem what their payment schedule
is, they should base theirpayment schedule on their needs
(07:01):
and then your confidence and theability for them to do the
project.
It can be it's a two-weekproject and you want to give
them 50-50, that's fine.
If it's a eight-week project ora large scope remodel, that's
really where this payment planor payment schedule comes into
play.
You should ask them do you haveemployees, do you have subs?
(07:22):
Because a lot of times thatreally is going to dictate how
much money they need.
This is our new contractorshout-out segment.
We are going to pick 40contractors a month that tag
their business page in our poston the home building and
remodeling show Facebook page.
And this month we have with usexotic peas painting out of
(07:46):
Titusville, florida.
Handyman Dan and KathleenGeorgia, ac Exterior Solutions
in Fort Wayne, indiana.
R&r Home Innovations out of theChicago, illinois area and
Hall's Pro Services of Virginiaout of the Lynchburg, virginia
area.
Thank you all for commenting onthe monthly post.
We will do another post nextmonth.
(08:08):
Like, subscribe and share ourFacebook page and hopefully you
get a shout-out next time.
And now we move into shop talk.
It's the portion of the showwhere I bring in a co-host and
we cover trending topics in homebuilding and remodeling.
Hope you enjoy.
Let's go.
Speaker 3 (08:28):
And that's the thing.
So I've been doing this for 27years.
I'm a certified masterelectrician for the state of
Alabama and, honestly, if you'reNot going into the attic and
not looking at everything thatis required to do the job,
you're really doing a disserviceto the homeowner.
Because sure, you could betelling them you can do it, yeah
, over the phone, sure, and youget there and it's like it's
(08:48):
impossible to do it now, like avaulted ceiling, yeah, I mean
that's it's gonna probablyrequire like ceiling removal or
something, because you there'shave access, right?
Speaker 1 (08:57):
So if you have a true vaulted ceiling and let's just
say you're in a situation whereit's tongue and groove or
something, you literally havelapped tongue and groove, that
is, that's nailed straight toyour rafters, right, yeah, you
might, you've got insulation inbetween, but there's no access
so to do the initial wiring,you've probably bored or done
(09:20):
something through studs andstuff, right?
So you're talking as an expensejust to move lights around,
you've got to pull that stuffdown for sure, right?
Yeah, that's.
Is that the only that's reallykind of the only way to access
it sometimes?
Speaker 3 (09:37):
Yeah, I mean Honestly .
Yeah, I mean, if there's reallyno other way, I mean we can try
and go from maybe the soffitsor from the side and then fish
wires up the ceiling.
Yeah, then you're talking, youhave to kind of loop it from one
thing to the other and and yeah, and really a lot of our jobs
we do, like these add-ons comesdown to, can we do it?
Speaker 1 (09:56):
because sometimes you just can't unless we're doing a
full and it's sometimes it'sjust not feasible to to move a
single light.
That's gonna take you all dayand you're pulling down a
ceiling and you're so, and youknow, being realistic with the
client.
You know, and sometimes theydon't understand these costs.
And again going back to wherewe started with the electric Hot
(10:17):
water heater you know it istrending, it is efficient and if
you can get one, I recommend it.
However, you need to know thefull scope of work and all the
details that it takes to go intojust installing one.
Yep right so it's.
It's not a phone call quote,because you know.
So don't get frustrated withthe contractor that won't give
(10:38):
you pricing over the phone.
And yes, you can go to the bigbox stores and go online and
price the unit and say, okay,it's X, and so let's see what
the contractor comes up with.
Oh, it's gonna take a couplehours.
So from a consumer perspective,we run into that where they've
done a research.
So they're like, okay, now letme call, I know what the unit
(11:01):
cost and then they call youright.
But also sometimes you know, assomebody with experience, it's
you know product and you knowwhat performs well.
And if they not saying that,you know the big boxes don't
carry good product, right.
However, you may have a bettersuggestion and based that you
(11:25):
know that suggestions based onhow you've seen these units
perform, sometimes right.
So do you consult In yourpricing to right.
So you're not just gonna say,oh, you've got the unit, it's
the cheapest unit, let meinstall you, you're gonna talk
to him about that right For sure, I think the communication is
the biggest thing you need to dois tell him exactly here's what
(11:46):
it's gonna involve.
Speaker 3 (11:47):
Right here's the the amount of the price is gonna be
for the material, because reallythat's a get.
We're talking about thedistance, I mean.
You're talking maybe threedollars a foot per Fort for the
wire, you know, and that can bea hate, be a major Cost just for
wire, yeah.
And you know you have to thinkabout those things and
communicate Everything to me,everything.
Just be a hundred percenthonest on what it's gonna take
(12:09):
to do this project.
And then you also have tofigure in the plumber, like he's
gonna have to redo some of hisplumbing maybe and I think it's
again just communication withthe homeowners so that they know
exactly what they're gettinginto before they get frustrated
that we're not doing it.
Or maybe give bettersuggestions like here's what
it's gonna cost to do this.
Yeah, maybe it's more efficientjust to stick with the old
(12:31):
water tank.
Speaker 1 (12:32):
Yeah, absolutely so, and sometimes and people are
like you know, as a contractor,you should never talk yourself
out of work.
Well, to be honest, that's nottrue, because, honestly, the
transaction and the relationshipare two separate things and you
should care about theEspecially being local right,
because people are diligent,they're gonna do their research
(12:54):
and ask questions and you'regoing to have you know most
people are now hearing get threebids.
So they may have already talkedto somebody and the first
person may have said you knowthey could do it and they're
gonna probably get that job.
But at least you're beinghonest and consistent when you
talk to them, you're lettingthem know you really there's not
(13:15):
a way to do it, or youshouldn't, it's not needed, you
know so and I would rather bethat contractor right, and
that's kind of what we talkabout because they're your
neighbors, they're yourcommunity.
So you know, as a contractor, asa best practice, sometimes you
will talk yourself out of jobsby being honest and letting them
know you really don't need needto do that, right, you know.
Speaker 3 (13:37):
For sure.
I think you know, and sometimesthey, you look at the money
part, well, hey, well, we'll bemaking this money for this job,
but honestly, it's not gonnabenefit them.
Yeah, you know, and it's reallygonna be harder for you to even
do it and commit to a job thatyou probably can't even do
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (13:53):
So I mean to me I'd rather say which is hard to say
no we can't do this job becauseit's really not Feasible and
there's an art to saying no, andbut also it's not just no for
no's sake, right?
You're not saying it becauseyou're too busy.
You're saying that the needmaybe isn't there or that the
amount of effort and money itwould cost to do this just Isn't
(14:16):
realistic, and becausesometimes they do have a budget
and you've got to look out forthat.
Yeah, okay, well, cool, I'mglad that you came and talked to
us today, first time of many.
He's gonna be back over andover.
Look forward to those, and ifyou have questions or comments,
please send them our way,especially electrical comments,
so we can kind of, you know,have more topics for the show
(14:38):
and then Andy, with hisexperience, is gonna be able to
deep dive on any Questions orcomments that you have as far as
electrical, and not justresidential but commercial.
Have you done any industrial?
I used to do a lot of industrialwork, Okay so so pretty much
anything that you've gotelectrical wise, please send it
our way and we will get thatstuff answered for you and over
(15:00):
to Andy, all right.
Well, thanks for having me.
Thanks, all right.
Now we're gonna move into theportion of the show where we
talk interior design.
We're gonna bring in aninterior designer and we're
gonna talk trending design andproducts.
Hope you enjoy.
Let's go.
Speaker 2 (15:20):
I.
But yeah, preparing for it issomething that people really
need to do.
Speaker 1 (15:27):
If you were going to lay out getting prepared for a
kitchen remodel.
Do you have any tips or bestpractices?
Speaker 3 (15:34):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (15:35):
As far as just thinking along the lines of they
wash their dishes in there,they gather in there, they eat
in there, they cook.
How many people use?
Speaker 2 (15:42):
the home.
Do you have small children?
It really depends on the client.
By that time, when you reallystart to get into the process,
we've developed a relationshipwith the client.
We know who uses the home, howthey utilize it.
That's where our vision comesfrom.
Really, the main thing is comeup with a plan for your family.
How are you going to prepareyour meals?
(16:03):
Yes, your microwave does needto be moved to another space.
A lot of clients like to putthem in their laundry room.
It's out of the way.
It's not in your everyday space.
But, yes, where are you goingto do your dishes?
As odd as it sounds, I have alot of clients who use their
bathtubs.
Wow, yeah, yeah, yeah, I mean,it's a big space.
Speaker 1 (16:21):
Yeah, you got to make accommodations.
Speaker 2 (16:23):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (16:24):
Then.
So that's a part of thepre-planning and discussions
that we have.
Let's move forward a little bitand we're starting the job.
Let's talk about themisconception that you go out
and you look at a job and theconstruction crew comes and we
send an estimate.
(16:44):
After let's just say it takesus a few days to plan and
prepare the estimate.
We send the estimate.
The client's like okay, this iswithin my budget.
Let me ask a few questions.
The one thing we always getwhen can you get started?
Yes, okay.
A lot of times we run intosituations where people's
(17:08):
expectations and reality of whatit takes on the material side
and in the kitchen planning toget everything really together
to do an efficient remodel Talkto me about that.
From Timelines, yes, so, andmaking sure that the material is
actually some people don'trealize cabinets, especially
(17:30):
custom-.
Speaker 2 (17:30):
Sometimes take 20 weeks.
Speaker 1 (17:32):
Yes, and they're ready, so they're excited.
You send an estimate andthey're like I can afford it,
let's go.
Speaker 2 (17:38):
So that is where the designer comes in, though,
because the client really getsexcited when they see the vision
.
Speaker 1 (17:44):
Sure, especially if they have the drawings.
Speaker 2 (17:46):
Yes, so another benefit to having a designer is
you do get drawings, you getelevations, you get mood boards.
Yes, you can actually putproduct in your hands, so that
you can have that tactileexperience of going oh, this is
going to be my back splash, thisis going to be my hardware.
You're not just looking atphotos, you're actually touching
product.
So having that excitement isgreat, and I usually give my
(18:08):
clients a folder that has allthat in there.
So, yeah, during that wait timethey can go back and flip
through and still be happy aboutit?
Sure, but cabinetry flooring alot of those do have extended
lead times.
There is no reason, ifcabinetry is going to take 20
weeks, that you would ever wantto start demo before they arrive
.
Speaker 1 (18:26):
And that's kind of where we've run into problems is
we try to plan the best.
So if the cabinets are, let'sjust say, 10 weeks out, we're
going to want to start close towhen the cabinets are getting
here, preferably when they'rehere, because even then you're
like 10 weeks out.
Let's start a week before withthe demo, and then they don't
(18:48):
show up exactly or there'sdamage sure or there's something
missing.
So are you?
So are you saying a bestpractice and this is for the
client and the contractor?
You want to get them in-houseand actually check them?
Yes, so you.
Speaker 2 (19:04):
I want materials that are going to be installed
already Delivered either to theclient's home or to our
warehouse where we're housingthem for them.
That way I can account for aswell.
What if we ordered a wholewhole floor of tile, yep, and
it's on a pallet.
Well, the pallet sat there forfour weeks and no one inspected
it.
Well, that's what.
16 of those boxes are brokenand that tile is now
(19:28):
discontinued.
Speaker 1 (19:29):
Inspector material as soon as it gets to the area
that it's landing.
Yes, okay, good, good tip,you're right, because you know
what I think.
Even here we get into the hatand we've got a supply
coordinator, so she's reallyblessing.
But you know we will unload,sit it and forget it, and you
(19:49):
know, when you finally do get toopen it because you're like,
okay, it's here, keep movingwith the renovation, then you
finally open it, voila, whatyou're talking about occurs and
Heartbreaking for a client, andI'm speaking from actual
practice.
Speaker 2 (20:04):
I didn't come out of my head.
I've had this happen to mebefore, so I'm speaking on it
from experience, it was a wholehome of tile.
Oh and it was beautiful Carreramarble.
I mean about it was probablysix pallets.
Wow and Three.
Within three of those pallets,multiples were broken.
Speaker 1 (20:22):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (20:23):
Well, marble is a natural material.
It varies in color.
This client was in love with it, guess what?
No longer able to source.
Speaker 1 (20:29):
You know what?
Keep that in mind, because Idefinitely want to get back to
the natural stone because it itplays a huge role in a lot of
designs.
Yes, okay, so, and you knowwhat, speaking of experience, we
literally just had this happenon the whole home remodel we're
doing for the gambles.
We got two Vanities in and bothvanities, the tops were busted.
(20:54):
We're broken.
Yep, offloaded them sitting inthe warehouse.
We go to open them up and youknow we're moving the project
along.
Everything's pretty much done.
We're, we've got flooring goingin, the cabinets are going in,
and so we're just excitedbecause we're tracking and We've
ordered the vanities on timeand they're due to come in.
So we're moving right along.
(21:15):
And then you open the box andthe top is busted.
And there are ways to navigatethese problems and delays
temporary, you know.
Speaker 2 (21:25):
Timber rarely in your plumbing, I mean absolutely.
Speaker 1 (21:28):
It kind of is a trickle effect when you know
certain items come in.
Yeah, it's just what you'retalking about.
We can't connect the sinks, andthen you're, you're wanting to
be done, they're ready to be inthe home and smallest thing
hindering.
Speaker 2 (21:43):
You know, the finishing of any project is kind
of where you're at the end ofit and it's the finish line and
the client's excited.
But there's this one thing.
Speaker 1 (21:52):
Thanks for joining us today.
As always, we are grateful forour listeners and your continued
support.
Please subscribe to our YouTubechannel.
Follow us on social media viaFacebook, instagram and TikTok.
Get more info at our website,wwwthethombuildingshowcom.
And, as always, remember who weare the home building and
(22:16):
remodeling show.
The Homebuilding and Remodeling Show.
Let's go.
Welcome everybody to theHomebuilding and Remodeling Show
.
My name is Chris Kirby and I'llbe your host.
(00:21):
I am the owner of threeconstruction companies on the
Alabama Gulf Coast.
The show is about residentialconstruction.
We're going to cover topics ofhomebuilding and remodeling.
Are you thinking of doing aremodel or building a home?
Are you a contractor looking toimprove your knowledge base or
grow your business?
Have you ever done a remodelproject or built a home?
(00:42):
There were so many things youwish you knew or that you could
have done differently during theprocess.
Then this show is for you.
We break down the process ofbuilding and remodeling and how
to have the best results duringyour project.
Whether you are a DIYer lookingfor tips, someone looking to
hire a contractor to do aproject, or a contractor looking
(01:04):
to expand your knowledge baseor your business, welcome aboard
.
Glad to have you.
Stay tuned.
We kick off the show with mythoughts on homebuilding and
remodeling.
I'll share best practices andtalk about some of our
experiences in business and outin the field.
These shared thoughts andlessons learned are meant to
help you on your very ownjourney.
(01:25):
Let's go.
Number five can you provide adetailed written estimate.
On some of the boards and stuffonline, we've been kind of
kicking this one around as faras how to not only write the
estimates, but how detailed dothe estimate act?
Does the estimate actually needto be, and do you do a bulk
(01:49):
estimate?
Do you do an online item?
So those I know what we do as acompany and I know what results
it gives us, so I can't saywhich way, one or the other.
But as far as the detail of theestimate, let me get back to
(02:10):
that.
As far as the detail of theestimate, that should be there,
no matter what.
How they do their pricing onthe details is where what I'm
saying.
Some contractors are going toget a $25,000 here's a list of
everything being done with abottom line price.
Or you're going to getcontractors that give you half
(02:33):
the details you need for $25,000, but they may give you a line
item breakdown of here's whatthe $25,000 consists of replace
this, replace that, install this, remove that with make or break
(02:53):
the actual outcome.
The end result is bathroomremodel, but are you paying for
allowances or they paying forstuff?
What kind of a material arethey using?
Where they get the materialfrom?
Are you buying the material?
Is their stuff going to bemissed?
That you're expecting to be ina bathroom remodel?
(03:13):
Question five the detailedestimate matters and that's that
.
Question number six is projecttimeline.
A part of that estimate andconversation moving forward
should be how long is theproject going to take?
And goes back to questionsthree and four, which is how
long have you been in businessand have you done similar
(03:34):
projects?
If you're dealing with a newercontractor, they may not.
They may give that.
They should give you an answer.
It may understand this is theirfirst time doing a project.
They may have some kinks anddetails to work out.
May, again, they can get to thequality outcome.
(03:58):
It may take them longer to getthere.
Their timing may be off,whereas you get a seasoned
contractor, their timing may beon point.
However, that doesn't meanyou're going to get a quality
outcome it you just look at theperson that you're dealing with,
engage that, how they'retalking to you, how they're
communicating.
(04:18):
It's really going to be apersonal choice and all of these
questions are just guidelines.
But just look at now they'reinteracting with you.
Demeanor is important to you,what answers are important to
you, and really read that andthen ask these questions and you
still make a decision based onhow you feel about how they
(04:42):
spoke to you and how theypresented.
Question seven is will youobtain the necessary permits?
Great question Some jobs do notneed to be permitted.
Most jobs do.
However, you need to discuss anot just will you obtain the
necessary permits, which is whatany homeowner should know,
(05:05):
right, but the contractor shouldbe educating you on whether or
not they need a permit and youshould be able to kind of verify
or trust them that they will orwon't need one.
But anyway, when it comes tothe details of the permit, right
, the homeowner ultimately isresponsible for that permit.
It's your house and whatcontractor you hire is hired by
(05:29):
you, but it's still your home.
The cost of the permit, goingthrough the steps to get a
permit, the contractor should beable to help you out with those
things and like for us, we pullthe permit, we pay for the
permit, the client pays us, butwe do all of the work to obtain
the necessary permit.
The permit is posted on site.
The client is confident thatthey're getting the permit.
(05:51):
The permitting is going to goas it should go, because we've
pulled permits hundreds of timesit's not an issue, but it is a
detail that you need to work outwith the contractor that you're
working with.
Number eight is what is yourpayment schedule?
This is another one that I canjust we probably just go on and
on and on about figuring out thepayment schedule for a project
(06:17):
is really going to be based onyour confidence in that
contractor, because we do a drawskit system, because we have a
payroll in our employees or W2.
Some people want to dohalf-half, some people want to
do 40, 40, 20 and 40 percent.
40 percent and 20 percent orhalf-half would be 50 percent,
(06:40):
50 percent Again, most of thetime, if they're asking for a
deposit, it should be formaterials to cover the job and a
little bit, potentially, of thelabor, but it shouldn't be much
more than that.
You really, when you're askingthem what their payment schedule
is, they should base theirpayment schedule on their needs
(07:01):
and then your confidence and theability for them to do the
project.
It can be it's a two-weekproject and you want to give
them 50-50, that's fine.
If it's a eight-week project ora large scope remodel, that's
really where this payment planor payment schedule comes into
play.
You should ask them do you haveemployees, do you have subs?
(07:22):
Because a lot of times thatreally is going to dictate how
much money they need.
This is our new contractorshout-out segment.
We are going to pick 40contractors a month that tag
their business page in our poston the home building and
remodeling show Facebook page.
And this month we have with usexotic peas painting out of
(07:46):
Titusville, florida.
Handyman Dan and KathleenGeorgia, ac Exterior Solutions
in Fort Wayne, indiana.
R&r Home Innovations out of theChicago, illinois area and
Hall's Pro Services of Virginiaout of the Lynchburg, virginia
area.
Thank you all for commenting onthe monthly post.
We will do another post nextmonth.
(08:08):
Like, subscribe and share ourFacebook page and hopefully you
get a shout-out next time.
And now we move into shop talk.
It's the portion of the showwhere I bring in a co-host and
we cover trending topics in homebuilding and remodeling.
Hope you enjoy.
Let's go.
Speaker 3 (08:28):
And that's the thing.
So I've been doing this for 27years.
I'm a certified masterelectrician for the state of
Alabama and, honestly, if you'reNot going into the attic and
not looking at everything thatis required to do the job,
you're really doing a disserviceto the homeowner.
Because sure, you could betelling them you can do it, yeah
, over the phone, sure, and youget there and it's like it's
(08:48):
impossible to do it now, like avaulted ceiling, yeah, I mean
that's it's gonna probablyrequire like ceiling removal or
something, because you there'shave access, right?
Speaker 1 (08:57):
So if you have a true vaulted ceiling and let's just
say you're in a situation whereit's tongue and groove or
something, you literally havelapped tongue and groove, that
is, that's nailed straight toyour rafters, right, yeah, you
might, you've got insulation inbetween, but there's no access
so to do the initial wiring,you've probably bored or done
(09:20):
something through studs andstuff, right?
So you're talking as an expensejust to move lights around,
you've got to pull that stuffdown for sure, right?
Yeah, that's.
Is that the only that's reallykind of the only way to access
it sometimes?
Speaker 3 (09:37):
Yeah, I mean Honestly .
Yeah, I mean, if there's reallyno other way, I mean we can try
and go from maybe the soffitsor from the side and then fish
wires up the ceiling.
Yeah, then you're talking, youhave to kind of loop it from one
thing to the other and and yeah, and really a lot of our jobs
we do, like these add-ons comesdown to, can we do it?
Speaker 1 (09:56):
because sometimes you just can't unless we're doing a
full and it's sometimes it'sjust not feasible to to move a
single light.
That's gonna take you all dayand you're pulling down a
ceiling and you're so, and youknow, being realistic with the
client.
You know, and sometimes theydon't understand these costs.
And again going back to wherewe started with the electric Hot
(10:17):
water heater you know it istrending, it is efficient and if
you can get one, I recommend it.
However, you need to know thefull scope of work and all the
details that it takes to go intojust installing one.
Yep right so it's.
It's not a phone call quote,because you know.
So don't get frustrated withthe contractor that won't give
(10:38):
you pricing over the phone.
And yes, you can go to the bigbox stores and go online and
price the unit and say, okay,it's X, and so let's see what
the contractor comes up with.
Oh, it's gonna take a couplehours.
So from a consumer perspective,we run into that where they've
done a research.
So they're like, okay, now letme call, I know what the unit
(11:01):
cost and then they call youright.
But also sometimes you know, assomebody with experience, it's
you know product and you knowwhat performs well.
And if they not saying that,you know the big boxes don't
carry good product, right.
However, you may have a bettersuggestion and based that you
(11:25):
know that suggestions based onhow you've seen these units
perform, sometimes right.
So do you consult In yourpricing to right.
So you're not just gonna say,oh, you've got the unit, it's
the cheapest unit, let meinstall you, you're gonna talk
to him about that right For sure, I think the communication is
the biggest thing you need to dois tell him exactly here's what
(11:46):
it's gonna involve.
Speaker 3 (11:47):
Right here's the the amount of the price is gonna be
for the material, because reallythat's a get.
We're talking about thedistance, I mean.
You're talking maybe threedollars a foot per Fort for the
wire, you know, and that can bea hate, be a major Cost just for
wire, yeah.
And you know you have to thinkabout those things and
communicate Everything to me,everything.
Just be a hundred percenthonest on what it's gonna take
(12:09):
to do this project.
And then you also have tofigure in the plumber, like he's
gonna have to redo some of hisplumbing maybe and I think it's
again just communication withthe homeowners so that they know
exactly what they're gettinginto before they get frustrated
that we're not doing it.
Or maybe give bettersuggestions like here's what
it's gonna cost to do this.
Yeah, maybe it's more efficientjust to stick with the old
(12:31):
water tank.
Speaker 1 (12:32):
Yeah, absolutely so, and sometimes and people are
like you know, as a contractor,you should never talk yourself
out of work.
Well, to be honest, that's nottrue, because, honestly, the
transaction and the relationshipare two separate things and you
should care about theEspecially being local right,
because people are diligent,they're gonna do their research
(12:54):
and ask questions and you'regoing to have you know most
people are now hearing get threebids.
So they may have already talkedto somebody and the first
person may have said you knowthey could do it and they're
gonna probably get that job.
But at least you're beinghonest and consistent when you
talk to them, you're lettingthem know you really there's not
(13:15):
a way to do it, or youshouldn't, it's not needed, you
know so and I would rather bethat contractor right, and
that's kind of what we talkabout because they're your
neighbors, they're yourcommunity.
So you know, as a contractor, asa best practice, sometimes you
will talk yourself out of jobsby being honest and letting them
know you really don't need needto do that, right, you know.
Speaker 3 (13:37):
For sure.
I think you know, and sometimesthey, you look at the money
part, well, hey, well, we'll bemaking this money for this job,
but honestly, it's not gonnabenefit them.
Yeah, you know, and it's reallygonna be harder for you to even
do it and commit to a job thatyou probably can't even do
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (13:53):
So I mean to me I'd rather say which is hard to say
no we can't do this job becauseit's really not Feasible and
there's an art to saying no, andbut also it's not just no for
no's sake, right?
You're not saying it becauseyou're too busy.
You're saying that the needmaybe isn't there or that the
amount of effort and money itwould cost to do this just Isn't
(14:16):
realistic, and becausesometimes they do have a budget
and you've got to look out forthat.
Yeah, okay, well, cool, I'mglad that you came and talked to
us today, first time of many.
He's gonna be back over andover.
Look forward to those, and ifyou have questions or comments,
please send them our way,especially electrical comments,
so we can kind of, you know,have more topics for the show
(14:38):
and then Andy, with hisexperience, is gonna be able to
deep dive on any Questions orcomments that you have as far as
electrical, and not justresidential but commercial.
Have you done any industrial?
I used to do a lot of industrialwork, Okay so so pretty much
anything that you've gotelectrical wise, please send it
our way and we will get thatstuff answered for you and over
(15:00):
to Andy, all right.
Well, thanks for having me.
Thanks, all right.
Now we're gonna move into theportion of the show where we
talk interior design.
We're gonna bring in aninterior designer and we're
gonna talk trending design andproducts.
Hope you enjoy.
Let's go.
Speaker 2 (15:20):
I.
But yeah, preparing for it issomething that people really
need to do.
Speaker 1 (15:27):
If you were going to lay out getting prepared for a
kitchen remodel.
Do you have any tips or bestpractices?
Speaker 3 (15:34):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (15:35):
As far as just thinking along the lines of they
wash their dishes in there,they gather in there, they eat
in there, they cook.
How many people use?
Speaker 2 (15:42):
the home.
Do you have small children?
It really depends on the client.
By that time, when you reallystart to get into the process,
we've developed a relationshipwith the client.
We know who uses the home, howthey utilize it.
That's where our vision comesfrom.
Really, the main thing is comeup with a plan for your family.
How are you going to prepareyour meals?
(16:03):
Yes, your microwave does needto be moved to another space.
A lot of clients like to putthem in their laundry room.
It's out of the way.
It's not in your everyday space.
But, yes, where are you goingto do your dishes?
As odd as it sounds, I have alot of clients who use their
bathtubs.
Wow, yeah, yeah, yeah, I mean,it's a big space.
Speaker 1 (16:21):
Yeah, you got to make accommodations.
Speaker 2 (16:23):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (16:24):
Then.
So that's a part of thepre-planning and discussions
that we have.
Let's move forward a little bitand we're starting the job.
Let's talk about themisconception that you go out
and you look at a job and theconstruction crew comes and we
send an estimate.
(16:44):
After let's just say it takesus a few days to plan and
prepare the estimate.
We send the estimate.
The client's like okay, this iswithin my budget.
Let me ask a few questions.
The one thing we always getwhen can you get started?
Yes, okay.
A lot of times we run intosituations where people's
(17:08):
expectations and reality of whatit takes on the material side
and in the kitchen planning toget everything really together
to do an efficient remodel Talkto me about that.
From Timelines, yes, so, andmaking sure that the material is
actually some people don'trealize cabinets, especially
(17:30):
custom-.
Speaker 2 (17:30):
Sometimes take 20 weeks.
Speaker 1 (17:32):
Yes, and they're ready, so they're excited.
You send an estimate andthey're like I can afford it,
let's go.
Speaker 2 (17:38):
So that is where the designer comes in, though,
because the client really getsexcited when they see the vision
.
Speaker 1 (17:44):
Sure, especially if they have the drawings.
Speaker 2 (17:46):
Yes, so another benefit to having a designer is
you do get drawings, you getelevations, you get mood boards.
Yes, you can actually putproduct in your hands, so that
you can have that tactileexperience of going oh, this is
going to be my back splash, thisis going to be my hardware.
You're not just looking atphotos, you're actually touching
product.
So having that excitement isgreat, and I usually give my
(18:08):
clients a folder that has allthat in there.
So, yeah, during that wait timethey can go back and flip
through and still be happy aboutit?
Sure, but cabinetry flooring alot of those do have extended
lead times.
There is no reason, ifcabinetry is going to take 20
weeks, that you would ever wantto start demo before they arrive
.
Speaker 1 (18:26):
And that's kind of where we've run into problems is
we try to plan the best.
So if the cabinets are, let'sjust say, 10 weeks out, we're
going to want to start close towhen the cabinets are getting
here, preferably when they'rehere, because even then you're
like 10 weeks out.
Let's start a week before withthe demo, and then they don't
(18:48):
show up exactly or there'sdamage sure or there's something
missing.
So are you?
So are you saying a bestpractice and this is for the
client and the contractor?
You want to get them in-houseand actually check them?
Yes, so you.
Speaker 2 (19:04):
I want materials that are going to be installed
already Delivered either to theclient's home or to our
warehouse where we're housingthem for them.
That way I can account for aswell.
What if we ordered a wholewhole floor of tile, yep, and
it's on a pallet.
Well, the pallet sat there forfour weeks and no one inspected
it.
Well, that's what.
16 of those boxes are brokenand that tile is now
(19:28):
discontinued.
Speaker 1 (19:29):
Inspector material as soon as it gets to the area
that it's landing.
Yes, okay, good, good tip,you're right, because you know
what I think.
Even here we get into the hatand we've got a supply
coordinator, so she's reallyblessing.
But you know we will unload,sit it and forget it, and you
(19:49):
know, when you finally do get toopen it because you're like,
okay, it's here, keep movingwith the renovation, then you
finally open it, voila, whatyou're talking about occurs and
Heartbreaking for a client, andI'm speaking from actual
practice.
Speaker 2 (20:04):
I didn't come out of my head.
I've had this happen to mebefore, so I'm speaking on it
from experience, it was a wholehome of tile.
Oh and it was beautiful Carreramarble.
I mean about it was probablysix pallets.
Wow and Three.
Within three of those pallets,multiples were broken.
Speaker 1 (20:22):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (20:23):
Well, marble is a natural material.
It varies in color.
This client was in love with it, guess what?
No longer able to source.
Speaker 1 (20:29):
You know what?
Keep that in mind, because Idefinitely want to get back to
the natural stone because it itplays a huge role in a lot of
designs.
Yes, okay, so, and you knowwhat, speaking of experience, we
literally just had this happenon the whole home remodel we're
doing for the gambles.
We got two Vanities in and bothvanities, the tops were busted.
(20:54):
We're broken.
Yep, offloaded them sitting inthe warehouse.
We go to open them up and youknow we're moving the project
along.
Everything's pretty much done.
We're, we've got flooring goingin, the cabinets are going in,
and so we're just excitedbecause we're tracking and We've
ordered the vanities on timeand they're due to come in.
So we're moving right along.
(21:15):
And then you open the box andthe top is busted.
And there are ways to navigatethese problems and delays
temporary, you know.
Speaker 2 (21:25):
Timber rarely in your plumbing, I mean absolutely.
Speaker 1 (21:28):
It kind of is a trickle effect when you know
certain items come in.
Yeah, it's just what you'retalking about.
We can't connect the sinks, andthen you're, you're wanting to
be done, they're ready to be inthe home and smallest thing
hindering.
Speaker 2 (21:43):
You know, the finishing of any project is kind
of where you're at the end ofit and it's the finish line and
the client's excited.
But there's this one thing.
Speaker 1 (21:52):
Thanks for joining us today.
As always, we are grateful forour listeners and your continued
support.
Please subscribe to our YouTubechannel.
Follow us on social media viaFacebook, instagram and TikTok.
Get more info at our website,wwwthethombuildingshowcom.
And, as always, remember who weare the home building and
(22:16):
remodeling show.
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