Just some thoughts on what the economy is forcing some guys into.

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tonyou812

tonyou812

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North New Jersey
Maybe its just coincidental but today I went to look at yet another job (2nd with this GC) that the gc or EC has been asked to leave by the HO. Today was a kit/laundry/bath reno that this EC basically did 80 percent of the rough. The first GC was a retired cop that did construction . But he took waayy to long for this ladys liking. She was without a kit and laundry since some time in July so she finally asked him to leave. From what I gathered the EC who was really a data/comm guy( from what I read on his van) did a pretty lousy job too. I didnt take any pics cause I didnt want to make this lady feel any worse. And when I took a gander on the permit and what this guy was charging for the job I almost let out a giggle. 1200 bucks? For a kit, small bath and laundry area!!! no wonder he did such a crappy job.

Thursday I am going to look at another job with a similar situation, only this time I think it was a side jobber that got in over his head. Im very curious to see whos stamp is on the permit. Apparently they havent been able to get in contact with this "EC".
I think the present economy is making people work out of what they know or comfort zone. Why else would a data guy be doing a kitchen renovation. And a lousy job at that.
 
People searching for bargain basement prices is nothing new but with the slow work situation guys who used to busy doing other types of work are taking on any projects that they can even if they're unqualified. I feel sorry for the HO's because it's likely that they had no idea what they were getting into when they hired a crummy GC.
 
Anytime I get called to look at a job where the GC or EC was kicked off the job red flags go up. Unless the job is for a close, warm personal friend from church, who we socialize with and whose family I've known for years and whose kids have grown up with mine, etc. etc. etc. I don't want the job.

On the other hand, if you did some investigation and found that a trunk-slammer was doing the job for $5.00/hr and got in over his head, make sure you'll be getting your price for the job. Don't do anyone any favors, look the job over with a fine toothed comb and put your price out there. Once you seal that permit or do a "change of contractor" your butt is on the line (for your work as well as the EC that was fired).

Just my 2 cents worth.:grin:
 
I lost a job a few weeks ago to another EC whose price came in under mine, my price was around $12,500.00, his was $5500.00. I know my price was in the ballpark and quite fair, I also know a close friend of the potential customer so you will bet I will be getting info on how the other EC is doing............
 
tonyou812 said:
Maybe its just coincidental but today I went to look at yet another job (2nd with this GC) that the gc or EC has been asked to leave by the HO. Today was a kit/laundry/bath reno that this EC basically did 80 percent of the rough. The first GC was a retired cop that did construction . But he took waayy to long for this ladys liking. She was without a kit and laundry since some time in July so she finally asked him to leave. From what I gathered the EC who was really a data/comm guy( from what I read on his van) did a pretty lousy job too. I didnt take any pics cause I didnt want to make this lady feel any worse. And when I took a gander on the permit and what this guy was charging for the job I almost let out a giggle. 1200 bucks? For a kit, small bath and laundry area!!! no wonder he did such a crappy job.

Thursday I am going to look at another job with a similar situation, only this time I think it was a side jobber that got in over his head. Im very curious to see whos stamp is on the permit. Apparently they havent been able to get in contact with this "EC".
I think the present economy is making people work out of what they know or comfort zone. Why else would a data guy be doing a kitchen renovation. And a lousy job at that.
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So tell me....How does a Data/Com guy obtain a permit? Or is this a town where they issue the permit to the HO?
 
Mule said:
So tell me....How does a Data/Com guy obtain a permit? Or is this a town where they issue the permit to the HO?
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Could be you need an electrical license in his area to do telecom or data where he is, and that makes it easy to get a permit.
 
480sparky said:
Could be you need an electrical license in his area to do telecom or data where he is, and that makes it easy to get a permit.
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Shouldnt this be two different disciplines? ie: EC and data/com.....In
Okra-homa Im pretty sure that a EC can do data/com....but a data/com guy cant do premise wiring.......
 
Mule said:
Shouldnt this be two different disciplines? ie: EC and data/com.....In
Okra-homa Im pretty sure that a EC can do data/com....but a data/com guy cant do premise wiring.......
Click to expand...

Logically, yes. But remember, you're dealing with the gubbamint here. Same folks who, when tasked to design a thoroughbred racehorse, produces a hippopotamus.
 
Similar situation on a rough that I inspected on a duplex that was a fire restoration.

Plumber (so I think) was doing the electrical work. The entire house was with 12/2 including the connections between the smokes (yeah really).

I failed the rough for multiple reasons, too many to bring up. Let's just say that he went through 3 cases of protector plates.

Anyway, we have not been called back on that job in about 4 months or more and it appears as though the job was abandoned.

Other trades need to keep out of electrical work
 
I too, have been under bid a lot recently.
But I have learned my lesson about being to low.
I would rather be to high and not get the job. Then to be to low and have a contract where I have to finish it.
 
yea, I think inspectors are really going to have to get tough, with all of these "Hatchet Men" coming out of the wood work..
 
Mule said:
So tell me....How does a Data/Com guy obtain a permit? Or is this a town where they issue the permit to the HO?
Click to expand...
If I were to guess I would say his buddy. The HO said she never saw the "boss". I felt sorry for this lady she really got the runnaround but not so sorry that im gonna lower my price....Well I knocked off 100 bucks for the service change 2500 to 2400. She has 3 kids and I have a soft heart:smile:
 
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