The One Man Show

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mdshunk said:
I actually prefer to work alone whenever I can. I get along with everyone I'm working with that way.
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I agree with the former....It's the latter that causes me problems. :D
 
satcom said:
That is a nice idea, but in my state they must be employees under your direct control, subs, and agency people are not employees. You have electricans profeassional employees, not day labors.
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So how does a GC hire subcontractors?

I am not an employee of any of the builders I work for. I am a subcontractor. And I also have my own subcontracors (burlgar alarms, fire alarm systems, home theaters, phone systems etc. I sub out under my contract).
 
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480sparky said:
So how does a GC hire subcontractors?

I am not an employee of any of the builders I work for. I am a subcontractor. And I also have my own subcontracors (burlgar alarms, fire alarm systems, home theaters, phone systems etc. I sub out under my contract).
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We were addressing licensed electricians, how did GC's get into the discussion?
 
satcom said:
We were addressing licensed electricians, how did GC's get into the discussion?
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From post #8. I felt the discussion was about being able to hire subcontractors. Satcom stated this is not allowed in his state.
I know there are many temp. agancies out there, some of whome specialize in the construction trades.
 
Relationship?

Relationship?

Jersey,

How did you leave your relationship with your previous employer? If it is still good and you only left because he didn't have the work, maybe you can "sub-contract" some labor to him and get a helper out to help you when you need it.

Otherwise, try to network with some other small contractors and do the "sub-contract" with them. That way you know they are licensed, insured, etc and meet the local requirements for being an electrical contractor in your area.

As 480 stated, this shouldn't be any different than "sub-contracting" out the Voice/Data, Fire Alarm, etc.
 
Sometimes you've got to bite the bullet and hire. What's the greater cost, the extra time being a one man show, or having the help to speed up the work and maybe opening up more opportunities. (Sounds like I am advocating the help, but I'm not) Unfortuneately it is a case by case call. My preference is to work by myself, but helpers sure come in handy, if for nothing else than to take on the tasks that free you to focus. I would love to have a good second electrician (were are a company of 6, but I am the sole/main elctrician), but it is a commitment in finances, trust, reliability, etc.
 
hardworkingstiff said:
I'm curious, what do the others do?
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You know, that's a good question....:grin: Actually, our shop is a motor and controls reapair shop and generator sales and service. I came in under the circumstances of being an addition to that field but slowly began to do installations that were being subbed out when the owner realized I had my license. I guess he realized for me it was an accomplishment to have figured out one trade and the pressure of learning two might be too much. :grin: The other guys will help on the housing and installation jobs we have picked up over the years if they are not busy on shop projects or field repairs. We also just hired a guy who will be our full-time generator maintenence man and part-time helper, but he is a semi-retired, can-only-work-x#-hours, guy.
 
I can only address what I've done regarding temp agencies.

My apprentice (starting 4th year with me) worked through a temp agency for @ 1 1/2 years, as I didn't want to have the hassle of taxes, workmen's comp, etc. His cost through the agency was 50% of his agreed scale. (Ex: Apprentice paid $12.50, agency charged me $18.75) For the short term, it worked out well for me. After I knew he was going to work out, I paid his health insurance as well as his apprenticeship schooling (tution, books, fees,etc) Eventually, as he continued to get raises, it was more cost effective for me to employ him myself.

I just hired a young man to try out as an apprentice. Same arrangement (Kid gets $10, agency charges me $15) If he gets hurt on the job, it's on the agency's workmen's comp, not mine. If he doesn't work out, I call the agency and he doesn't come back. He's temp labor, so I'm not required to put him through school. (Actually, he seems to be doing well, but we'll give it a couple of months). I believe this is a win/win situation, especailly regarding workmen's comp. We all know how hard it is to get good help.
 
Growler quote:

In this area there are temp. agencies that will rent you a helper and do all the paper work. If you just need a guy for a couple of days it's cheaper to pay a temp. service than going through all the paper work.



hey growler,


what is the quality of the worker do you get from a temp. agency?


I'm a one man show and it looks like I'm getting alot of work soon and I'm debating hiring someone permently or going to a temp agency.


Looking for advice.
 
Vinniem said:
hey growler,


what is the quality of the worker do you get from a temp. agency?
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They are not all winners but then again you are not stuck with them either. A temp. worker is much like dating and hiring someone is much like getting married ( it cost to get divorced ).

I have a feeling that with the work slowdown there will be plenty of good quality labor out there to rent. When there is a lot of work they tend to scape the bottom of the barrel ( everyone else has job).

Just call some temp. agencies in your area and see what they have to offer. The prices are not carved in stone either when things are slow you can get a better deal.

If things work out you can still hire the worker. It's not a bad idea to date awhile before taking the plunge.
 
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