I have been building and remodeling for eight years here in Oakland but am now venturing out for the first time while still employed by a local contractor.
I am now doing a side job (T&M) that started out as a simple basement doorjamb replacement. I found a wealth of dryrot that originated at the head of windows a floor above. Some stucco was removed and much framing needs replacement. The windows are early seventies tiltins of extruded aluminum that were just screwed to framing without any waterproofing at all. The windows obviously need replacement.
The problem is that I show the damage to the client and he has no idea what to do. All he knows is that he wants to save money. It is to him a cosmetic problem.
So the problem for me is twofold. The first being that I come away from the discussions with the client realizing that I don’t have enough information about the scope of work to even begin. There are judgement calls that I have to make because the client does not know about carpentry or building. He is not wanting to spend money on the house that does not improve it’s sales value or potential. He, left to his own devices, will go on indefinetly about what he wants his home to look like. My feeling is that if I could integrate some improvement to the repairs that would add to the look of his house he would be an easier sell.
We are at odds.
The second part of the problem is that I obviously need an efficient way of determining what needs to be done and how to convincingly and effectively comunicate that to the client. I guess working up a bid would solve the problem but I have no idea how to do that.
Sounds like a big order. I am willing to learn.
Ken.
Replies
Try this on for size. Talk to the homeowner and explain the job is a little too large in scope for you to take on yourself. (Are you insured? How much time do you have to do the job?) Talk to your current employer about this job and see if he/she will allow you to shadow them in the bidding process in exchange for the job.
If this doesn't sound like a good idea, someone will be along to recommend a plethora of books that'll help you on your way.
Interesting dilemna. It would be a good learning experience to follow this through, however. Are there any veterans friends out there that may have a better insight on the scope of work?
A straight forward approach is the only way. The work sounds like more than just cosmetic. Of course the HO won't know anything about that. A convenient approach is the formulate some plan of action, present it, and also give him the out of getting a second opinion. It would even benefit you to hear what another expert has to say, on the HO's dime.
BTW, you are charging him for this research, right?
I do like the idea of some cosmetic changes for helping resale. I have always considered new windows a plus for resale. Smart buyers might be looking for just such a thing.
ADH Carpentry & Woodwork
Quality, Craftsmanship, Detail
Explain to him the problems that he can face with mold. Make sure to note the rampant mold-related lawsuits.
Also, remind him that he has to disclose the KNOWN problem when he sells the house.
A rule of thumb that we follow and I teach the guys that work for me. Never talk to the client about a problem that you don't have a solution for.
I don't mean you have to know how far the rot goes but you should have a plan together, even if it means saying "we need to call someone else and here is the number of a guy that I trust for this situation". If someone hires you they are generally looking for guidance for there issues. It is really stressful to have someone say "you got a big problem and I don't know what it is and have no idea what to do about it, what do you think?" DanT
ken... do you remember the "not quite ready for primetime players " ?????
that's you.... been there, done that.. you don't have enough knowledge to advise the customer what they should do... and no one here can look over your shoulder and analize the fix...
time for you to tell them you're reached the level of your expertise and bring in the swat teamMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Thank you all for your perspectives. I have done what was probably the right thing all along. I have asked my employer to step in and allow me, under his guidance, to comlete the job also under his licence. Thanks again, KEN.