Got a call from a buddy today …
I can make the time … so next week … I’m going somewhere to help him install a kitchen.
I usually work … about an hour north of my house … city center Pittsburgh.
Current job … is almost an hour west of home.
current job is now waiting for a permit for the back porch construction …
hence … I can fit a coupla days in here and there …
so .. I’m off to …
I don’t really know where! Can’t remember exactly where he said it was.
2 places sound similar … both ring bells …
one is maybe 45 min south ….
the other … about an hour and 45 min south/east.
I’m betting it’s the closer one … but …
either way … I’m signed on for Mon 8am thru Thurs afternoon.
about 80% of my work is right about an hours drive North.
just found a customer base there. Nice area … can’t afford to live there …
but they can afford me. So I drive. Nice to work all day in the rich suburbs …
and come home to the mean streets at nite. Nice mix.
so how far do ya drive?
if things go as planned …. I may be hooking up with a FHb regular and working out of town on a semi-regular basis … about 3 hrs away.
I’ll drive anywhere the money is … farther if it’s nice clean/fun work!
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Replies
if things go my way with a bit of luck i won't be driving to work this winter as i'll be working in the antarctic!!! for 4/6 months.
but other than that it depends on the job. If i like the job i will travel further. but it depends. I have jobs 5 mlies down the road that take an hour to get to and i've just finished a job 20 miles away that takes 40 mins!!!
>i'll be working in the antarcticCan you elaborate?
i've applied for a job with the British Antarctic Survey working on the construction and maintenance of their research stations. its a 6 month contract and sounds like great fun.I sent the application today and now I've got to wait and see.http://www.antarctica.ac.uk/Employment/vacancies/job.php?id=330
Good for you. That'd be a memorable experience, I'm sure.
Your comments made me think back to one of my favorite FHB stories from a number of years back.
"I can't say I was ever lost, but I was bewildered once for three days."
Where's the picture? It says there's a picture.
jt8
It's better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. --Chinese proverb
Must have been uneventful 'cause it didn't get scanned back then.
"I can't say I was ever lost, but I was bewildered once for three days."
I drove an hour to work for 7 years when I worked in Columbus. When things were just starting I did a few jobs down there too. I could make more money there and never be out of work but don't like the drive or traffic. So we stay in our county most of the time. 80% of the time we are in the town (40k) I live in. Occasionaly we go to an adjoining county. I just would rather not drive. DanT
Most of my work lies within an hours drive...probably only averages 30 minutes.
I don't mind the driving and I use my time to think about the specifics of the jobs and to mentally clean off my mind's desk.
But what really makes me not want to drive is the $$ COST $$ of driving!
Gasoline at $2, used vehicles at $17K+, maintenance/repairs, and insurance!
So far most customers don't see it as appropriate for me to bill for my drive time, but for some services I'm able to get my truck mileage & gas covered.
Overhead....Ouch! Always out of pocket!
...............Iron Helix
Like you, I go where the money is. I've worked all over town. I've traveled 2hrs+ to jobs, but usually I would include hotel charges in the price. Sad thing is, driving 25 miles takes 1hr with traffic.
if things go as planned .... I may be hooking up with a FHb regular and working out of town on a semi-regular basis ... about 3 hrs away.
I'll drive anywhere the money is ... farther if it's nice clean/fun work!
Do you mean commute, or staying at the "3 hrs away" and driving home on weekends?
Sheeze, as a commute you're losing 6 hrs a day just driving. Probably $40 in gas a day.
jt8
It's better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. --Chinese proverb
stay there during the week ...
maybe make for 4 10's ... 3 days off.
drive home weekends.
I like to drive. Always have. At current gas prices ... and for bigger jobs ... take the van the first coupla days to stock up the job ...
then drive the Jeep daily. Jeep's cheaper ... and more fun to drive.
Thurs/Fri's can be a 2 to 3 hour drive "home" ... as I swing around the long way and pick the kid up at my Mom's. Not a big deal ... if for some reason I don't feel like making the drive ... an over nite stay for him is just one phone call away.
I really like the fact my drive takes me out of the city. I like living in the city ...
But it's nice to "get out" and drive thru the country side.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
A few years ago I was driving at least 1 to 1-1/2 hours for just about every job I did that year. I didn't really mind the driving, but I didn't like having to get up that extra hour early to get a full day in.
Recently I haven't had to drive more than about a 1/2 hour to any of my jobs, frequently much less.The problem around here is that it can take 30 minutes to go only 10-15 miles, especially during commuting hours.
we try to work 100 miles from office. but we will go farther. we got people in N.C, cuba, washington d.c. and regular in all the southern states. I spend most of my time in Gulfport Ms.
I live "on top" of one of the 2 main tunnels that run thru the city.
and tunnels and bridges slow everything down ... way down.
Takes me 15 minutes to get 3 miles from home ... and if I time it wrong ...
that 15 turned into an easy 30 minutes .. sitting .. and waiting ...
just to get up on the damp bridge deck.
probably why I don't mind the rest of the drive ... at least I'm moving!
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
I know what you mean about the "moving" part.
I kinda feel like if the traffic is stopped for more than 15 minutes, there better be some bodies on the road.
Traffic is usually stopped in Maryland because people have never seen someone change a flat tire!!
OK, you just hit on another pet pieve of mine- rubberneckers who slow down to see what ever is going on at the side of the road.
I wish I could carry a gun to thin the herd of idiots out there on the road.
But I don't have any road rage problems. No, not me.
Yeah in the country u spend time getting there but at least its not on a freeway.Last few years weve been lucky and averaging 30 min. but a lot of jobs are up on mts on 4wd roads so those last few miles can be ruff.Current job is up a road so steep concrete trucks can only haul 7 yrds without losing some.
Last year was sweet...6 month job at end of my 1/2m driveway.Nice but no tax mileage!
Today I drove just over an hour, but it was to finish the largest and one of the higher end kitchens I've worked on (28 cabinets). The drive was mostly up Hwy 61 along the Mississippi from Winona to Lake City, MN. This road has made top 10 senic drive lists for the entire U.S., so not a bad drive.
Gas prices have not been as rough on me as for some. I found a 3/4 ton work van that gets 20 mpg (2002 VW Eurovan).
I drive to Rochester to work for those Mayo Clinic Doctors too--also about an hour (that drive winds through Whitewater State Park, very nice). Plenty of driving, but not much traffic.
I used to say within 30 min. of home and did more grunt work and less finish work. I've finally decided it is worth the drive to do more interesting and better paying work.
"Gas prices have not been as rough on me as for some. I found a 3/4 ton work van that gets 20 mpg (2002 VW Eurovan)."I was skeptical but you did get my curiousity aroused when you said a eurovan was 3/4 ton. A quick google indicates 1584lb payload. Most 3/4 ton trucks I have known don't start to seem overloaded until you get past 3000 lbs.What is the heaviest load you have put in your eurovan?
or
Would put in your eurovan?My wife would love one but I suspect I would break it if I used it to work out of.Karl
I just returned from a 5 week job at Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas, setting up a base camp for some demo, and re-pointing work, I do the IT portion, email and cable television.Probably be back in a few weeks
I am amazed by the capacity (payload and volume), power and performance (ride) of my VW Eurovan. I've put 30 4x8 sheets of 1/2" drywall in it and it rides level (no noticable saggin' and draggin'). The 204 h.p. V6 is up to hauling full loads with plenty of power to spare. It has the payload and power of a full-size van in a "large mini van" (an oxymoron for Piffin--like "best 2nd tier tools") It has 16" wheels standard and huge brakes too.I keep all of my carpentry and remodeling tools in that VW (including table saw w/stand, SCMS w/ stand, saw horses, cart w/ corded power tools, compressor, 4 nail guns, lots of cordless tools and sundries). In about 30 min. I can have it unloaded and in another 30 min. vacuumed out and seats snap back in in 30 seconds. Then we load up for family trips. I have the weekender version where the back seats surround a table that folds up out of the wall. The family can sit around the table for a meal or card game, etc.I have heard that the year I have (2002) can have automatic transmission problems, but so far, I've had no issues with mine. Bought it with just 9000 miles and now have over 40,000 on it.It makes commuting almost fun.
Karl here is a link to a review of my "work van":http://www.wnep.com/global/story.asp?s=2591467It is a popular "work truck" in Europe.It is also rated to tow 4400 lbs.
Thanks for the link on your van. It sounds like an impressive package.With two kids in tow I do find myself severely limited with a pickup truck so I am sure a van will grow more appealing. As I put my toyota through such abuse and it always comes back for more, I find myself developing some brand loyalty to them. A big stumbling block for me even if I come to grips with switching to a van is, I would worry that repair costs could get a little steep with the newer volkswagen technology. Have you found this to be an issue?Karl
I've worked out of a few different rigs and my current setup is by far my favorite. I like it a lot better than the Dodge truck I was using. It is nice keeping all my tools and supplies out of the weather and secure. I don't miss climbing in and out of the back of a pickup and lifting compressors or table saws, etc. over the tailgate.Maintenance can be steep at the dealership and often other shops don't have a clue how to work on these engines. My van just passed 40,000 miles and the only maintenence so far has been routine fluids and filters, brakes and tires. The only expensive item so far has been the brake pads ($211 pads only, no labor). They have sensors in them to tell you when you are down to the last 10% of pad life (brake pad idiot light). There is a "Breaktime-like" forum for VW vans and I use the collective wisdom there to do some of my own work on the van:http://forums.vwvortex.com/zeroforum?id=33So far it has been the cheapest machine I have ever run. It has required only routine maintenance--no failures. I have found that I need to use OEM parts, the Fram oil filter I tried leaked. The imitation part seal didn't um, well--seal. Some joker on the VW forum towed a 7000lb load (skid loader & trailer) with his Eurovan. He said it was no problem. I think he's asking to blow a tranny or worse. Another supercharged one and claimed to go 175 mph (I wouldn't try that either). For regular work and family tasks it's outstanding though. Take a peek at eBay motors. Look for a 2002 or 2003. VW is switching over to a new van now that will really be amazing (turbo diesel), but may not be available 'til 2006. They are making some good stuff (the deisel Toureg SUV just won the Dakar).
Thanks for all the info on the eurovan. If my wife ever gives up on her landcruiser I will encourage her to try one out. You provide some good food for thought.karl
No problem. Glad you found it interesting. For most of the time that van was sold it was considered overpriced and underpowered, ironic that they finally pumped up the power by 60HP and dropped the price by 5K--sales jumped and then they dropped it.I would buy another van like mine in an instant. I might actually buy another just for family (and keep the work van all to myself ; >).Edit to add: I picked mine up from an insurance auction with "cosmetic storm damage." Saved about 15K or so (20K less than new but only used for 5 mos.). All it needed to pass inspection was a left front turn signal. It has minor dings on most panels and was totaled. Still looks pretty good and runs great.
Edited 6/5/2005 9:26 am ET by basswood
When I was in CO, it was commonplace to drive at least an hour. I lived in a small town that was withing 1-1/2 hours drive of half the ski boomlets in the state. When one dried up, the next one was just getting hot.
Seems like when I was in Florida, anything over twenty minutes was hitting the wall for most people.
Gotta figure something for driving time/commut5e cost. I have always been poaid time one way for travel. If the job can't handle that added cost, it ain't worth it for me. Most of my people here come out by ferry every day. I pay the ferry cost and time one way. I also pay the $5 reservation fee. It beats paying a crew for waiting in line an hour.
Welcome to the
Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
where ...
Excellence is its own reward!
I drove to Jersey for a lady that put me up and fed me. It was an 8 day job. Loved it.
I will drive if Ill be there long enough to make it worth it. I worked with a GC a while ago, and would drive over 2 hrs into the mountains then stay the week in a hotel on him, sometimes I gave him a break and stayed on the jobsite, as long as I could get a shower, during finish work the water was running.
If its local, home everyday, I dont think it would be worth going much more than an hour.
-zen
I drove to Columbus for a week and Hubcap made me build his whole deck by myself.
He beat me with a big stick ... forced me to drink large amounts of expensive beer ...
and tried to kill me by over feeding me home cooked meals each nite.
was almost more than I could take ...
after a coupla nites outside ... his dogs got used to my snoring and accepted me as one of their own. They don't care for him much either ...
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
When I was building pipeorgans, I spent 5 mos. in Mobile, 2 mos. in Chi-Town, and commuted to Philly and Princeton NJ for the other year, before I realized, I liked being at home more than working.
I avrg. an hr. a day each way about an hour and half max..but I am out in the sticks, and it is 1/2 hour to a redlight. Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
The Morphine s eems to do no good at all..I'd run all the way if I would not fall...
That's funny.
in the sticks it takes you a half hour to get "anywhere" ...
and in the city ...
it takes a half hour to "get out".
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Jeff,
For my own projects I try to avoid traveling very far. I can't think of any recent project longer than 1/2 hr drive one way.
When I am subbing cabinet installs I am generally within an hour's drive. But I have gone to Milwaukee (2 hrs away) a couple of times.
The farthest I have gone was to an island in Lake Michigan. 3 hours to the dock, and 35 min boat ride. Lived there for 3 weeks, coming home on weekends. That was shortly after getting married, but before kids.
I don't think being away that long now would go over so well. Nor would I want to be gone that much. the kids are only going to be young once. What does your wife think of the idea?
Another question; how is working 3 hours away going to build up reference and refferal work for Buck Construction? traveling to Milwaukee did nothing for the business. Working on the island hasn't given me any direct work, but it has impressed other clients.
Bowz
wife doesn't care one way or the other.
3 days a week the kid is in daycare ... the other two ... he's at my Moms.
and my Mom's is closer to her new job ... so instead of driving/dropping/picking up and repeating ... she(and the boy) stays at my folks some Wed's and almost every Thurs. Like tonight fer instance.
When we first met/got married/bought the house ... she worked for an airline.
She was on the road either a coupla days a week or a coupla weeks a month.
So ... the idea isn't anything new to us.
Might not build Buck Const per say ... then again .... if things "out there" steam rolled ... I'd not be opposed to doing it long term ... or even making a move.
Here ... there ... where ever the money is. Who cares.
aside from that ... I look at it as just scheduling another big job. I'm committed for X amount of time ... and when done ... I'll drive somewhere else.
I already work an hour from home ... so what's another hour or so?
Pittsburgh is a city of neighborhoods. Telling someone south in Washington PA that most of my work is north in Cranberry is pretty much the same as saying I also work in Columbus, OH. Someone in Wash ... an hour up Rt 79 ... would never imagine a reason to drive to Cranberry!
and you should see my neighbors when I tell them I work in both Wash and Cranberry! They think I'm nuts ... Current job is "way out" in Beaver PA ...
hell ... that's "past" the airport! You'd think I need a passport ...
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
hehehe..you said Beaver. Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
The Morphine s eems to do no good at all..I'd run all the way if I would not fall...
Couple of thoughts, Jeff.
wife doesn't care one way or the other
At least you aren't fighting that.
Might not build Buck Const per say
But it could be very valuable in the long run. I mean we can read on BT and in books how to run our businesses, and jobsites, but seeing it happen would be a good learning experience.
Pittsburgh is a city of neighborhoods
My area is also known as the "Fox Cities" because the Fox River runs through it. Oshkosh, Neenah, Menasha, Appleton, and a bunch of smaller towns, on up to Green Bay. Green Bay is about a strong hour from here. But I prefer to work just one area. I've gotten to know the inspectors, I pass my suppliers on the way into town, the plumber I use is 3rd generation plumber in the area, heck, I'm 4th and 5th generation in town.
Usually I can find something outside of the work to bond with people about. I wouldn't have that if I were working the whole area.
But hey, if you aren't stuck to an area, and the wife doesn't mind, and it could be a step up.............sounds like it would be worth thinking about.
Bowz
always keep the options open, I say.
the grass hasn't been greener yet ... but doesn't mean it never will be.
ya don't know until ya try ...
and ... a bunch of other old cliches!
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Mobile sucks, doesnt it.
MAn, I loved it. Late Aug to New Yrs. Shorts on Christmas day, great shrimp out on Dauphin Island, lotsa pretty wimmen.
Our definition of suck must be vastly different. Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
The Morphine s eems to do no good at all..I'd run all the way if I would not fall...
I was on daupin Island today. driving pile.
You guys scare me - is that the real world out there? I don't wanna go. For 18 years I've lived on a small island (was 6k is now 10k folks) and I'm thinking of leaving it. Max drive is 20 mins from the middle to the top or bottom - watch out for deer, hippies, and tourists. In the winter 1 vehicle in 5 is someone I know (we all drive looking out for each other, besides the deer, etc), and we'll often stop our trucks in the middle of some country road to chat. Why would I leave all this...?, Maybe I can be semi-retired, and perhaps so I don't have to drive to work!
The past few weeks I've been driving 50mi each way, 60-70 minutes in the morning, anywhere from 70 to 120 minutes (avg. 80) goin home.
Next week I'll be back in Brooklyn and it can be anywhere from 40 to 120 minutes to go 20 miles. Though, when the site is inhabited I leave my tools and take the train/subway 75 minutes but, I can relax and not worry about parking.
The awful thing is that beauty is mysterious as well as terrible. God and the devil are fighting there, and the battlefield is the heart of man.- Fyodor Dostoyevski
I try to stay within about a 12 block radius . I recently moved( first time in 20 years)----and I am still in the same 12 block radius !
a 10 minute drive is a long time, a half hour drive is about as far as I will go( maybe 1 or 2 jobs a year)
current project is about a 10-15 minute drive which is bad enough----but I will be there 2 freakin weeks---which is like punching a clock in a factory to me. I am planning to work saturdays just to "get it done" sooner.
last project was about 8 blocks away. one of the next projects will be about 5 houses away.
Stephen
I drive 3 miles to the shop. After that it can be four or five hours to the site. If it's more then an hour and a half and there's more then a days work we'll usually stay. But we work as late as we can when we're out of town. There's a lot of days where we'll drive four hours, work eight or more and then drive back home. It's all hiway miles so it's not too bad. When it's busy I average a thousand miles a week.
Shout out to Andy C. Namaste my friend.
http://www.hay98.com/
Jeff
I may be hooking up with a FHb regular and working out of town
I'm going to do some work for a FHB member myself. Gonna drive about 1100 miles one way for this little gig!
I don't think I'll commute daily though.
Doug
most of mt jobs are less than 10 minutes from my place driving that is, i usually drive my truck there and leave it then bike back and forth(bicycle that is) good exercise etc etc
but in a city of 75000 its easy
longest drive for a job?, about 5 hours driving did a job for a guy then he retired to his "cottage' and he wanted me to do his kitchen, so off i went, camper and all!!
caulking is not a piece of trim