Replies

1. 
   Dan-O | Feb 11, 2002 07:27pm | #1

   *
   Hi Chris,

   What is your favorite aspect of the business? Do you prefer to work outdoors or inside? What are your strengths and weaknesses with respect to your current abilities? Do you have a mentor? What about a business plan and startup costs?

   There's alot to think about. The funny part about this business is that its hard to fake it. Stay with what you're comfortable with at first. When you have good results in a particlar area begin branching out from there. Enjoy the work. It will show. And don't cut your own throat. Learn the wage bracket. And charge.

   Check out FH business books. They're quite informative.

   Good luck, have fun, be careful..if ya can't be careful..name it after me! Dan-O

1. 
   bobl_ | Feb 11, 2002 07:54pm | #2

   *spend some time here going over a lot of the threads, and don't forget the archives. there's a lot of info here.

1. 
   Schelling_McKinley | Feb 12, 2002 03:02pm | #3

   *Put aside two-thirds of what you make until you have six months income in the bank. This will take you quite a while as you will have to dip into this to pay for expenses that you don't know that you have. Plus taxes.Always remember that if you are not having fun, something is wrong. Good luck.

1. 
   Chris_Oldam | Feb 15, 2002 12:48am | #4

   *How much is too much to charge in the residential home repair market? As a skilled carpenter (self employed one man show) taking on many of the small projects that larger contractor can't take-on profitably, I don't want to leave money on the table. So, is $450, $500, or more for high quality pushing too far?

1. 
   Chris_Oldam | Feb 15, 2002 12:51am | #5

   *That's $450, $500, or more per day.

2. 
   Michael_Rimoldi | Feb 15, 2002 04:58am | #6

   *Chris,This is just me talking (the naysayer, deafeatest, self-abuser of the board) but if you can make $450-500 PER DAY, I'll move to your location and work for YOU!But seriously, I don't want to burst your bubble or discourage you but I think thats a high estimate to expect just starting out. Some of the other guys here probably make that but after 10 years, I'm not.Mike

3. 
   Terry_Smiley | Feb 15, 2002 05:51pm | #7

   *ChrisI'm curious. Please explain the service you can provide, being a green journeyman carpenter, that you feel is worth these prices. I always felt that any formal education just taught you how to learn your chose profession. Learning the profession takes years of hard won experience. I hope your right about your prices, but like Mr Rimoldi, after 30 years in the trades, and 20 years of self employment, I have a different view of the financials.Don't be discouraged by this, anything is possible.i Don't let anyone set your standards. To me this is the single most important idea to take into self employment.Good luck,Terry

4. 
   Jason_DD_ | Feb 15, 2002 08:20pm | #8

   *Terry"any formal education just taught you how to learn your chose profession"I have never heard it stated this way, which I like very much. Truth, clarity, simplicity. Thanks for the insight.Jason (someone with probably too much formal education)

5. 
   Al_Coddington | Feb 18, 2002 03:09am | #9

   *I suggest you read the excellent book on the subject of contracting written by David Gerstel and published by Taunton. I have been a contractor for 20 years and I still find it valuable to re-read this book. Regarding how much money to expect to make, that depends a lot on where you are. You will probably find that you can't charge a whole lot until you have developed a track record of success with your projects. And remember it's all about the CUSTOMERS---making them happy is the only way to succeed in this business.