Replies

1. 
   Bowz | May 24, 2007 04:12pm | #1

   My wife has it.  When we built our house we took a number of things into consideration, but I am not a new home builder so I have never built for a client.

   A few years ago I posted a question and got some good responses. I don't know how to link to it, but the title is "Chemically Sensitive Client" and the thread number is 42452.1

   there are some other rescources, but I'll have to rummage around to find them, and I gotta get to a job today. 

   Bowz

1. 
   collarandhames | May 25, 2007 12:35am | #4

   Bowz,  Thanks for the response.  I was just throwing it out to the wind to see if anyone was listening!  Sorry to hear about your wife!  Hope she's getting some good air!Its a horse thing!

2. 
   MtnBoy | May 24, 2007 08:31pm | #2

   I'm designing one for me right now. I have MCS related to asthma, that developed while working with various finishes in a woodshop years ago.

   Do you have a specific question? Didn't understand what you need.

1. 
   collarandhames | May 25, 2007 12:33am | #3

   B.J.  I didn't have a specific question at the moment.  Just seeing who out there is working with what  and where.  I've been in contact with a top researcher at CMHC- Canadian Mortgage and Housing, who have several publications, and I've read tons of Dr. Ziem's stuff, and viewed Tad Taylors website, and more.  What are you builidng?

    Its a horse thing!

1. 
   MtnBoy | May 25, 2007 01:53am | #5

   Just a home for myself. Working with a local architect who used to be on the Board of Human Action Ecology League's Atlanta chapter. She got business from their membership (MCS people) and knows how to specify.Do you have "Healthy Construction Guidelines For Frame Constructed Homes" from http://www.healthyhomedesigns.com? It's a real help because it has all the specs by CSI Division.You might already have all you need. American Lung Assn's "Health House" program has the most stringent indoor air quality requirements of any of the certifying organizations. But they're no where near what a MCS sufferer needs. It's all so individual. Good to know Tad Taylor's still working. Paula Baker-Laporte is the architect out west (was Calif; now Ariz. I think) who probably started the movement. If you don't have her book "Prescriptions for a Healthy House", get it from amazon; it explains why to use what.

1. 
   collarandhames | May 25, 2007 04:17am | #6

   Great!  I've got Paula's book (i think) in my collection.  Nice to know there's a forum here to bounce ideas around.  I'm done hopefully tomorrow at my clients house. (Don't know if I stated before, but I don't have M.C.S., but am a careful carpenter, and am finding a niche)

    Its a horse thing!

1. 
   MtnBoy | May 25, 2007 11:52am | #7

   Good for you and good for the people who need your help. In terms of your market, don't know if asthma is a big problem up there, but I live in the asthma capital of the entire U.S., so there's a huge, underserved market among asthmatics here. Especially kids. (Symptoms are mostly breathing problems, but a lot of people with MCS have those too. Building approach is still the same, asthma or MCS) If you can tap into that market here, you're set for life!

2. 
   collarandhames | May 26, 2007 06:16am | #8

   Like I say after a late night researching, or preparing samples, on my time,

   "all part of the job!" 

     I'm trying to set myself up into a niche.  Homeowners don't know how to handle subs, don't know about details.  I'm friends with a air quality/mould guy.  I try to take him out for lunch a couple of times a year.  Very, Very exhausting niche however.  The other day, after a weekend full of cell phone calls from a very exhausted client, I hit monday morning running on my feet.  A mad dash to the caulking cabinet, and a poor grab.  I caulked an exterior window flashing with the wrong tube.  I grabbed Tremco 830, instead of Tremflex 834.  They look the same, with same fonts and similar numbers.  Anyway, the caulking I applied at 3:00pm got removed by me for free at 8:30-10:30.  I ended up giving them the day, but I costed them much more that that, since the VOC was Xylene, and they had clothes in the basement, which are still being washed. 

   Apart from being on occasion,, human.  I do a consciencous job, and am getting a reasonable hourly rate.  My only complaint is that in trade school, they set you up to be a journeyman carpenter, but don't tell you how to run a buisness.  I'm hoping to implement Gerstels' book this summer.Its a horse thing!

3. 
   MtnBoy | May 26, 2007 01:02pm | #9

   All the trades/professional schools are lacking in the "how to run a business" thing. I used to work in hospitals and the young docs I knew there were all going to seminars and bringing in consultants to teach them how to survive in running their practice. Some of the older ones I know now have given up and just hired these new management companies who run their business and pay them a wage plus a percentage. So, it's the same everywhere.A niche is a great thing, though. I still think you'll eventually need to broaden yours beyond MCS. But you ought to get great referrals from happy customers because it's near impossible to get anybody to work that conscientiously. Best of luck!

4. 
   collarandhames | Jun 06, 2007 07:17am | #10

   I'm already broad!  HUH?  I'm a licenced general carpenter.  Done some strawbale, very good at reno's.  Keeping busy for sure!  Thanks for the response!Its a horse thing!