Hey Gang,
My aunt and cousin have a house together at Seabrook Beach, NH. They are looking to add a partial or full second story in the fall/winter of this year if possible. Probably three bedrooms and a second bath. I’ve hooked them up with my architect and they are proceeding with drawings. They now need to begin looking for a contractor to handle the project.
It’s just out of my range and I can’t justify marking the job up for travel because it’s family. Also not sure I want to do it anyway…..because it’s family! Good folks, and the money is there.
Anyone interested can email me or just post here as I’m always checking in. I promise I won’t drive you too crazy by snooping around on weekends!
Replies
A little bump for the weekend browsers....... any takers or am I gonna have to drive an hour and a half each way for about six months? Then find a new place to go to for Thanksgiving!
Roar!
I don't understand why people don't want to work for/with friends or family. Doesn't that imply something about your expectations of the business relationship? I like working for friends; they have similar values, there's mutual respect and trust - or else we wouldn't be friends.
Family could be a little different, but only if you don't share values and respect with the particular family member. And if that's the case, it doesn't have anything to do with them being family, you don't want to work for/with that person anyway, do you?
I've heard that old axiom all my life about not doing business with friends and family. It just never rang true.
Hey Jim,
I agree that it seems to make good sense in theory. However it has been my experience that logic and family don't always mix well. I think that family often times expect a little more out of you.....more than should be expected. Things like phone calls at any given hour, a discount in one form or another, or special treatment in any of the many odd things that can come up during a major renovation. It can just get real awkward.....fast.
My family wants a swing set built? I'll be there on a weekend, no charge. Replace a storm door..... I'll be there at my convenience.... no charge. Wanna build a shed? Sure, let's make a cookout out of it and we'll do it together on a coupla weekends. You can have my discount at my suppliers, you can have my experience, we can use my tools. No sweat. You want a major remodel of your home? Here's some good leads.....let me know if I can help.
Maybe I just am nervous cuz I've got a brand new start-up company. Maybe if I were in a better position to absorb some of the family matters financially to keep the peace I wouldn't have such cold feet. But I'm not, and am not going to pretend that I am.
I don't want to hear about the delaminating cheasy vanity you HAD to choose while I'm choking on my Thanksgiving turkey. Or listen to how expensive my plumber is while I'm unwrapping Christmas gifts. I already know how expensive my plumber is!
Different strokes for different folks I guess.
uhh ....
...because friends and family generally tend to be major pains in the a$$?
Plus ... like most first time addition-ers ... they think 2x's are free ... and a helper is happy with $10/hr ... because I wrote the check out to "cash" ......
JeffBuck Construction, llc Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
Sorry Jeff but it's 15 and gotta be green in the hand;o)
see ... we're already trying to low ball ya!
JeffBuck Construction, llc Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
Dieselpig,
Email or phone me please, I like to plan ahead. Some friends and I are planning work for the fall... We're a bit footloose right now and willing to go where the work is ( One living in OOB Maine, others around the Casco Bay). I got out of Bangor, and I'm looking for any project, anywhere, to get me through the winter. Phone is 207-807-7595, email [email protected].
Thanks,
gerard
Thanks Caribou.
I'll get back to you when I have more info. Are you and your friends a legit outfit? Or just a bunch of guys getting through the winter? She's gonna need this to be all above the table, warranty, fixed price contract, the whole nine yards. On the "up and up" you know?
My own computer has got the Sasser virus right now. I'm typing from the town library but I'll get back to you when I'm up and running again.
Thanks, Brian
Dieselpig,
Not a legit outfit, "just a bunch of guys getting through the winter". On the other hand, that involves business bank accounts, liability insurance etc... Perhaps "An anarchy of legit guys who often work together" is the best description. It's a difficult question to answer because, in the state of Maine, we have no contractor's licensing, so no matter how good we are and businesslike we try to be, are we ever truly legit? Email back to me/ post a reply when you can. I'm also on a public computer right now, so my replies will be infrequent.
Thanks for responding,
Gerard