Starting finish/trim/built-in carpentry business and would appreciate any positive feedback on the common pitfalls to be concerned with, tools to start with and best resource for how to estimate work.
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The easy answer is..........
all the tools you can get your hands on. You'll certainly need more than finish tools (mitrebox, compressor, guns (15,18, 23 ga), hand tools, clamps, sanders, drill drivers, planes (power and hand), table saws-portable and more portable, ................man, that's barely scratching the surface.
And the truck (van or cap or trailer) to put it in.
Insurance.
A business course.
A bankroll to keep you going.
A wife with health insurance.
and the list goes on..................
The very best resource to estimate work is your own experience. There are books and programs (names escape me-only used them in commercial-didn't trust them in residential)
Referrals or a damn good way to get known.
And a better economy.
And a lot of time.
And a haircut. That's what they told me in '72. Didn't do it. Might have made a difference. Heck, grey would be better, they think you know what you're talking about.
Best of luck.
Grey hair works!
Heck, grey would be better, they think you know what you're talking about.
The secret to my success.
Terry
If you were like me.......
you had to wait damn almost 25 yrs b/4 it was grey. One would hope you'd have a handle on the simple stuff by that time.
Rez Fest?
not that far.
Not like you.......
I was significantly going grey before I turned 30 - all the fault of my mother's side.
Or maybe I can blame it on raising my son - now that was a trip!
Rez Fest is tempting, but not likely.
Nothing I like better then talking shop.
Terry
No RezFest for you?
I guess you mid michiganders can only cross one state line b/4 it's a major trip.
If that didn't include crossing the border, you'd be good on that one state line.
You'll be missed.
But hey, maybe Tim could be there in spirit. Would he happen to have a scribe laying around. The giveaway table is in need.
Compass/scribe
Cal,
Tim doesn't have one made up right now, but he said he will try to get one ready in time.
Actually, Tim is the worst one about traveling. He tried to claim he couln't go to Riverfest because he didn't have a passport to cross state lines.
All it took was for me to pay his way.
Terry
pay his way?
I see, as long as it was "work" related.
Well, if Tim can do it and you can get it here or there in time-that would be most cool!
Whatever transpires..................
Golly, what a beautiful day!
new finish biz
So you want to start a trade in this sort of economy? Good for you. I hope it works. I have a question or two out of my own interest and background;
1) What have you been doing to transition into this? Is this an area you have been working in, but for someone else, or have you been doing this on your own but in bits and pieces?
2) If you are asking about tools, what is your experience? Bidding/pricing jobs in this area can be a challenge. Do you have work lined up? Is there a learning curve here? Do you have relatives already in the trades?
3) Will you keep at it even when it seems like nothing is around the corner? I've had some of the greatest work come my way when I thought I was never going get another call!
4) comment: don't commit more capital than you can afford. That may inhibit your tool acquisition, but it will kill you if you obligate yourself with too much debt.
Beyond that...best of luck to you. Keep us posted as to how the biz gets up and running.