Replies

1. 
   calvin | Jan 03, 2006 05:36am | #1

   Go to the business folder here.  Open up however far you can go down the list and start reading.  There's a boatload of info there that you can pick and choose to see what pertains to your situation.

   Insurance.  Potential for licensing.  Disability.  Cost of doing business v. charging so much an hour.  There's so much, no one person could answer.

   But above all, best of luck and use this board for all sorts of info.

   A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.

   Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

   Quittin' Time

    

2. 
   ponytl | Jan 03, 2006 05:56am | #2

   there is a real need.... so many people are busy and have this idea that time away from work is ment for fun... go figure

   plus think of all the old women that will fix you coffee & cakes and maybe offer other sweets...  i say go for it  if i was older i would :)

   p

1. 
   sarison | Jan 03, 2006 07:42am | #3

   The only problem you can  run into is getting yourself hooked into a job that may be too big for one man and then you're trapped until you're finished unless you price it right.  Been there, done that.

   Good luck,

   Dustin

3. 
   PaulBinCT | Jan 03, 2006 03:57pm | #4

   Just curious whther you've defined the type of carpentry you'll be doing?  Trying to be all things to all people is a sure way to fail (BTDT)...  as was suggested, reading the business folder here is like a crash MBA course.  Good luck!

   PaulB

1. 
   Sancho | Jan 03, 2006 06:18pm | #5

   I was going to mention that.

   To the orginal poster:

   it sounds like this might be something your thinking about doing for extra bucks for retirement.

   If that is so then;

   You might want to specialize. There are certain jobs that most (or a lot of carps) just wont do.

   It just isnt cost effective for them.

   Such as building a door for a ( "a" meaning one or 2 ) existing vanity and staining and finishing to match. 

   Most would rather replace the entire vanity.

   Building and installing custom vanitys. Most would rather buy one and or have one built then install it.

   Building and installing a valance for a window. Most carps would rather buy one then just install it. Most people wouldnt pay what the labor would be to build it.

   So if what i suspect is this is a retirement thing then ya there is plenty of work to be had. If your not trying to make a actual liveing doing it or supporting a family. Not charging for ins, licensing, ss/n taxes ect

   If you are then there is still plenty of work to be had but then you have to bone up on your business end andand add in ins,taxes, disability, health ins ect.

   but like others have said becareful on your bidding the job you want to make money. You do not want to get into a marathon job that will kill you on the labor hours. B/C you undr estimated the time and not to mention the materials...

   Anyway best of luck to you. Alot of guys here do that full time. Jeff Buck has been very successful at it. here is another guy who used to come here Steve merret who made the transition from c'puta guy to ft carp. So it can be done.

   Ya know I know another guy who all he does is advise. Some HO would buy say some knock down cabs and want to remodel there kitchen. So he would come in and show them how to demo the cabs, say demo one or just explain the prceedure ect..then leave, then  when they finished , They would call him and He would show then how to prep for install... they he'd leave, then They would call him again and he would show how to assemble the cabs, then leave, they would call him ffor install of the cabs and he would show them how to install....on and on.. anyway yyou get the picture....so there is alot of oppurrtunities out there for a guy with a great imagination.

   To bad Sonny aient here he's the bomb with this stuff.     

    

   Edited 1/3/2006 10:29 am by Sancho