Customer Watching Install.

Greg Di · 05-25-2008, 10:02 AM

I have one customer that always helps out. Not so much in the way, but will hold a board or whatever. It's somewhat annoying, but I've come to embrace it at this point. It's nice having an extra hand around because he doesn't talk to me, just holds stuff.

OTOH, I am looking at a deck job today that the guy mentioned on the phone that he will be there at all times when work is being done and that he is always around when work is being done his house (very mistrustful sounding), etc...Little does he know I filed those comments into my brain and he will get the PITA factor added in to his proposal.

I had another deck customer who was telling me during my estimate that he thought the nailing pattern on his old deck (the framing, not the deck) was sloppy and that this miter wasn't tight enough on some 20 year old exterior CCA, and that there were too many knots in the 4x4 painted railing posts. He then proceeded to tell me how I needed to frame the new deck, add reinforcement here and there (where it would do nothing), etc... I could only imagine the scrutiny and PITA he would be if I was doing the job. He mentioned that "the problem with contractors is that they charge too much and don't do good work". Okey dokey, then...35% PITA added to your proposal. Never got the job, but I'm glad I didn't! The poor slob that got his job based on price probably got his ass handed to him.

The more you get out there, the more your radar for this type of stuff gets tuned.

mdshunk · 05-25-2008, 10:08 AM

When it seems like a customer has some compelling need to "help" me, I put them to work just like they were my helper. If they're gonna be around anyhow, no sense in letting them guess what they can do and be in the road. I go ahead and give them some things to do so that they're actually helping and they're not in my way. "Busy work", more or less. There's a line you can't cross at some point, because people might get a wild idea that they're now entitled to a discount for all their help. This hasn't been an issue for me though. It's a pretty rare occasion anyhow that someone's in the way enough that I give them things to do, but just an idea to keep in the back of your mind.

**AtlanticWBConst** · 05-25-2008, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg Di

...I had another deck customer who was telling me during my estimate that he thought the nailing pattern on his old deck (the framing, not the deck) was sloppy and that this miter wasn't tight enough on some 20 year old exterior CCA, and that there were too many knots in the 4x4 painted railing posts. He then proceeded to tell me how I needed to frame the new deck, add reinforcement here and there (where it would do nothing), etc... I could only imagine the scrutiny and PITA he would be if I was doing the job. He mentioned that "the problem with contractors is that they charge too much and don't do good work". Okey dokey, then...35% PITA added to your proposal. Never got the job, but I'm glad I didn't! The poor slob that got his job based on price probably got his ass handed to him.

You read that right, priced it right, and viewed the loss of the potential job perfectly...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg Di

The more you get out there, the more your radar for this type of stuff gets tuned.

Yep, it's not just about the money, it's also about not wanting to get involved with a job that could be the worst experience in your career. So, keep that radar going.

(Not only do I agree with everything you posted, I have said the exact same points down to the "radar" thing....)

BreyerConstruct · 05-25-2008, 02:15 PM

Gene,

I didn't see him, but my brother noticed him at our home show. He didn't stop by, but is now in a wheelchair. I'd say his health is fading fast.

I honestly feel sorry for the guy, that's a terrible way to spend your life- as an engineering A-hole. (sorry, how else do you say it?

~Matt

Trimwerx · 05-25-2008, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdshunk

When it seems like a customer has some compelling need to "help" me, I put them to work just like they were my helper. If they're gonna be around anyhow, no sense in letting them guess what they can do and be in the road. I go ahead and give them some things to do so that they're actually helping and they're not in my way. "Busy work", more or less. There's a line you can't cross at some point, because people might get a wild idea that they're now entitled to a discount for all their help. This hasn't been an issue for me though. It's a pretty rare occasion anyhow that someone's in the way enough that I give them things to do, but just an idea to keep in the back of your mind.

Exactly. I like doing that because if they don't wanna do what i ask them to then they usually get the point and realize they're in the way. I've also taken to stopping work and talk to them with tools and junk all over the place. I've noticed that most people start to realize i'm not getting anything done and they go elsewhere so i'll get back to work.

Greg Di · 05-25-2008, 07:08 PM

I met the mistrustful guy today in person. Just as I thought I misread him on the phone and he was actually OK, he dropped the bomb.

I asked for his email address so I could email him a proposal for his job. "I don't give out my email address to just anybody" he says. My reply was "Yeah, I make most of my money selling prospective clients' email addresses to spammers." WTF?

His existing deck was in such disrepair, the staircase was impassable and there were 2' holes through the deck boards in multiple places. The original design was terrible if not dangerous. I told him I would have to add two more footings to catch a 4' cantilevered (on 2x6's!) stair landing. Of course he doesn't want to pull a permit for anything.

Of course, I don't know what I'm talking about either. "2x6's WAY MORE than enough for an 8' span on 16's".... he says. Okey Dokey, I guess upgrading to 2x8's might cost $60 extra over the job but what do I know...

I'm sitting here debating even opening Excel for this one.

Chris G · 05-25-2008, 07:27 PM

Part of me wants to say "go for it!" Of course, that's the part of me that likes watching train wrecks.

I really don't see this going well. If it's more than a week to do the job, that is too much time to spend in hell. If it's a few days...well, maybe a short trip to hell would fill you with a lifetime of good stories!

GregS · 05-25-2008, 09:36 PM

I have a camera install to do this coming weekend and the HO wants to help pull the wire because he thinks it will go faster.. I'm like sure no problem.. and made sure he understood that he was paying T&M.

jeffaah · 05-25-2008, 11:01 PM

OK...here we go

I spent the better part of a day pre-assembling door casings. 6 piece casing...3/4 poplar flat stock with pocket screwed butt joints and a mitered back band.

Each door and each casing was numbered for location.

I come in the next moring to see all the casing has been applied to the door frames

The HO told me he applied them to save me some time and to try to move the job along.

ARGGHHH.....

The reveal were all over the place and he used my compressor and gun!!!....2 1/2" 15g into the jamb. I was pissed

I had to carefully take them off and fix the reveals in his dime

Trimcat · 05-27-2008, 10:06 AM

One time I was building a deck and I was bent over nailing something and I felt hot air bursts on the back of my head like someone was literally breathing down my neck. So I looked up and sure enough........ a Llama was INCHES from my face just staring at me work. Haha. Funniest animal I've encountered. That thing stood there watching me intently for hours. Just staring and VERY close. It was just very curious I guess.

BrianG · 05-27-2008, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trimcat

One time I was building a deck and I was bent over nailing something and I felt hot air bursts on the back of my head like someone was literally breathing down my neck. So I looked up and sure enough........ a Llama was INCHES from my face just staring at me work. Haha. Funniest animal I've encountered. That thing stood there watching me intently for hours. Just staring and VERY close. It was just very curious I guess.

That's pretty wild... You're lucky though, llamas can be mean!

wizendwizard · 05-27-2008, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BattleRidge

"How old are you" "Is this correct, is that how its supposed to be?"
.

It's even worse when the HO ask these questions and they are younger than you!!!

nywoodwizard · 05-27-2008, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikec

Chill out. Some day you're gonna be the old guy with the cane.

Yup someday were all going to be the guy with the cane. Some guys have a bit of a problem being watched, maybe a complex, i don't know but, not me , i like an audience as long as there not directly under my feet they can watch and talk all day long if they like.

If the area is really small then you cordon off with some drop clothes or something.to give yourself a little more room, and state its for everyones safety, no big deal.
I enjoy the company and conversations of older folks. Like some said they may be bored, excited ,whatever .Cut em some slack and show some respect. Were only here on this earth for a short time ,enjoy it and others around you.

kevbo · 05-27-2008, 08:49 PM

Hi!

not2late · 05-27-2008, 09:28 PM

I get this quite a bit. Doesn't bother me. Generally older people. Never had a complainer or someone that has suggestions. Usually just interested in how the job proceeds. Don't stop working to talk with them-you can do two things at once.

As others pointed out, give them a job. Nothing hazardous. My favorite is getting them to open up all the cabinet knobs and pulls and cut them out of the bags they're packaged in. Or hauling the cardboard packaging out to my truck as I unpack the cabinets. Other people seem to like to sweep whenever there is something to sweep. Let them do it.

My experience has been that they just want to feel involved with the job. It can work to your advantage. Since they have seen the job come together there is usually no amount of questions or concerns at sign off time.

BACKWOODS · 05-28-2008, 04:45 PM

In my other life, Mainframe computer service and installation. Lot's of people watch their multimillion dollar system being put together, some help pull cables.When it is down, they take down every word said and have a timeline running for the entire outage. Then they say they are losing 200,000 a minute, when will it be fixed. Some guy watching me cut and nail is nothing

22rifle · 05-28-2008, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BACKWOODS

In my other life, Mainframe computer service and installation. Lot's of people watch their multimillion dollar system being put together, some help pull cables.When it is down, they take down every word said and have a timeline running for the entire outage. Then they say they are losing 200,000 a minute, when will it be fixed. Some guy watching me cut and nail is nothing

a little perspective never hurts does it?

Hardly Working · 06-14-2008, 02:39 PM

Recently had one that sat around all day watching us remod is lower family room. He didn't ask to much just watched. Best part was he would sweep up for us at break time and at lunch. So end of the day clean up was a breeze. He was a salesman and didn't know much about construction, he just wanted to watch and learn. $100.00 gift card at the end of the job, not to bad.

Best one was a POS project manager that didn't know enough. Just enough to make him dangerous. He kept asking the electrican if he knew what he was doing.

The electrican was the son of our regular electrical contractor he'd been pullin' wire since he was 10 years old (the guys 22 now). The PM kept asking him if he needed to call his dad to see if he was doing it right. So he would walk out side and call just say "Whats up pop" not to ask questions. Now when he's on a job for us I just blurt out "Do you need to call your dad about that"

Even if it's just to change out switches. We both laugh. The electrical sub told our company owner he would tack on an extra 10% just for hassel factor if he had that PM on a job he had to work on for us. That PM is down the road.

ChillaWatt · 06-17-2008, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BreyerConstruct

I don't have the pix on this computer, but several lessons were learned.

He was to provide the plans, I provided the materials & labor. I bid it based on how we would have built it... he designed it to sustain a bomb. We burned thru so much material, it was sick. Each area was to be perfect- to the 1/16, which is wicked hard to do with Trex, which varies in size slightly, and PT... which I won't even get into!

I took the job because I wanted a challenge, and I honestly believed my guys could do it. However, I didn't realize this gentleman's true personality, until after we had started, and it was too late to back out. Instead of being at work, he'd take off to be there, and he'd harass my guys while he was there. He'd be following them, or sitting in a lawn chair just out of reach... but he'd be chain smoking, and he smelled horribly. My guys would come back to the shop so pissed that they wouldn't talk- just got in their trucks & drove home!

Have you ever noticed that the PIA customers are the ones that get, and keep your cell number? He'd call me in the evenings when I was in an appt. threating to throw us off the job, sue, etc, because my guys had "totally F-ed up". so I'd drive over there trying to calm him down, and it'd be something like they hadn't added all of the blocking in one area yet, or they added some support he hadn't called for (a small section of this overbuilt monstrosity was floating), or the installed boards looked like wood, etc.

At the end, he was satisfied, it wasn't perfect, but it "would do". He paid, and even paid 1k extra, which was oh, about 1/3 of the change orders he had authorized (we kept a running log, but hadn't submitted costs as we went along- lesson learned!).
Oh, so my brother & I spent 1-2 hours touching up the last few things, working it over till he was happy, then John packed up the tools, and I sat down with the HO. He smoked, sweated, and swore at me for an hour, telling me how worthless we were, and how much better he was. Thankfully, I left without loosing my temper, and with the check. Unfortunately, from his smoke & BO, I had a soar throat for the next few days. I think my crew appreciated that I went to do the final punch list, and took all of the abuse.

If at all possible, we'll never work for an individual like that again!
It's not worth it, my guys are too important to me.

~Matt

What an epic story!! Don't know how long ago it happened, but to you it probably seems like yesterday. We all have those stories, I'm just glad it happens to other people too.

To the OP's point, I know how you feel when a home owner bird dogs you like that. Happens to me a lot, especially with all the remodel work I do. Probably 95% of the time the home owner and like occupants are just enthralled by your work. They really are. They wanna know what makes you so special in your craft. They had to go out and hire you to do this job, and they just wanna see you do your stuff. I see this a lot in the elderly too. And there comments like, "I used to be able to do...blah blah blah." I know it can be kinda nerve racking, especially during a snafu or if you just need a few quiet moments to think about something. I've had to go take an early lunch before because I didn't want the ho to see me thinking over a certain situation so deeply and asking me questions every minute. It throws you off.

You can always take that edge away by sparking up a conversation off topic. A photo on the wall, trophy, etc. That wouldn't work for Matt's situation though. An "engineer-ho" would see right through that and really twist you for it.

-Chilla

Cache · 06-18-2008, 03:32 PM

I agree that it is pretty annoying sometimes when clients are looking over your shoulder, and it used to drive me nuts. But, I've been on both sides of the situation and can now sympathize a little bit with the HO.

I try to run a very honest business and provide top quality work for prices that others charge for marginal work, but unfortunately that isn't the case with all of the contractors I've worked with. Many contractors have an amazing ability to make decisions to spend the HO's money without consultation. This is mostly because they don't understand the other trades very well, nor do they have the slightest clue on what prices are for various aspects of a build. They make a decision that doesn't affect their particular quote at all, and then a month later the HO has to shell out another $1000 to compensate for that decision.

During the build of my own home, every time that I assumed that I could just leave the sub to do his thing, executive decisions would be made that would cost me a bunch of money to fix or that would be an aesthetic nightmare. Conversely, every time I stuck around and worked from my laptop, stopping to check things out a couple times per hour, there would always be decisions that needed to be made which usually ended up in a significant savings somewhere along the line.

Now, when someone wants to watch over my shoulder, I simply ask them every so often if they have a question about anything I'm doing. Also, I will take a few minutes to explain any money saving procedures or techniques with them. They are usually really tickled by this, and if they weren't there watching me, then I wouldn't have been able to impress them. Impressing HO = increased business.

05-25-2008, 10:02 AM	#21
Greg Di View Profile Greg Di The Deck Guy Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (2,932) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity The Deck Guy Trade: Outdoor Design & Construction Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Bergen County, NJ Posts: 2,932	Re: Customer Watching Install. I have one customer that always helps out. Not so much in the way, but will hold a board or whatever. It's somewhat annoying, but I've come to embrace it at this point. It's nice having an extra hand around because he doesn't talk to me, just holds stuff. OTOH, I am looking at a deck job today that the guy mentioned on the phone that he will be there at all times when work is being done and that he is always around when work is being done his house (very mistrustful sounding), etc...Little does he know I filed those comments into my brain and he will get the PITA factor added in to his proposal. I had another deck customer who was telling me during my estimate that he thought the nailing pattern on his old deck (the framing, not the deck) was sloppy and that this miter wasn't tight enough on some 20 year old exterior CCA, and that there were too many knots in the 4x4 painted railing posts. He then proceeded to tell me how I needed to frame the new deck, add reinforcement here and there (where it would do nothing), etc... I could only imagine the scrutiny and PITA he would be if I was doing the job. He mentioned that "the problem with contractors is that they charge too much and don't do good work". Okey dokey, then...35% PITA added to your proposal. Never got the job, but I'm glad I didn't! The poor slob that got his job based on price probably got his ass handed to him. The more you get out there, the more your radar for this type of stuff gets tuned. __________________ Your source for: BergenDECKS.com ::: Decks • Porches • Railings • Pergolas in Bergen County New Jersey Remodeling and Home Improvements in Bergen County \| EPA Approved Lead-Safe Contractor Techno Metal Post ::: Residential, Commercial and Industrial Helical foundation piles Follow us on: Facebook \| Twitter \| YouTube

05-25-2008, 10:08 AM	#22
mdshunk View Profile mdshunk DGR,IABD Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (9,680) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity DGR,IABD Trade: Electrical; Commercial and Residential Service Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Central PA Posts: 9,680	Re: Customer Watching Install. When it seems like a customer has some compelling need to "help" me, I put them to work just like they were my helper. If they're gonna be around anyhow, no sense in letting them guess what they can do and be in the road. I go ahead and give them some things to do so that they're actually helping and they're not in my way. "Busy work", more or less. There's a line you can't cross at some point, because people might get a wild idea that they're now entitled to a discount for all their help. This hasn't been an issue for me though. It's a pretty rare occasion anyhow that someone's in the way enough that I give them things to do, but just an idea to keep in the back of your mind.

05-25-2008, 02:15 PM	#24
BreyerConstruct View Profile BreyerConstruct Workin' Hard & Havin' Fun Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (1,740) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Workin' Hard & Havin' Fun Trade: Deck Designer/Builder Join Date: May 2006 Location: Reading, PA Posts: 1,740	Re: Customer Watching Install. Gene, I didn't see him, but my brother noticed him at our home show. He didn't stop by, but is now in a wheelchair. I'd say his health is fading fast. I honestly feel sorry for the guy, that's a terrible way to spend your life- as an engineering A-hole. (sorry, how else do you say it? ~Matt __________________ Custom Deck Builder Deck Designer Lancaster Deck Builder Berks Deck Cleaning Breyer Construction & Landscape, LLC Facebook Page www.BreyerConstruction.com

05-25-2008, 07:08 PM	#26
Greg Di View Profile Greg Di The Deck Guy Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (2,932) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity The Deck Guy Trade: Outdoor Design & Construction Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Bergen County, NJ Posts: 2,932	Re: Customer Watching Install. I met the mistrustful guy today in person. Just as I thought I misread him on the phone and he was actually OK, he dropped the bomb. I asked for his email address so I could email him a proposal for his job. "I don't give out my email address to just anybody" he says. My reply was "Yeah, I make most of my money selling prospective clients' email addresses to spammers." WTF? His existing deck was in such disrepair, the staircase was impassable and there were 2' holes through the deck boards in multiple places. The original design was terrible if not dangerous. I told him I would have to add two more footings to catch a 4' cantilevered (on 2x6's!) stair landing. Of course he doesn't want to pull a permit for anything. Of course, I don't know what I'm talking about either. "2x6's WAY MORE than enough for an 8' span on 16's".... he says. Okey Dokey, I guess upgrading to 2x8's might cost $60 extra over the job but what do I know... I'm sitting here debating even opening Excel for this one. __________________ Your source for: BergenDECKS.com ::: Decks • Porches • Railings • Pergolas in Bergen County New Jersey Remodeling and Home Improvements in Bergen County \| EPA Approved Lead-Safe Contractor Techno Metal Post ::: Residential, Commercial and Industrial Helical foundation piles Follow us on: Facebook \| Twitter \| YouTube

05-25-2008, 07:27 PM	#27
Chris G View Profile Chris G Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (1,775) Photos (0) Reviews (1) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Porch and Deck Builder Join Date: May 2006 Location: Toronto Posts: 1,775	Re: Customer Watching Install. Part of me wants to say "go for it!" Of course, that's the part of me that likes watching train wrecks. I really don't see this going well. If it's more than a week to do the job, that is too much time to spend in hell. If it's a few days...well, maybe a short trip to hell would fill you with a lifetime of good stories! __________________ "Neek...Neek...yoo-a-moronna Neek. Getta-da-fookin-a-jacka-ham!" http://www.vicporch.ca Deck Fence Porch Builder Toronto

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05-25-2008, 09:36 PM	#28
GregS View Profile GregS Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (1,330) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Low Voltage Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Burlington, Ontario Posts: 1,330	Re: Customer Watching Install. I have a camera install to do this coming weekend and the HO wants to help pull the wire because he thinks it will go faster.. I'm like sure no problem.. and made sure he understood that he was paying T&M.

05-25-2008, 11:01 PM	#29
jeffaah View Profile jeffaah Uber-Member Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (323) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Uber-Member Trade: Carpenter...Deck Guy Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Essex, MA Posts: 323	Re: Customer Watching Install. OK...here we go I spent the better part of a day pre-assembling door casings. 6 piece casing...3/4 poplar flat stock with pocket screwed butt joints and a mitered back band. Each door and each casing was numbered for location. I come in the next moring to see all the casing has been applied to the door frames The HO told me he applied them to save me some time and to try to move the job along. ARGGHHH..... The reveal were all over the place and he used my compressor and gun!!!....2 1/2" 15g into the jamb. I was pissed I had to carefully take them off and fix the reveals in his dime

05-27-2008, 10:06 AM	#30
Trimcat View Profile Trimcat Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (168) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Trim contractor Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Mount Laurel, NJ Posts: 168	Re: Customer Watching Install. One time I was building a deck and I was bent over nailing something and I felt hot air bursts on the back of my head like someone was literally breathing down my neck. So I looked up and sure enough........ a Llama was INCHES from my face just staring at me work. Haha. Funniest animal I've encountered. That thing stood there watching me intently for hours. Just staring and VERY close. It was just very curious I guess.

05-27-2008, 08:49 PM	#34
kevbo View Profile kevbo One man show. Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (157) Photos (27) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity One man show. Trade: Finish Carpenter Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Orange county, CA Posts: 157	Re: Customer Watching Install. Hi! Last edited by kevbo; 01-05-2009 at 02:51 PM.

05-27-2008, 09:28 PM	#35
not2late View Profile not2late not2late Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (29) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity not2late Trade: kitchen remodeling Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Tempe Posts: 29	Re: Customer Watching Install. I get this quite a bit. Doesn't bother me. Generally older people. Never had a complainer or someone that has suggestions. Usually just interested in how the job proceeds. Don't stop working to talk with them-you can do two things at once. As others pointed out, give them a job. Nothing hazardous. My favorite is getting them to open up all the cabinet knobs and pulls and cut them out of the bags they're packaged in. Or hauling the cardboard packaging out to my truck as I unpack the cabinets. Other people seem to like to sweep whenever there is something to sweep. Let them do it. My experience has been that they just want to feel involved with the job. It can work to your advantage. Since they have seen the job come together there is usually no amount of questions or concerns at sign off time.

05-28-2008, 04:45 PM	#36
BACKWOODS View Profile BACKWOODS Steve Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (314) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Steve Trade: Remodeling and Custom Cabinets Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Shelby County Alabama Posts: 314	Re: Customer Watching Install. In my other life, Mainframe computer service and installation. Lot's of people watch their multimillion dollar system being put together, some help pull cables.When it is down, they take down every word said and have a timeline running for the entire outage. Then they say they are losing 200,000 a minute, when will it be fixed. Some guy watching me cut and nail is nothing

06-14-2008, 02:39 PM	#38
Hardly Working View Profile Hardly Working Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (630) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Carpenter Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Seattle,WA Posts: 630	Re: Customer Watching Install. Recently had one that sat around all day watching us remod is lower family room. He didn't ask to much just watched. Best part was he would sweep up for us at break time and at lunch. So end of the day clean up was a breeze. He was a salesman and didn't know much about construction, he just wanted to watch and learn. $100.00 gift card at the end of the job, not to bad. Best one was a POS project manager that didn't know enough. Just enough to make him dangerous. He kept asking the electrican if he knew what he was doing. The electrican was the son of our regular electrical contractor he'd been pullin' wire since he was 10 years old (the guys 22 now). The PM kept asking him if he needed to call his dad to see if he was doing it right. So he would walk out side and call just say "Whats up pop" not to ask questions. Now when he's on a job for us I just blurt out "Do you need to call your dad about that" Even if it's just to change out switches. We both laugh. The electrical sub told our company owner he would tack on an extra 10% just for hassel factor if he had that PM on a job he had to work on for us. That PM is down the road.

06-18-2008, 03:32 PM	#40
Cache View Profile Cache Youngster Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (453) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Youngster Trade: Builder / Consultant / Designer Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northern Utah Posts: 453	Re: Customer Watching Install. I agree that it is pretty annoying sometimes when clients are looking over your shoulder, and it used to drive me nuts. But, I've been on both sides of the situation and can now sympathize a little bit with the HO. I try to run a very honest business and provide top quality work for prices that others charge for marginal work, but unfortunately that isn't the case with all of the contractors I've worked with. Many contractors have an amazing ability to make decisions to spend the HO's money without consultation. This is mostly because they don't understand the other trades very well, nor do they have the slightest clue on what prices are for various aspects of a build. They make a decision that doesn't affect their particular quote at all, and then a month later the HO has to shell out another $1000 to compensate for that decision. During the build of my own home, every time that I assumed that I could just leave the sub to do his thing, executive decisions would be made that would cost me a bunch of money to fix or that would be an aesthetic nightmare. Conversely, every time I stuck around and worked from my laptop, stopping to check things out a couple times per hour, there would always be decisions that needed to be made which usually ended up in a significant savings somewhere along the line. Now, when someone wants to watch over my shoulder, I simply ask them every so often if they have a question about anything I'm doing. Also, I will take a few minutes to explain any money saving procedures or techniques with them. They are usually really tickled by this, and if they weren't there watching me, then I wouldn't have been able to impress them. Impressing HO = increased business.

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