Go On My Own Or Work For Someone Else? ... A Loaded Question.

fathersonfab

OK, I know that's a loaded question and I have seen you guys shoot down newbies with all kinds of sarcasm. SO before I go on, let me explain I have been in business for myself before, yes it's hard and I made allot of mistakes. I am also familiar and comfortable with most of the trades, so I don't have a question about skills or estimating.

My question is about the contracting side of being a contractor. Pulling permits, submitting plans, scheduling work flow, calling for inspections, scheduling subs, doing checks on subs for references and insurance, filling out reports, dealing with DOSH and OSHA.. the list goes on. It seems daunting and I've never done any of it before.

Is this stuff that just comes with time? Is it pretty easy to pick up, or should I consider working for a construction firm for a year or so?

I have a friend that could probably get me a job with his company doing commercial remodels. What's your advice?

dirt diggler

I think what you're talking about is more along the lines of the project management - even adminstrative area. Or maybe I have a different definition of the "contracting" side of things.

anything with red tape around it can be frustrating. Not only frustrating - but potentially dangerous.

Be absolutely certain of all your jurisdiction requirements when it comes to pulling permits. You never know when one jurisdiction may require something like a survey of the property - and hold you to it. Suddenly - one "snafu" becomes a $8,000 problem ... and chances are if you didn't know about it - it's not in your estimate, right?

So know the requirements. If you're unsure - it may not be worth having that contract signed until you are sure.

The people you'll deal with (pulling permits) are the most UNHAPPIEST people in the world. I truly believe that is an actual job requirement - that they have to be just nasty. Once in awhile, you get some nice ones.

if their not unhappy - their lazy. And if their not lazy - they simply DO NOT CARE. And they've got you by the balls ... because you need to get a permit so you can work.


Do not let those people run you over. Threaten them with customer service response surveys if you have to. They're generally just as weak as they are unhappy.

all in all - yeah, it's "daunting" as you put it. And can be more than just frustrating. Dealing with inspectors ... once you get used to a particular jurisdiction, it's not so bad. It's the places where you haven't worked that is more stressful. Again, half these guys barely feel like getting out of the truck. I've had them pull up and hand me a PASS ticket - never getting out of the truck.

Tom M

Dirt I used to feel the same way about these inspectors. Fatherson fab if your going to do alterations and additions or even renovations you will have to deal with the whole "process" of these jobs. In my area we use the UCC to administrate the IBC code. In this book of "regs" it decides who and when something gets inspected and how things that dont apply to my area geographicaly in the code are altered. I took classes to learn these things and I still dont know everything. Just when you think you have down you work in another town and the zoning dept which is different modifies the other rules your used to. Most of the guys in that class were looking for a way out cause they were fed up. Mostly good skilled honest people tired of competeing against fly by nighters. I heard the stories form inspectors how people want to build anything they want any way they want with know real knowledge. They had to correct architects who design incorrectly on occassion and contractors who dont want to listen or learn cause they have been doing it for years that way even if it was wrong. It was a worthy class. I learned some invaluable things I should have long ago. I have a little more respect to the inspectors and encourage anyone to learn the process if your going to do this for a living. How else do you learn these things failing an inspection.

kevjob

Most inspectors I deal with are reasonable people, that being said try to do something behind their back the big red sticker goes over the permit.

__________________
Kevin
Basement Finishing Highlands Ranch Colorado
Littleton Colorado, Basement Remodeling
Kitchen Remodeling Denver

fathersonfab

So are you saying I should just go for it and that this stuff just comes with experience?

POOLMANinCT

inspector issues...... every now & then a newly hired inspector will be a pain in the dick. since I really don't travel to far, 20 min tops for jobs.... I know who I need to know & just get them on their cells.

be friendly & personable,
people will part seas for you. I never start with "wtf on 123 main st!!!!!"

just " hey joe, this is ray. how's (insert kids wife fishing whatever.) how can WE get 123 mains st off OUR boards this week?"

note WE & OUR....people
enjoy guidance, & having their problems solved.

__________________
......Less with the jaw & More with the paw.....

Tom M

I would just be as best perpared as I can be. I was stubborn and knowing how to do many things doesnt mean you can just figure the rest out as you go. I think it used to be like that but like these other threads say there are too many people smart and stupid dabbling in this field of work. Even if your real good with people, smart with business and skilled you can be killed in the expenses. Picking it up as you go is riskier than it once was and now isnt exactly the best time to plan on being busy with work. In my opinion. Good luck if you do it will test your last nerve.

bonny scotland

there is nothing more satisfying than starting your own business but do you really want to go the general contractor route, unless you have quality guys behind you who you know and trust to leave you a high quality finished job then in my opinion forget it . Speaking from experience I have came across many subs who are nice to your face but wouldn't think twice about back stabbing you to steal the next contract from under your nose. And do you really want to be burdened with vast chunks of legislation.
If you've got a trade I would concentrate on that, bringing in good guys and going on to be the best single trade contractor in town. But thats just me voicing my opinion. Should you go down GC route best of luck and don't let th Ba#tar#s get you down .