Moving To New Orleans

Originally Posted by Bodger

I'm live and work in So Cal, don't know much about the N.O. market except that it was overrun by illegal Mexican laborers and hack scam-artist contractors for a while. I don't know if that's changed or not.

Originally Posted by jeffk

Hey guys I am thinking about moving & relocating my general contracting business to New Orleans. I am from Northern California so obviously I do not know diddely when it comes to the different trade hourly rates. Obviously that makes it difficult for me have any idea on what to bid different projects for. Anybody out there that may be able to enlighten me on what I might expect when it comes to hiring and wage payment costs in the New Orleans area?

Thanks, jeffk

Originally Posted by Cole

MMM, New Orleans food!!!

Originally Posted by gallerytungsten

"South of the border" day labor: $100 a day and up
Next higher laborer: $150/day.
Good framing carpenter: $20-30 hour
Licensed Master Plumber: $60-$85 hour
Fancy-ass pro mason: $1,000/day, discount to $850 for cash
Electrician: $30-$50/hr

Originally Posted by Bodger

Yeah...BURRITOS!

Originally Posted by jeffk

Hi GalleryTungsten and thanks for the information. Would you mind if I pick your brain for additional information? The fact that you are in New Orleans would be a big help to me in emlightening me on what the conditions are like at this point regarding the Katrina and other hurrican damage. I really no nothing about the situation there and would like to get some insight from you if you don't mind. Let me know, otherwise I won't bother you again.

Thanks again, jeffk

Originally Posted by gallerytungsten

Now I will give you a tip on how you can succeed, despite everything I mentioned above. Namely, show up every time when you make an appointment; return calls; hustle. There are so many "slackers" here, it's unbelievable.

"Oh, I couldn't make it...I decided to go fishing." You'll hear lame excuses like that all the time. The smaller selection of good contractors seem to be booked up most of the time.

Originally Posted by gallerytungsten

A lot of the Katrina damage that will be repaired has been repaired. Meaning, those with money, insurance, or a fortunate Road Home settlement have spent the bulk of it.

Note that I say the damage that "will be repaired." There's plenty of damaged properties still out there. However, these are either abandoned, sold to the Road Home program, waiting to be torn down, or the owners ran out of money, or are doing it themselves.

If you are looking to do a lot of Katrina repair, it's a little too late. But there's plenty of upgrading and general renovation going on. Coming from California, you may find quite an adjustment, in terms of pricing, culture, etc. You're coming from a money area to the third world.

Now I will give you a tip on how you can succeed, despite everything I mentioned above. Namely, show up every time when you make an appointment; return calls; hustle. There are so many "slackers" here, it's unbelievable.

"Oh, I couldn't make it...I decided to go fishing." You'll hear lame excuses like that all the time. The smaller selection of good contractors seem to be booked up most of the time.

Originally Posted by gallerytungsten

Architecture without a license!

Lately?
Framing systems
flashing detail
historic renovation
balconies
glass block
pipe layout

etc.

and several other areas.

Originally Posted by gallerytungsten

hi Jeff, google my username and contact me by email to discuss.