Do Exterior Repairs?

observed

Greetings. I am new to the forum, and have come here because I find myself doing things I haven't done in years, and need some brush-up, reminding, and insight.

I have painted homes & barns for years, off and on, when I was in school, teaching school, and between business adventures. If I wasn't painting at such times, I also had my own landscaping business. I won't pretend I know all the 'tricks of the trade', but I am a very detailed painter. I try to estimate my work at fair market value, even in the face of family, so as to not undercut local markets. I try to never compete on price, but quality and relationship.

I find myself in a position I was never in before in which I have a retired couple who has asked me to give them an estimate on painting their home. In reviewing their home, it is evident to me that there is repair work needed on some clapboard (pressboard), door frame molding, bottom of garage doors, and exterior deck. Much of the repair I am fairly confident I can handle easily. Some...mmmm...not so easy. They've asked me to consider repairing the issue areas.

In the past, homeowners have scheduled these repairs before even talking to me, so I've never worried about them, but this is a retired couple who is coming out of a grief shadow with a daughter who died after years of care, and I am sensitive to how many people I bring into their environment. I feel comfortable with everything but the door molding.

How do you guys approach repairs? Do you do them, or estimate them and sub them? What makes sense to you?

Any insights gratefully received!

genecarp

welcome to the site, if you are comfortable doing the repairs, DO THEM, if not, tell them to call you when they are done, or handle it for them by finding a carpenter to handle it. 3 choices for you to consider.

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BMAN

I would price the repairs for them and do the ones you can and bring in someone you know to do the other one. Have them come in under the radar and if they do ask then just say that this is the person who does your carpentry for you. Don't make a big deal of it, if you do then they will.

plazaman

either ok, its good to include carpentry in your services though. more often than not, something needs to be changed, boards, siding, sills, etc.. if you can do these minor repairs, you are more likely to get the job, or even if you have to bring in a carpenter friend, work something out. you never want to be in a position that you would lose a job because of a few pieces of wood.

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Westchester Remodeling Contractor
Hartsdale Remodeling Contractor
Ardsley Remodeling Contractor

observed

Thank you for the input. You've each affirmed what I sort of felt, but wasn't so comfortable simply because I am not in an area where I know the trades groups anymore.

I was figuring on the work for the clapboard and deck, and I figured pressboard panels on garage door wouldn't be that difficult. I would like to have a carpenter come and talk to them about the door though. I feel uneasy about painting rotting wood, even when HO says do it. One just never knows what has already occurred behind the decay, and I hate for retired folks to see their home have more serious issues.

And I really like the concept of 'lose a job because of a few pieces of wood.'

And thank you for the welcome!

MakDeco

I agree totally why lose a job over a few repairs...

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MAK Deco