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New Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 6/16/2008 11:33:53 PM
Posts: 1,
Visits: 6
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| Hello, my name is Jamie Helmick, owner of Helmick Construction LLC. I have been in the construction & remodeling industry for 16 years now, and I am looking to fine tune my operation this coming year. Cost is always an issue (esp. since diesel just hit $3.89/gal.) So, I was wondering of anyone has discovered any valuable methods for saving time or materials in their areas of expertise. I am looking forward to utilizing this forum. Jamie Barnesville, Ohio
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New Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 6/30/2010 2:08:01 PM
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| Is there any way you can narrow your request to a specific area, or better, a specific problem within a job function?
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New Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 8/27/2010 6:13:01 AM
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| Hi Jamie I have one sugggestion. At leat this is what I have been doing, if you advertise do you have free estimates in your add if you do? get rid of it. I would say about 75% of people callers are just tire kicking in other words they are just shopping. I go do estimates but I also tell them, I charge $30.00 to do this service. My time and gas are worth at least that with gas prices $3.50 a gal. I might have to drive 15 miles one way. Then I take the $30 off when I get the contract.
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New Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 12/23/2008 8:46:08 AM
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ive been doingremodling for 14 years myself, alot of drywall work,and if your looking for the best way of saving traveling time back and forth after hanging drywall and finishing it the best method ive found is i always use 60 min durabond for my taping and in some cases my 1st coat ( anything less will harden too fast i.e. 45 , 30, minute ) this will allow at least 1 to 2 trips less for mudding ive been able to save time and money this way 
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New Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 8/5/2010 5:24:38 PM
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| With 27 years as a licensed contractor specializing in residential remodeling, I have stopped being "after dinner entertainment" and we don't give free estimates. Our company is a member of NARI and NKBA and has one CR and two CKBRs. Our Designers provide a SWAG at the time of the interview (held between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM M-F) for free but if the potential client wants a formal estimate (not a bid) they pay a minimum of $350 as an estimate formal estimate taylored to the specific type of project takes from 4 hours on up. Bids are only presented on a contract and only prepared from a complete set of plans and specifications. We find that those who are truly interested in having their project done by a professional are willing to jump through these small hoops. Scott Nulton CR, CKBR
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New Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 8/27/2010 7:12:57 PM
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| Jamie you asked how you could offset the high gas prices, what I have done in the past when the gas prices were $4.00 plus a gallon, everyone in my area was in the same position about the high gas prices, so what I.ve done is to tell the clients upfront that they will have to pay a additional $20.00 fuel charge and it seems to work for me and never had a question about it. I;ve been doing remodeling and major additions for the last 20 plus years and luckally never had to advertise, and have a long list of repeat clients plus referrals which keeps me going, One thing I stress keep in touch with the people you do business with --it works
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New Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 3/23/2010 5:27:54 PM
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If its cost you are trying to save, depending on the area you live in, if you are in a smaller town its hard to charge for quotes, you can charge for bids that are detailed. But overall, planing out your job, making sure that all stages are ready to go on time and workers are not standing around waiting for materials that have not been added into the earlier equation. Really overall, make sure you know what material should be used and stay away from making costly mistakes, measure twice cut once when unsure. Also drinking your morning coffee will sharpen you up dramatically ! If you have a good accountant they can save you a lot of money come tax season. good luck with everything!
Been a leader in the construction trade in Prince Rupert, B.C. for over 25 years.
http://www.jandjsanpal.com
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