My grandson worked for one of those home repair insurance companies. They sent him out to do jobs and try to sell upgrades rather than fix problems even when it was a simple fix. After a few months of meeting quotas etc he said to H with that. Went to work with his dad's company doing commercial plumbing. He's done with all his training as a Journeyman and has taken the tests etc to be a Master plumber...just building time is what he said. He works a lot of Union rate jobs. I can't believe his hourly rates. All 5 of the boys are Journeyman plumbers or close to finishing that phase. Gotta be proud of young'uns like that
Todays residential repairmen, Suck !!
- Thread starter Nevada Ed
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I was not related to anyone in the trades (Still not) I joined the Laborers union did lots of concrete work for a few years and then applied to the pipefitters union. Got in as a apprentice in 1970 and worked till I retired in 2002 on a good pension & health insurance.
len917
Member
To be a good "mechanic" as it's called in most of the trades, you should be able to diagnose a problem and have the experience of repairing it and using the correct tools. Otherwise use You Tube.
I just kicked Lowes off my property last week, and told them they can come back to get the fencing they didn't install. I know these stores use sub-contractors to do their work, but they could maybe find some that know which end of the hammer to use. Also, a Phillips screwdriver is NOT milk of magnesia with vodka in it.
I need a cartoon!
I need a cartoon!
I
I found out where the problem was.
The plumber had broken a wire and only had 1" to play with, to
splice in a longer section and used a "Screw on" plastic joiner, to do the job.
It must have been a poor fit, causing the thermo unit to "Pop".
Plus, why do electricians use "Short" wires to do their work!!
Even two other wires were of almost "Minimum lengths" to reach to their connection points,
with no "Extra" that could be on hand, just in case?
After reshaping and working with the wires, I finally got all six wires
onto the new thermostat, and turned back on the power, as the wife watched the heater, for sparks or smoke.
Luck was with me and it was "Humming" inside, so maybe hot water in an hour or so.
I though my worst fears were the Dentist..........
times have changed.
I find most electricians hate those who wire short. If it was to the reset above the elements it was factory. Too many factories run wire nearly tight as they can safe a fraction of a cent on 100 water heaters a day.
One of the reasons for an electrical box is to have a surplus of wire for a connection.
I worked as a sewer and drain cleaner in my teens, a diesel mechanic in my early 20's, a gas appliance service and meter specialist for 40 years and do most of my own work. I have been asked to hang a shingle out many times after helping a few friends but will never consider it. Too many checks bounce, too long of a wait for parts, too many other side jobs are wanting done.
In my career I watched furnaces go from being made to last as long as the house. [coal hot air furnaces], to gas lasting 40-50 years, down to the current 10-15 year and hope their might be parts available. Other appliances have suffered the same death rate. Most of it is in the "improvement" of efficiency and modernization.
We live in a time where most of us can buy food, shelter and have some left over. It seems like manufacturers want what is left over.
Have had the same heating and cooling man for the last 15 years and he is very good but he is also about my age [77] and is only doing work for long time customers. Not looking forward to when he gives it for good.
There is no app for home repairs. Guys that are good at it are hired by someone. Most handy man types don't have 50 years of experience fixing things. A life time of work has taught me how to do wiring, weld, frame, plumbing etc etc. But, if you work on your own the problem is, if your working your busy and not looking for more and answering the phone slows sown the job your on. Repair and remodel jobs very seldom take an exact amount of time. I tell you X amount and then find a bunch of dry rotted studs. If you hire someone to handle the phone and appointments, they have to have a real clue and they will want paid. Then there is the liability issue. People who expect you to make their sows ear into a silk purse for $50. People that don't pay, bounced checks.
You work on their patio roof and a year later the slab cracks and it is somehow your problem, ETC ETC. Why would I ever want to do that when a business would pay me good money and assume all the BS?
My step dad was a contractor and a hard working conscientious man. I worked for him while in school, home on leave, etc. I saw it all. One thing he said, that I will always remember is this ''When you give them your bid, if their eyes don't spin like pinwheels, you were too low, because 99% don't have a real clue as to what all is involved and the costs"
You work on their patio roof and a year later the slab cracks and it is somehow your problem, ETC ETC. Why would I ever want to do that when a business would pay me good money and assume all the BS?
My step dad was a contractor and a hard working conscientious man. I worked for him while in school, home on leave, etc. I saw it all. One thing he said, that I will always remember is this ''When you give them your bid, if their eyes don't spin like pinwheels, you were too low, because 99% don't have a real clue as to what all is involved and the costs"
Around here, with the hundreds of subdivisions going up, and builders needing anyone, they frankly don't need your business.
There aren't enough bodies, nonetheless skilled people, to keep up with demand. If you can breathe, you get hired.
There aren't enough bodies, nonetheless skilled people, to keep up with demand. If you can breathe, you get hired.
I worked as an army contractor for a company that makes helicopters for the services. The things I learned from the union guys in the first week were: They can make me come to work, but they can't make me work; and, never do anything on a Friday that cannot be pushed off until the weekend for double-time.
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We bought an older home in Salem, Va in 90s, discovered it only had 60 Amp service! Long time friend had big elevator company and an electrical license. He got the permit and I did all the wiring including installing a 200 Amp box. When I finished the inspector came out, removed panel box door and about fell out. I asked him what was wrong? He blurted out he had Never seen a wiring job as neatly wired as this. Got approved and never mentioned I had 25 years in machine tools. When a machine cost several million bucks Everything has to be perfect. nuf sed.
BLACKHAWKNJ
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First Rule of Home Repair-Take Your Time.
Full Disclosure-I am a contented renter.
A good way to learn home repair skills is volunteer with a local Habitat for Humanity affiliate. You will find what skills you need, how to set up and organize, learn about materials, tools, etc.
Full Disclosure-I am a contented renter.
A good way to learn home repair skills is volunteer with a local Habitat for Humanity affiliate. You will find what skills you need, how to set up and organize, learn about materials, tools, etc.
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Well it looks like I should have no problem finding work after January 1st.Boss is closing shop, carpenter remodeling contractor. We also do odd jobs for past clients. Some as simple as changing light bulbs! Ill need something to do otherwise Ill drive wife and myself crazy!
I feel your pain Ed.
As a locksmith I've run over 20,000 service calls to both commercial and residential locations. Sure I made mistakes but the company I worked for had a stellar reputation for high quality work at a fair price. Employees were expected to uphold that tradition.
Part of the problem these days are that people don't want to work or work in an honest trade. All of the trades are staffed with older people because of this. And some are retiring.
That doesn't leave much to choose from in perspective employees and quite often they're sent out with minimal training. This shouldn't happen but what can a business owner do?
In the locksmith industry, it takes 8-10 years to become a journeyman. That's a big investment for the company.
Having said all that, there is never an excuse for shoddy work.
As a locksmith I've run over 20,000 service calls to both commercial and residential locations. Sure I made mistakes but the company I worked for had a stellar reputation for high quality work at a fair price. Employees were expected to uphold that tradition.
Part of the problem these days are that people don't want to work or work in an honest trade. All of the trades are staffed with older people because of this. And some are retiring.
That doesn't leave much to choose from in perspective employees and quite often they're sent out with minimal training. This shouldn't happen but what can a business owner do?
In the locksmith industry, it takes 8-10 years to become a journeyman. That's a big investment for the company.
Having said all that, there is never an excuse for shoddy work.
BLACKHAWKNJ
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How many home repairs are necessary because Bubba watched some of the home repair TV programs, a few YouTube videos, decided "That looks easy !", "I can do that !" Then how many repair jobs are completed and the owner/whoever asks "Did you look at?". One AF aircraft mechanic said they heard that constantly-like repairmen are supposed to be omniscient, have X-ray vision, etc. Another AF mechanic said they have to mark their tool handles, etc., when somebody drops a wrench or socket in an engine and it has to be disassembled to get it out nobody can pull the "Who, me?" bit. How many plumbers get called in because people use their toilets as an all purpose garbage disposal unit ?
OP
As an Ironworker, I went to work on a job that I was sent to by the Business Agent.
If I did not work, I got fired and a check on the job site or the office; not a good thing when looking for your next job.
If we worked out of town, we wanted to be on the road, Friday, at noon, by "Stacking hours" on Monday~thursday, for an early out.
Saturday overtime was nice, but most of us would rather be free, to do our thing for the two days off, from work.
However Government work is a whole different, can of worms.
I have heard about those $500 toilet seats.
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I am a air conditioning and refrigeration contractor third generation company.Since 1963.
We have same day service and next day installs. If not, another contractor will beat you to it. Our trade is full of crooks, but good god almighty they will run you over to get there first.
As far as water heaters go. I had mine replaced same day as I called Lowes. I have always replaced them my self but getting older and not worth my time anymore. The guy replaced it in 1.5 hours. I called at 2 pm he was here at 7.30. I wish my techs would work those hours with out complaint.
Now don't get me started on home repairs. I am hearing 6 months or more for just about any home upgrade.
We have same day service and next day installs. If not, another contractor will beat you to it. Our trade is full of crooks, but good god almighty they will run you over to get there first.
As far as water heaters go. I had mine replaced same day as I called Lowes. I have always replaced them my self but getting older and not worth my time anymore. The guy replaced it in 1.5 hours. I called at 2 pm he was here at 7.30. I wish my techs would work those hours with out complaint.
Now don't get me started on home repairs. I am hearing 6 months or more for just about any home upgrade.
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SweetMK
Member
After high school, I got a 2 year Associates Degree in HVAC.
Then, because of the draft, I joined the US Navy, and the Navy spent most of 1971 teaching me to weld.
I had the GI Bill, so I then got an Engineering Degree.
I feel sorry for the family that can not fix a porch light,,
or build a picnic bench,,
My two daughters love when I start a project!!
Because I will deliver it to one of them!!
So far, I have found the only things that I can not repair are;
1) A broken heart,,
and
2) The crack of dawn,,,,,,,,,,,
Then, because of the draft, I joined the US Navy, and the Navy spent most of 1971 teaching me to weld.
I had the GI Bill, so I then got an Engineering Degree.
I feel sorry for the family that can not fix a porch light,,
or build a picnic bench,,
My two daughters love when I start a project!!
Because I will deliver it to one of them!!
So far, I have found the only things that I can not repair are;
1) A broken heart,,
and
2) The crack of dawn,,,,,,,,,,,
I had a plumber who charged me TWICE to do a substandard repair on a leaky toilet. They first time his guy screwed up a flange install. I'm not sure why it needed a flange, but I'm not a plumber.
His second guy "fixed" the first guy's screw up, but still didn't do it right.
I finally got a different guy to just repair the flange install properly and install a new toilet.
I won't even post how much the whole thing cost.
His second guy "fixed" the first guy's screw up, but still didn't do it right.
I finally got a different guy to just repair the flange install properly and install a new toilet.
I won't even post how much the whole thing cost.
Chubbo
Member
"Today's residential repairmen Suck!!"
"Today's residential repair men suck!!" I ran an electrical service truck for several years, and feel qualified to comment on this statement. A major portion of my repairs, were repairs needed to correct problems, created by brilliant, jack -of -all -trades, do-it-your-self, mechanics.
Chubbo
"Today's residential repair men suck!!" I ran an electrical service truck for several years, and feel qualified to comment on this statement. A major portion of my repairs, were repairs needed to correct problems, created by brilliant, jack -of -all -trades, do-it-your-self, mechanics.
Chubbo
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