Handymen speak now or forever hold your peace!

[Silvertree]

We have some quality guys in the Handyman business on RC. Capable, professional and they contribute a lot to this forum.

I think RC should have a professional Handyman catagory.

In the basement below the boardroom:grin:

Just kidding about the last thing.

What do you all think? Isn't it time they get equal billing for a job well done?

[naptownCr]

once upon a time in a land far away I worked for a handyman dvision of a very large remodeling contractor. We considered ourselves professional and strived to be so.

Although I always hated the term "handyman" and would avoid it's use whenever possible, there is a niche for this service. What needs to be done is to bring the term up into the profeessional status and not the guy in the old pick up with the dog in back who doesn't show up when promised etc

[tomstruble]

i agree i know some great legal handymen

[Carport King]

So Paul you let the Fez Head get to you huh? Sure the guy writes a nice ad and answers a few post with some what of intelligent responses and right away you want to give him his own "Handyman" heading.

I mean can the "Marketing" header get any lower on the page? Come on show some respect to your elders!

If you you think he's worthy of his own heading and can teach us old dogs something new then he has my vote!

[naptownCr]

So Paul you let the Fez Head get to you huh? Sure the guy writes a nice ad and answers a few post with some what of intelligent responses and right away you want to give him his own "Handyman" heading.

I mean can the "Marketing" header get any lower on the page? Come on show some respect to your elders!

If you you think he's worthy of his own heading and can teach us old dogs something new then he has my vote!

IMHO the handyman business is the most difficult to administer and run sucessfully and garners the least respect of the trades. Keep in mind that this is a niche market a jack of all trades sort of thing. OK and king of none. I'll give you that.

But in the handy man's defense they do a lot of things the larger more specialized contractors will not do.

OH and the most important thing

By starting or running a handyman division you will increase your client base thereby increasing your chances for future work.

[Darwin]

yes, Silver, I recommended it. I would love to be a part of it.

And I will give pro advice, not the stuff I got banned for over at the other place.

Humbly and Respectfully yours,
:surrender:AA Handyman: EXPOSED:sad:I'm just a HANDY kind of guy!






just kidding....Darwin

[Silvertree]

So Paul you let the Fez Head get to you huh? Sure the guy writes a nice ad and answers a few post with some what of intelligent responses and right away you want to give him his own "Handyman" heading.

I mean can the "Marketing" header get any lower on the page? Come on show some respect to your elders!

If you you think he's worthy of his own heading and can teach us old dogs something new then he has my vote!

I'll let the Fez handle this one. You gotta admit he willingly shares what he knows. Although I do worry about his taste in clothes:grin:

[fez-head]

We don't need a special category. Any Handyman worth his salt will be lurking in every single trade category on the forum listening and learning. That is what we do.


“A man can do all things if he will"
Leon Battista Alberti 1404–1472 Renaissance






.

[Dusty]

I think it is a good idea. There are good handymen and they deserve to be noticed.

They really get ragged on over at CT and that bothers me. Usually the ones who do the ragging are masters of a specific trade and probably couldn't set a toilet or install a simple window. Although the casing would be beautiful.

[fez-head]

I think it is a good idea. There are good handymen and they deserve to be noticed.

They really get ragged on over at CT and that bothers me. Usually the ones who do the ragging are masters of a specific trade and probably couldn't set a toilet or install a simple window. Although the casing would be beautiful.


I remember this thread very well http://www.contractortalk.com/f16/handyman-vs-contractor-18736/

[Workaholic]

I voted C
It really does not matter to me one way or the other. It will just be another sub forum to read through.

[AndyGump]

I think it is a good idea to have a forum here for the HandyMan business.
In a forum such as this with all the pros we have available, the HandyMan out there can get some really good info here that just might save an HO property from disaster. Nothing wrong with that and a good HandyMan could just be a nice mechanism for referrals for work that he can not legally or morally do.

Andy.

[Allrounder]

By starting or running a handyman division you will increase your client base thereby increasing your chances for future work.

DING DING DING DING DING
TELL HIM WHAT HE'S WON, CHARLIE!!!

I started out as a solo handyman and although I've morphed the biz into larger projects, this is why we still do handyman work. Gets the foot in the door for some "real" work down the line. Some of our biggest jobs were landed this way.

I'm all for giving some respect to the legit handypeople out there :grin:

[Eieio]

It is one of the most effective forms of advertising you can do and you get paid to do it. We meet 100-200 new clients that way every year

[fez-head]

It is one of the most effective forms of advertising you can do and you get paid to do it. We meet 100-200 new clients that way every year

And you're getting PAID to advertise :2thumbsup:

We will be starting our largest project to date within the next couple of weeks. $22,000 of maintenance and repair for a franchise restaurant that we have been servicing for years.

Many clients prefer to start you out with small projects $200-$300 so they can try your company on for size. Next thing you know you are building a $17,000 custom deck. (this just happened to us)

[fez-head]

And you're getting PAID to advertise :2thumbsup:

We will be starting our largest project to date within the next couple of weeks. $22,000 of maintenance and repair for a franchise restaurant that we have been servicing for years.

Many clients prefer to start you out with small projects $200-$300 so they can try your company on for size. Next thing you know you are building a $17,000 custom deck. (this just happened to us)


Well we are starting the big $22,000 "Handyman" job today. I put my guys up in a nice hotel since it an hour away and i didn't want to pay windshield time on 3 guys plus fuel everday.

Whats the story with the professional Handyman catagory? A "service company" catagory that included HVAC and Plumbing service work (not new construction) would work as well but probably would not get noticed as much.

[WarnerConstInc.]

I want to be handy-capable too!

[fez-head]

I want to be handy-capable too!


Well here you go then http://www.handycapable.org/ and if you want to go karting http://www.myvalleynews.com/story.php?story_id=27127

[Leo G]

I want to be handy-capable too!

Not gonna happen in your lifetime :laugh3:

[singerconst]

I agree..
Jump in and figure it out... Find who is doing it well and copy them... or find who is doing ir badly and do it better...

[singerconst]

We don't need a special category. Any Handyman worth his salt will be lurking in every single trade category on the forum listening and learning. That is what we do.


“A man can do all things if he will"
Leon Battista Alberti 1404–1472 Renaissance






.
I agree..
Jump in and figure it out... Find who is doing it well and copy them... or find who is doing ir badly and do it better...

[nEighter]

define handyman. I think we all are actually that.

[Blue]

define handyman. I think we all are actually that.

it's similar to the screw/bolt debate LOL

[fez-head]

define handyman. I think we all are actually that.

A handyperson (a handyman or handywoman) is a person competent in a variety of trade skills, repair, and maintenance work. The term often describes someone who is paid for the application of these skills around the home. Tasks for which a handyperson may be employed range from minor to major, and may include such jobs as painting, drywall repair, remodeling, minor plumbing work, minor electrical work, and furniture assembly.

Some jurisdictions require handypeople to be licensed and/or insured. For safety reasons, some jurisdictions disallow handypeople from performing plumbing, electrical wiring, or gas-fitting services without being licensed in the applicable trade (though they can generally undertake minor plumbing work, such as replacing taps, connecting up new sinks, fixing dripping taps, or installing new washing machines).

In many parts of the world, there are professional handyperson companies that will perform small home or commercial projects. Such companies can often claim the benefit of being properly insured and licensed (where applicable) and can provide scheduling and customer service functions for their staff of handypeople. These companies employ handypeople either as full-time, direct employees, or as sub-contractors.

[Leo G]

No a screw cannot receive a nut while a bolt can. Just because they are used intercahngably doesn't make it correct.

[fez-head]

I would really like to see some facilities maintenance threads on here which also fall into the Handyman category IMHO.

Not real sure what PMI targets but Randy Austin focused on large condo complexes in his "past life", I like franchise restaurants and chain stores but am going after the smaller office buildings and DR.'s parks as well. Brian has done well in REO Property Preservation.

[fez-head]

Here is a link for Professional Retail Store Maintenance Magazine Online for anyone that is interested in commercial maintenance and repair.

Dear Reader,

We are pleased to announce the November/December 2009 digital edition of Professional Retail Store Maintenance (http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/naylor/PRSS0609/#/0)is now available! With the same great editorial content you've seen in print, the digital edition also has interactive features only found online.

Feature articles from this issue include:

2010 PRSM Buyer's Guide

Oh, Canada! Facilities Maintenance in the Great North

Water Conservation... Walmart Style

We hope you enjoy this benefit and we would love to hear your feedback.
Also, remember to add noreply@naylorcampaign10.com to your safe-sender list so you may receive future notifications.

Causby Challacombe
PRSM Marketing and Communications Manager

[DavidC]

I don't think it's specifically needed and I wouldn't object if it starts up. Handymen do get rough handling @ CT but I think they know they are welcome here. Most remodelers are handymen anyway.

Our current job started with a call to resize an indoor window shutter because the original contractor didn't know how. Now he's out and we're in on a nice fix and finish job. The size of the job has nearly doubled since we started.

Pretty handy that we took that call.

In reality though, the "new posts" button overrides all categories. Now if you could put one at the bottom of the page so I wouldn't have to scroll all the way back up.....

Good Luck (not intended for Tulsa)
Dave

[fez-head]

I don't think it's specifically needed and I wouldn't object if it starts up. Handymen do get rough handling @ CT but I think they know they are welcome here. Most remodelers are handymen anyway.

Our current job started with a call to resize an indoor window shutter because the original contractor didn't know how. Now he's out and we're in on a nice fix and finish job. The size of the job has nearly doubled since we started.

Pretty handy that we took that call.

In reality though, the "new posts" button overrides all categories. Now if you could put one at the bottom of the page so I wouldn't have to scroll all the way back up.....

Good Luck (not intended for Tulsa)
Dave

I have learned that most of the Ball Busters over there are trying to over compensate for something they are lacking. Otherwise they would try to help a brother (or sister) contractor up instead of beating them down.

Your right, the the "new posts" button and the recently discovered "Todays Posts" button get all of my attention unless I'm bored and search out threads that I have subscribed to.

Best of Luck,
Jesse

[Eieio]

I don't think it's specifically needed and I wouldn't object if it starts up. Handymen do get rough handling @ CT but I think they know they are welcome here. Most remodelers are handymen anyway.

Our current job started with a call to resize an indoor window shutter because the original contractor didn't know how. Now he's out and we're in on a nice fix and finish job. The size of the job has nearly doubled since we started.

Pretty handy that we took that call.

In reality though, the "new posts" button overrides all categories. Now if you could put one at the bottom of the page so I wouldn't have to scroll all the way back up.....

Good Luck (not intended for Tulsa)
Dave

When you get to the bottom of the page.. There is a button in the right hand corner that says top.. Click on that and watch the magic :rolleyes3:

[naptownCr]

I have learned that most of the Ball Busters over there are trying to over compensate for something they are lacking. Otherwise they would try to help a brother (or sister) contractor up instead of beating them down.

Your right, the the "new posts" button and the recently discovered "Todays Posts" button get all of my attention unless I'm bored and search out threads that I have subscribed to.

Best of Luck,
Jesse

Where resides praytell this today's posts button of which you speak

[fez-head]

Top right under Quick Links. :)

[Eieio]

Where resides praytell this today's posts button of which you speak

Go up top right hand corner under notifications and click on quick links

[fez-head]

hkYiWpVOpSs

[DavidC]

When you get to the bottom of the page.. There is a button in the right hand corner that says top.. Click on that and watch the magic :rolleyes3:

Wow.

Thanks and...

Good Luck
Dave

[daArch]

I have learned that most of the Ball Busters over there are trying to over compensate for something they are lacking. Otherwise they would try to help a brother (or sister) contractor up instead of beating them down.

That's just a fact of life everywhere. Insecure folks are always trying to climb the mountain of bodies they have cut down to appear to be head and shoulders above the crowd. I think it's called the Napoleon Complex. I find it less on forums where the intelligence, knowledge, and skill is higher.

Was just talking to a GC today about philosophies on the jobsite. We (all trades people on the site) are there for the client, to work with and help each other for the best possible job. I think I'll enjoy working with him.

Your right, the the "new posts" button and the recently discovered "Todays Posts" button get all of my attention unless I'm bored and search out threads that I have subscribed to.



The "today's post" button is the only one I use on all vBulletin forums. I wish it were just after the last post also. Another option you could do, is go to your control panel and switch the order of posts, so the newest one appears on top. That way, after you are finished with the newest post, you don't got to scroll too far. :2thumbsup:


and being a noob, my vote don't weigh too much. But it couldn't hurt to have a handy man section. Heck, we ALL cross-trade at some time. And being home owners, who isn't a HM after the bell?

[JumboJack]

Can MZ be the mod?:grin:

[fez-head]

Can MZ be the mod?:grin:



Well sure :rolleyes3:

1254

[TulsaRemodeler]

Being a handyman is no easy gig if you do excellent work and aspire to master a lot of trades.

[randyaustin]

Don't Knock the Handyman

In 1996 I started a Professional Handyman Company, as the sole employee. I worked hard and long to build the company, and I was able to sell it for a handsome price in 2004. This has afforded me to follow my passion for the last 5 years of software development and travel without requiring another source of income, yet.
A Handyman Business, if done properly, can be just as rewarding and profitable as any contracting business, if not more.
How about "HandymanCrazy" we deserve our own site! :)

[fez-head]

This flys in the face of everything that I have been told about selling a construction business........ Was it the maintenance contracts that made your business worth so much or the real property and equipment? I would really like to branch into condo maintenance (I believe you mentioned that before)

PMI isn't sharing much that isn't software related so would you consider giving us the lowdown on your past services and systems? What worked, what failed, how you made contacts, etc... You and he appear to be the most successful Handymen among us that I can tell.

Thanks

[randyaustin]

Absolutely, I will put something together... maybe a new thread. I will be happy to share ALL the mistakes I made. :)

[fez-head]

Thanks Buddy :2thumbsup:

[fez-head]

Absolutely, I will put something together... maybe a new thread. I will be happy to share ALL the mistakes I made. :)

Put it in the Thunderdome please. :idea:

[Century Man]

Who was the handyman on CT that had a thread about a fish pond? They tore him up. Very disrespectful. I felt sorry for him in the way he was treated and unfortunately he took it personally and got a 2 minute minor and maybe even a 5 minute major.