No wonder I'm out of work in Charlotte guy's...

[Spike!]

I just walked next door to my home where they basically just built a new home on an existing foundation. It's a 4 bed 3 bath with cathedral ceilings in great room, kitchen and master. Open floor plan, blah blah blah.

I was approached by the new home owners with their builder 2 weeks ago to bid on trimming out the interior. Hang all doors, 1x4 T&G on cathedrals, extension jambs on all windows with stool/apron, Wainscot in the mudroom and great room, crown all around, and more...

During conversation the builder asked about how long it might take me. I said knowing what I know so far and without drawings in hand 3-4 weeks. He said and I quote..."I better go with the guy I've used before, he can do it in 2 days"...end quote.

In 26 years of fine trim and furniture making I just witnessed without reservation the WORST trim work quality in my career.

So in closing I guess I may never see work in this city again other than what my good friend Kreg throws my way.

God bless my neighbors, they'll need it.

[David Meiland]

No way that's two days' work. Did he charge two days' pay for it? Do the owners know they got sh!t?

[Spike!]

Hi Dave,
They started last Friday mid day and worked Saturday, yesterday and packed up and left 3 hours ago, thats when I walked over and looked around. There were 5 guys and I wouldn't have given them $20 for all their tools and trucks combined.

I doubt the owners care, that's been my experience with most of the customers in the Charlotte area. I'd rather not work at all then work for someone that does not appreciate craftsmanship and pride in work, tools and appearance.

[JohnCR]

Another example of the whole trade going downhill. So disappointing.

[Spike!]

Another example of the whole trade going downhill. So disappointing.

Very very sad. No more craft, tradition, pride or passing down one's trade. I shouldn't say "no more" but it's almost non existent.

[Spike!]

I'll see if I can grab a few pics of the work

[David Meiland]

So, did they charge less than you would have? Was it strictly about turnaround time?

[philthegreek]

Spike,
You're not alone, trust me, and in isn't just Charlotte.I just lost a deck dry-under job for people that have a 10K square foot mansion. The deck is 1000 sf they want all AZEK beadboard for the patio ceiling, recessed lights, reset the french door in its' opening cuz the original contractor set it below the slates, add crown under the deck, custom make the gutter system because they don't want to notice it and restructure the deck because the original builder spanned 16' with 2x10's. The deck is 19'x54'.

Attached are shots of the house. They complained that $29K was way too much for the job. I don't know what's gotten into people, you're not alone.

Oh, I forgot one thing, it has to be completed by 6/24 because she is having a shindig 6/26. The deck drainage system alone takes 3 weeks to come in and it has to go up first after the restructure.


phil

[philthegreek]

Allan, is that about a 10K sf home? or more? Your eye should be able to tell ;-)

phil

[Spike!]

So, did they charge less than you would have? Was it strictly about turnaround time?

I was all about time and money David. I never even gave them a price when the GC said he better use the guy he used in the past because they could do it in 2 days I high tailed it. Not going to set my festool and Lie-Nielsen up for that one.

[whiskytangofoxtrot]

Personally, I blame it all on IKEA :)

[Spike!]

Personally, I blame it all on IKEA :)

I'm with you...Ironically Ikea opened in Charlotte about a year or so ago.

[BThomas]

5 guys X 3 1/2 days = 18 work days (+ -)
Basically the same time it would take you.
Every builder is in a rush to close.

[GaryJR]

Most builders just want it done quick and for the best price. Working for builders will never make you money. Only those doing the quality builds will pay you real money and you can give them your best.

[Andrew R.]

I have a large workload, it's a tough choice to not use larger crews . There are plenty of hacks but there are plenty of good subs too.