New Construction Vs. Remodeling in Austin (condo, home builder, contractors)

[Jerksticks]

What's the construction scene like in Austin? I've heard people mention new condo highrises; basically are there big projects going on? Is remodeling starting to become more attractive like the rest of the country?

I'm a carpenter in Chicago and I'm heading down there on Monday to visit a friend for a week. I'm going to spend the next couple days setting up interviews for carpentry work, so I can visit and also check out the scene. 2 bird, one stoning it kinda thing.

Are there unions in Austin for downtown construction? How does the whole "trades" sector go about operating? I'd like to come live with ya'll for a while, but I need to know what's up with my skill-set, ya know?

College grad/carpenter/contractor kinda guy.

Thanks in advance for any kind information.

JSticks

[austin-steve]

There are no unions that I know of. There are a lot of cheap carpenters, most immigrants nowadays on all the framing crews I've seen. Most of the remodelers I know are staying steady, but slower than before, competing for fewer jobs. New construction is very slow.

I think this topic was covered in depth a year or so ago, but for a painter from the NE thinking he could make the same amount here in Austin as union pay up north. Ain't gonna happen. We have affordable housing because the labor is cheap and plentiful, so you have to be in a custom niche or high end, which is slow right now.

But I'd be interested to hear how your interviews go and what kind of pay is being offered.

Steve

[Trainwreck20]

We had our carpet replaced with tile in part of our house a few months ago, and the crew remarked how the remodeling side of their work had picked up even as the new construction slacked. That, of course, is completely circumstancial info, I don't have any real data.

[edubya]

index

See link. I know nothing about it, but perhaps this group could give you some guidance.

Remember, "right to work" doesn't mean unions are illegal. It's just that no one can require you to join one for a particular job.

[CATXTransplant]

I just had a conversation with a friend who is a custom home builder about this very topic. Seems he's doing a lot more remodeling jobs than custom homes. He used to try to stay away from these jobs, but now he is going after it as business is slow and spec homes are sitting on the market.

[BentBow]

It is fast becoming one of those jobs Americans don't want to do, if you get my drift. Expect minimum wage.

The only way your going to make it, is by bidding and doing your own work. But without the reputation and your name out there, your going to be stuck, working for someone else as a minimum wage subcontractor. Mislabeling of employees as subcontractors, is very common and accepted here, even though it is illegal to do, but there is no one to police this practice. That is how illegal immigrants get work, with contractors preying on that aspect and the lack of business skills.