Plumbing trade in CDA (Sandpoint: contractor, salary, vs.)

[Gottothinkpositive]

So what’s plumbing like in CDA my husband and i have a plumbing business, a one man operation here in Cali
His customers love him and always busy with repair work. He is from Germany so knows about freezing pipes. Just wonder if we could make it there starting a plumbing business.

[Cnynrat]

I can't speak to the CDA area, but further north around Sandpoint it always seems to me that there are not enough options in the skilled trades - plumbers, electricians, etc.

We had an issue with dropping water pressure last year, and when I called one of the larger plumbing companies in town they told me it would be about 3 weeks until they could get to our place. We did end up finding a guy who get get out in a day or two, but it took a few calls to find him.

A few months later we were in the middle of a kitchen remodel, and the kitchen contractor was using that first plumbing company for the sink and dishwasher installation. I related my story about the 3 week lead time to the plumber who was doing the work and he confirmed that even for emergency situations they are usually booking appointments 2-3 weeks out.

Dave

[Shaner]

There are not enough skilled tradesmen, period. He would do very well if he came here. I went through 3 plumbers during my remodel and ended up youtubing and doing it myself because noone would show up or be on time.

[Gottothinkpositive]

Good know thanks

[Sandpointian]

Good trades people always do well here as word gets around.

Many on the outside looking in want that big guaranteed minimum wage or salary from their previous city. No chance. But the trades guys I know are all busy and do well.

[Gottothinkpositive]

Originally Posted by Sandpointian

Good trades people always do well here as word gets around.

Many on the outside looking in want that big guaranteed minimum wage or salary from their previous city. No chance. But the trades guys I know are all busy and do well.

Well definitely wouldn’t want minimum wage, working for your self making a lot more with 20 years experience minimum wage would be horrible

[Sandpointian]

whoops. I was typing before I had my coffee!!scratch "minimum."

I recall a conversation I had with a young man, mid 20s, from Western Washington. He really wanted to get on with either SP police or fire dept but was put off by the lower salary vs. way the bigger city of Seattle. I think there is a tendency for many to think their experience-based salary will simply translate to over to the North Idaho economy. It does not. He should expect a drop in pay commensurate with the area. I think that would be for any trade.

What he can also expect is that if his skills and worth ethic are excellent, he will have no problem getting his business up and running. Once his name gets around and his schedule fills, then the salary can start rising again.

But we are all creatures of habit and tend to go with the local guy we know and trust.

S.