Residential Construction (employment, real estate, work, career)

[cvanripe10]

Hey I'm a young guy, 24 years old. I'm into residential carpentry, painting, and building.

I am in search of a town with a building boom going on. Looking for a place with mostly new projects in a growing area with an economy, but outside of a major metropolitan area.

[Sassberto]

Originally Posted by cvanripe10

Hey I'm a young guy, 24 years old. I'm into residential carpentry, painting, and building.

I am in search of a town with a building boom going on. Looking for a place with mostly new projects in a growing area with an economy, but outside of a major metropolitan area.

Good luck.. there's a housing recession on. My advice to you - forget residential and get into commercial.

[cvanripe10]

eh not so interested in commercial. What's the pay like?

I'd much rather get into residential, want to have my own business for additions and renovations in the future..

[Noahma]

Look long and hard, there are still some areas where residential construction is strong. Look for a company that does Custom homes, they are your best bet, the homes being sold for over 1 million are still flying off the shelves.

(btw. I am a Residential Architecture Designer)

[BoydS]

The Houston market seems to be ahead of the nation in home sales at this time. There has been a decline of sales over the past months due to the lending market issues, but is still doing better overall. New home construction is still ongoing with new neighbourhoods opening in several areas outside Houston proper. Home sales in the Houston area stumble again | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle (broken link)

[poconoproud]

My husband started his new home building business in this market, regardless of any housing recession. Although we started with 1 client 9 months ago, with the proper advertising and marketing and superior customer service, we now have 12 customers in accounts receivable and many well intentioned clients awaiting spring. What matters is your drive, ability, and commitment. With a little internet research, you can learn of the "hot spots" you speak of, but only you can make your market work. Are you sure you can't find success in this field where you live? Do you live near any vacation resorts? Near any amenity filled developments where people might build vacation homes? Advertise in their community newspapers, on their websites, in real estate books, ect.
The phone will ring, all you have to do is answer, and take care of the customer.

What ever you do, take a code course if you haven't already, and become certified.
It's not only a selling point, it gives you an edge over the competition and will further your career.

[Noahma]

Originally Posted by poconoproud

My husband started his new home building business in this market, regardless of any housing recession. Although we started with 1 client 9 months ago, with the proper advertising and marketing and superior customer service, we now have 12 customers in accounts receivable and many well intentioned clients awaiting spring. What matters is your drive, ability, and commitment. With a little internet research, you can learn of the "hot spots" you speak of, but only you can make your market work. Are you sure you can't find success in this field where you live? Do you live near any vacation resorts? Near any amenity filled developments where people might build vacation homes? Advertise in their community newspapers, on their websites, in real estate books, ect.
The phone will ring, all you have to do is answer, and take care of the customer.

What ever you do, take a code course if you haven't already, and become certified.
It's not only a selling point, it gives you an edge over the competition and will further your career.

learing the different UBC and IRC codes is very very very very usefully when doing anything involved with homes. I have to deal with these two codes daily being a home designer. Also check with local building departments on their variations on these codes, some will adopt say the 2006 IRC but change certain codes to fit specific areas.

[115db]

Ive researched it online and it looks like my former field of work (electrician) in Az wages are around 17.00 hr. Though most companies dont pay that much, (I didnt even make that after being one for 7 years), its an idea what the top guys should be making.
You can check out what your wages should be for your line of work.

[Hbud]

Originally Posted by cvanripe10

Hey I'm a young guy, 24 years old. I'm into residential carpentry, painting, and building.

I am in search of a town with a building boom going on. Looking for a place with mostly new projects in a growing area with an economy, but outside of a major metropolitan area.

You might try searching Craig's list in all the different states,and cities listed there...just
go to the Craig's list web page then click on the state or city you want to research,then look in the skilled trade subsection of the employment ad section..there you can survey which city or county is hiring the most building
trades.

Good luck

[115db]

Originally Posted by cvanripe10

eh not so interested in commercial. What's the pay like?

I'd much rather get into residential, want to have my own business for additions and renovations in the future..

Im the same way, would rather do residential thaan commercail, though Ive done both. Maybe eventually will think about owning my own business but thats down the road when I finally move to S Dakota or Oklahoma for good.