Contractors vs Handyman (inspector, live, price)

[Shrewsburried]

Originally Posted by BostonMike7

Don't use the wax ring with the rubber insert in the middle as well.




The flange should have really been raised. It should be flush with the floor, with only about 0.25" above or below allowance. They make flange extension kits to correct this issue.

https://www.supplyhouse.com/Oatey-43...c313da959dbe67

Of course, I realize people just slap the thicker wax ring on and call it a day. A plumber friend of mine admitted to me once that when he runs into a flange that is lower than it should be, he just slaps two wax rings on top of each other and calls it a day. By the time it fails (from the bowl shifting as people sit on it over the years) he's long gone and off the hook

While correct, my engineering side prefers 2 sealing surfaces over 4.

[BostonMike7]

That’s funny. I had the opposite opinion. That second seal doesn’t see liquid

[matrix5k]

I found a plumber who would do it for $200, is that reasonable? I asked about the flange and he says the new floor should be the same height since they're ripping up the old floor.

[Shrewsburried]

Originally Posted by matrix5k

I found a plumber who would do it for $200, is that reasonable? I asked about the flange and he says the new floor should be the same height since they're ripping up the old floor.

Reasonable to get an insured/licensed guy to drive to your house, yes. Burning money on a task that an educated 8 year old could do, were they strong enough to lift a toilet ... also yes.

Honesty, just watch a Youtube vid and do it yourself. Of all the DIY taks in home, this might be the easiest. The hardest part is getting all the water out of the toilet to remove it the first place - who's doing that?

[BostonMike7]

$200 isn't bad for the task. I second the notion that it is a simple thing to DIY, but I also find that the older I get, the less crap I want to do and i'd rather just pay someone as well.

[matrix5k]

Originally Posted by BostonMike7

$200 isn't bad for the task. I second the notion that it is a simple thing to DIY, but I also find that the older I get, the less crap I want to do and i'd rather just pay someone as well.

He just removed it for $100 (and I'll give him $100 to put it back). He had to cut the deadbolts off cause they wouldn't unscrew. Although it's easy, I found it convenient to pay him rather than strain my back.

[sawyer2]

Originally Posted by matrix5k

He just removed it for $100 (and I'll give him $100 to put it back). He had to cut the deadbolts off cause they wouldn't unscrew. Although it's easy, I found it convenient to pay him rather than strain my back.

That is very inexpensive for a plumber these days. Like all home owner tasks, you have to balance skill/interest/$/time vs outsourcing. However, if you bought an old home I would suggest that you start to take on some DIY projects. There is lots of info on youtube, forums etc. ..start with the easier stuff.

We have renovated every property that we have owned which takes a certain kind of crazy - a lot of DIY, to acting as GC, to hiring a GC. We got a lot of satisfaction from the DIY jobs. In addition to the $ savings/sweat equity it is so completely different from our day jobs that it is enjoyable.

The list of things to be done in an old home can be a bit daunting at first but it is important to prioritize what must be done now vs what you can live with. After living somewhere for a year, your list of priorities may change considerably too so don't rush into the nice-to-have.

good luck

[Shrewsburried]

Originally Posted by matrix5k

He just removed it for $100 (and I'll give him $100 to put it back). He had to cut the deadbolts off cause they wouldn't unscrew. Although it's easy, I found it convenient to pay him rather than strain my back.

If you can afford it, that's a fine compromise.

This said, these 200-500 dollar "convenience" jobs over time amount to very real dollars, depending on the scope of work - particularly small plumbing and electrical tasks. The rates my friends in the trades charge an hour amount to a pretty hefty gross income (to account for overhead), enough to justify doing the work myself despite a triple digit income.

I'll happily sub out tasks like siding or roofing as the labor is cheaper and I lack the man power and tools for the job.

[matrix5k]

Originally Posted by Shrewsburried

If you can afford it, that's a fine compromise.

This said, these 200-500 dollar "convenience" jobs over time amount to very real dollars, depending on the scope of work - particularly small plumbing and electrical tasks. The rates my friends in the trades charge an hour amount to a pretty hefty gross income (to account for overhead), enough to justify doing the work myself despite a triple digit income.

I'll happily sub out tasks like siding or roofing as the labor is cheaper and I lack the man power and tools for the job.

We have a needy toddler so it's hard to get anything done, sometimes I don't even brush my teeth or eat lunch. When he's older I'll be sure to try to do more things on my own.

[matrix5k]

So the floor guys just finished upstairs and I found a plank with a dent in it - not big but I noticed it as a homeowner. I doubt a guest would notice it. Should I complain about this or let it go? I feel like I paid a lot of money but at the same time, it seems like overkill for them to rip out the floor that they just put in to replace it.

Also they keep leaving windows open with the lights on and heat on (so the wood can acclimate). Very annoying.