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It's possible that Gen Z will get into these fields because a lot of Gen Z don't like to sit in school and get bored easily. So they may end up not pursuing a college degree and get into skilled labor. I see a lot of 20+ working at construction sites of high rise buildings where they pay anywhere from $40+/hr just to stand around and be available hands.
I've used the big handyman franchise that I won't mention because I don't want it to look like advertising, but you can figure out the name of whom I'm talking about. I'm sure they must vary depending upon the owner and the workers, but the one in my area has worked out very well for me. I've had jobs done like new closet doors and drapery rods hung, light fixtures added or changed out, bathroom refresh, a dishwasher put in. The latter was done last summer. He showed up masked, we stayed away from each other, and he got the job done. Had to move a cabinet, too.
They were busy, but they got there within two weeks. I also like that it's time and material, I send them photos, they give me an estimate and every single time the final cost came in under the estimate they gave me via email.
Then I bought a new TV that I wanted wall-mounted, but that was not worth paying the higher first-hour charge that the franchise charges. My next-door neighbor works for the town public works, so I asked him, and he said, "Yeah, call Buddy who is the maintenance man at the apartment complex on a nearby road. He does stuff like that on the side." Well, Buddy was there the next day, my TV was up, and I've got Buddy's number for next time.
One of my brothers also does handyman type work as well as painting, and he worked right through the COVID shutdown. Nobody wanted him in their house for a while, but he was busy all summer and fall with exterior repairs and painting.
I've dealt with dozens of contractors over the years. it is a full time job for a homeowner to remodel. the homeowner has to make sure they are doing what s/he wants, even if a general contractor is involved.....even if an architect is involved. the homeowner needs to supervise every aspect of every job every day.
Last edited by texan2yankee; 03-03-2021 at 06:43 PM..
Due diligence is in order. No, I've never found anyone through CList, but have by going to the state's licensing board to find people qualified to do the work. Amazing that I often found "pros" with apprentice/journeymen licenses according to the state board site (some long expired), but they readily passed out cards saying they were general contractors. Nope, they weren't. CHECK their license/s.
It doesn't matter which site you use to find your pro. Make sure you cross reference them with the state board site... cuz all practitioners need to be licensed by their state for their speciality.
Use the two realtors and see who they source for no BS repairs. It's in their interest to close fast, and tolerating drug induced, scammy, money and run contractors isn't exactly in their interest. We sourced two years ago local contractors through the town hall, by-law, and the lawyer and realtor representing our sale.
Due diligence is in order. No, I've never found anyone through CList, but have by going to the state's licensing board to find people qualified to do the work. Amazing that I often found "pros" with apprentice/journeymen licenses according to the state board site (some long expired), but they readily passed out cards saying they were general contractors. Nope, they weren't. CHECK their license/s.
It doesn't matter which site you use to find your pro. Make sure you cross reference them with the state board site... cuz all practitioners need to be licensed by their state for their speciality.
Good luck.
Actually, this varies widely depending on state and municipality.
I can be a GC tomorrow in NC without any license at all.
As long as the project is less than $30,000.
I can subcontract to licensees in Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing. No problem.
Carpenters, siding, windows, flooring, painting, sheetrock, roofing, trim, landscaping, masonry? No licensing needed, as long as they stay below $30,000.
I don't know about other states, but that is all true in NC.
I'd say it depends on where you are - locations where union thugs run the show and artificially limit the supply of construction labor will have that problem, locations where they're kept in check should not.
Actually, this varies widely depending on state and municipality.
I can be a GC tomorrow in NC without any license at all.
As long as the project is less than $30,000.
I can subcontract to licensees in Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing. No problem.
Carpenters, siding, windows, flooring, painting, sheetrock, roofing, trim, landscaping, masonry? No licensing needed, as long as they stay below $30,000.
I don't know about other states, but that is all true in NC.
Good info, thx & wow, that's amazing. I'm surprised to hear this in NC... doesn't that state require leasing agents or property managers to be realtors first? I don't see why that's necessary if doing walk-throughs with potential tenants & making sure dates match on a lease. Seems like overkill.
Good info, thx & wow, that's amazing. I'm surprised to hear this in NC... doesn't that state require leasing agents or property managers to be realtors first? I don't see why that's necessary if doing walk-throughs with potential tenants & making sure dates match on a lease. Seems like overkill.
Yes, property managers have to be licensed to represent clients.
Leasing agents, such as for apartment communities? No. Not if they are employees of a property owner. They can work as unlicensed sales reps.
Now, if I decide to use a property manager to handle renting an investment property, they must hold a current license.
Actually, sales agents for builders aren't required to be licensed, but most builders require them to hold licenses so they have some ethical and legal training.
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Home buying? Use the Realtor
