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The Helpful Contractor
United States
Приєднався 3 січ 2021
I’m highlighting some fun projects and helping DIY folks and professionals build better projects.
DIY Concrete MudMixer Review, Not For Everyone
We decided to "MIX" it up on this project once we found out our local rental yard had a MudMixer available and a one day rental was only a $100!!
Concrete is not a trade we are supper skilled in so this review is better described as a skill DIY person than a professional Contractor.
Hope this helps.
Concrete is not a trade we are supper skilled in so this review is better described as a skill DIY person than a professional Contractor.
Hope this helps.
Переглядів: 4 328
Відео
Time Lapse, My Employee and I become YouTube Certified for Concrete Steps
Переглядів 5554 місяці тому
Israel and I watch a bunch of UA-cam videos by @MikeDayConrete and @VictoryOutdoorServices to build up the courage to take on a concrete this landing and step project. We both have done a little bit of concrete work, but these steps are a first for both of us. Mistakes were made, but it turned out well!!👌🏽
Quick Tip for a Drywall Finishers Flat Box
Переглядів 1,8 тис.4 місяці тому
I spent a couple minutes explaining how to adjust your box and regulate the amount of mud you’re leaving on the walls. Remember every box runs a little bit different so it’s good to check your box before you start running one on your project 
Simple And Fast Remodel Estimating, Bathroom DIY
Переглядів 3944 місяці тому
In this video I show you how I get an estimate done real fast and sent off to the customer. This was a 30 min job walk through and I sent another 30 min adding up and typing up the email. The customer was happy because they could make a decision right away. I hope this helps.
4 hr drywall patch in 2:30 seconds!!😏
Переглядів 2,2 тис.7 місяців тому
Skylar completed this patch in under 4hr. I edited it down to 2.5 min. Its always fun to see your guys grow in their skills and confidence. Skylar did a great job on this one.
2 hr Drywall Patch, I Show You How.
Переглядів 1,2 тис.7 місяців тому
Follow along as I complete these two patches in under 2 hrs. One pan of hot mud and 2 cans of texture. Easy Money😁
MUST DO!! Before Drywall Estimating or starting a bid project
Переглядів 1,3 тис.7 місяців тому
MUST DO!! Before Drywall Estimating or starting a bid project
SUPER Useful Free Resources For Contractors And Serious DIY'er
Переглядів 6409 місяців тому
SUPER Useful Free Resources For Contractors And Serious DIY'er
Tips and Updates on a bunch of projects! MASH UP VIDEO!
Переглядів 21410 місяців тому
Tips and Updates on a bunch of projects! MASH UP VIDEO!
Giving $7000.00 Away, BIG Estimating Mistake
Переглядів 42810 місяців тому
Giving $7000.00 Away, BIG Estimating Mistake
Sub-Contractor Didn't Care About The Schedule
Переглядів 22510 місяців тому
Sub-Contractor Didn't Care About The Schedule
Is The EZ-PRO TEXTURE System Worth Buying??
Переглядів 8 тис.10 місяців тому
Is The EZ-PRO TEXTURE System Worth Buying??
BEST Attic Conversion EVER!!! In my opinion
Переглядів 29911 місяців тому
BEST Attic Conversion EVER!!! In my opinion
HUGE ADDITION ON OLD FARM HOUSE!!! 1800 SQ FT
Переглядів 838Рік тому
HUGE ADDITION ON OLD FARM HOUSE!!! 1800 SQ FT
6 TIPS To Help Land That New PROSPECTIVE CUSTOMER!!! DON'T OVER THINK IT.
Переглядів 448Рік тому
6 TIPS To Help Land That New PROSPECTIVE CUSTOMER!!! DON'T OVER THINK IT.
I Was Off On My Budget, Just A Little!!!
Переглядів 388Рік тому
I Was Off On My Budget, Just A Little!!!
MISTAKES WERE MADE! This job start up did not go as smooth as I like and I learned a lot.
Переглядів 164Рік тому
MISTAKES WERE MADE! This job start up did not go as smooth as I like and I learned a lot.
Kitchen RENOVATION/REMODEL nice old cabinets and granite in the trash!
Переглядів 199Рік тому
Kitchen RENOVATION/REMODEL nice old cabinets and granite in the trash!
Dangerous attic ladder replaced with AWESOME custom stairs
Переглядів 207Рік тому
Dangerous attic ladder replaced with AWESOME custom stairs
DIY HYBRID BUILD..... You can build with confidence
Переглядів 368Рік тому
DIY HYBRID BUILD..... You can build with confidence
Custom Country House | Built In 2 Minutes
Переглядів 436Рік тому
Custom Country House | Built In 2 Minutes
FAILED Drywall Patch! And How I Fixed It
Переглядів 532Рік тому
FAILED Drywall Patch! And How I Fixed It
12 EASY ADVERTISING TIPS FOR CONTRACTORS, CHEAP and EFFECTIVE
Переглядів 654Рік тому
12 EASY ADVERTISING TIPS FOR CONTRACTORS, CHEAP and EFFECTIVE
EASY Professional Looking Estimates For Remodel Contractors
Переглядів 458Рік тому
EASY Professional Looking Estimates For Remodel Contractors
STOP DOING THIS!! Too busy to make a good profit?
Переглядів 336Рік тому
STOP DOING THIS!! Too busy to make a good profit?
So if windows will be wrapped is that extra? As in corner bead all sides? Is this for all openings?
Hey, great video. Estimating is such a difficult aspect of being a contractor. I just subscribed and can't wait to see more of your videos. it's 2am and I can't sleep because I'm worrying about my projects... How do you deal with that aspect?
Hey Jason, thanks for the kind words and I’m glad you found the video helpful. I agree estimating can be a real pain in the butt. Just keep after it. It does get easier once you find your groove and if you stay in one type of construction. Projects don’t often keep me up at night unless something really off is happening, like a customer has changed something or is refusing to cooperate with our payment schedule. The only thing I can really suggest is do your best to keep your personal life squared away with your family, and your faith. Thanks for the subscribe and the comment. Let me know if there’s anything else I can help you with.
@Thehelpfulcontractor Hey, on this particular job the flooring type has changed 3 times, ceiling types have changed 3 times, wall locations rearranged, new board had to be removed for more receptacles, lighting changed 4 times, kitchenette design changed 3 times...I've never experienced anything like it. I've worked multiple jobs for this client over tye last 6 years. they always pay but it is getting to me
@@Jason-zl7ek that’s a tough spot to be in. I would bring it up to the customers attention in a way that it shows your concerns for them, not your frustrations about it. For example, you could schedule a meeting with him and talk to them about your concerns over the budget, due to all the changes. You can order it any way you want, but just make sure they remember that wasted time is still chargeable time, when it’s the customers choice to change things in the middle. It’s up to you on how much you charge them.
Great points, have a good weekend brother
@@Jason-zl7ek you too
Clark Patricia Lopez John Clark Jeffrey
Not sure what you mean
Man that's cheap compared to where I'm from. Your hired!
I lit has changed in the last couple years in my area. The prices have gone way up!
I almost don’t know what to say about that job Jeff that thing is a disaster between the cinderblocks the framing and what in the world is up with that sheet rock lol😮
I know right?! The more I looked the worse it got.
Here there no requirement for permits unless its within the city limits and even then its kinda meh unless its commercial or new most people dont bother...lol
@@francisphillipeck4272 I love that. Unfortunately in my region we are heavily regulated
I hear his logic on being polite and passing it on, but this is how decent people keep getting messed over (and with homes that is about ⅓ of their life) We need to stand up for eachother and operate on principles & morals. Earn that rep where people will seek you out and you drive peers to do better even if they loathe you.
@@ChristisFaithful I don’t know all the details on this project, once I saw this I walked out pretty quick. However I do believe that the customer is the main driving force for the quality of this home. It’s kind of sad. #makeyourownbed
There are jobs that you certainly don't want your name tied to.
Definitely not
Definitely should call that in, what the fuck?
Nope, not my problem. I believe in playing by the rules, but I’m definitely not gonna tell on somebody.
@@Thehelpfulcontractor then you're part of the problem
@@Thehelpfulcontractor Yeah what the fuck? You're a real pos if "No snitching" is going to get in the way of stopping something UNSAFE from being sold to someone, and holding those trying to swindle others accountable. It's not your problem but you can make a YT short about it. Get real.🙄
@@koma-k or are you?
@@Thehelpfulcontractor I'm not the competent person who basically inspected the building, found issues, made a video about it but isn't going to actually report it. I bet the homeowner is going to be just as "happy" with you as with the builders if (s)he finds this video after issues surface down the line.
Sooo bad....ughhh.
Yeah, way too many things wrong.
Taper will fix it!
That’s the perfect answer! 😂 I got the feeling the “contractor” just wanted a price so he knew how much to charge to homeowners when he did the work
Welcome to new age hack job construction. Did a wash job on a 500k dollar house. Had one coat of pain on the outside. You could see through it in spots. I'd hate to see what was under the siding.
It seems to go in waves. As money and work gets tougher to get, the standards get lower and lower.
@@Thehelpfulcontractor Yeah when you making 20/hr when you should be getting 40. Id go work at taco bell , easier on the back.
@@smartmonkey777 agree, but some people want $40 per hour should be working somewhere else 🤣
I wouldn’t say all of us are hacked. Some people like myself actually do care about their work. I do concrete for a living, regardless of the floor Is covered with carpet tile hardwood whatever it doesn’t matter that floor is burnt to a mirror finish when I’m done with it my edges are flat the floors flat there’s no holes it’s not rolled at all. I take pride in my work Because if you don’t take Friday at your work, that phone never rings when someone needs a floor poured .
I wouldn’t say all of us are hacked. Some people like myself actually do care about their work. I do concrete for a living, regardless of the floor Is covered with carpet tile hardwood whatever it doesn’t matter that floor is burnt to a mirror finish when I’m done with it my edges are flat the floors flat there’s no holes it’s not rolled at all. I take pride in my work Because if you don’t take Friday at your work, that phone never rings when someone needs a floor poured .
😂😂😂😅😅😅😅😅
yep
Martin Kenneth Martin Nancy Taylor Ruth
Over a month in the jobsite and your only grossing about $4k? That's insane
Netting 4K After all the bills and labor is paid. Not the biggest job. More is always better if you can get it. ✌️
@Thehelpfulcontractor even that's super low but you said 15% for overhead & profit. Your words not mine
@@tier1detailcompany yep I just re-watched my own video and you’re right. Next when I make, I’ll be a little bit more specific than that area could catch.
Yikes.
Yeah it’s a sad deal
What caused the fire??
They found where the fire started, but they did not find any events of how the fire started.
I appreciate the simplicity and the thorough breakdown of this kind of work.
I’m glad you found value in the video. Don’t forget to like and subscribe 👍🏻👍🏻
Subscribed
Dude you’re awesome. Thanks 👍🏻👍🏻
My husband has had one hopper for over 5 years just w2 the handle and squeeze and it works perfectly.
Yeah, when I was doing all the work myself my hoppers would last a long time, but it seems when my employees clean and do maintenance on them they never seem to get cleaned or lubed well enough. Thanks for the comment, and don’t forget to like and subscribe 👍🏻👍🏻
Starting out here, binge watching your tips videos. What is a fair percentage of profit for the contractor without being considered gouging?
Oh man that’s a loaded question. There are lots of people that will tell you 50% profit margins or more 😳. If you can get that and your customers are happy with the service you provide then more power to it. I personally shoot for 25% profit margins but to be honest I almost never get it. I’m too much of a “nice guy” and I provide more than I charge for. It’s really up to you. Thanks for watching and the comment. It helps the algorithm. Don’t forget to like and subscribe 👍🏻👍🏻
@@Thehelpfulcontractor Thanks, it’s a great answer. The last company I worked for was shooting for 25% percent profit on every job. They weren’t hitting that most the time, but it was close.
@@willcash16 I probably should start with a 50% projected profit and maybe I’d hit 25%😂
Nice brother , appreciate the tips . I don’t do much hanging as I like to stick to the finishing and painting. That don’t mean I can’t and won’t hang. When it comes up I seem to take forever trying to count sheets , the clicker tip was perfect .
It’s a big time saver. I can’t remember who pointed me in that direction, but I’ve been doing it that way since 2001. It helps me think measurements instead of thinking about counting. I’m glad it helps. Don’t forget to like and subscribe 👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you.
I’m glad you found it helpful. Don’t forget to like and subscribe 👍🏻👍🏻
Guarantee this guys hands never get dirty...
LOL! I wish. It’s true they don’t get as dirty as they used too, but I still work in the field every now and then.
@@Thehelpfulcontractor lol
Thank you! Very helpful!
I’m glad you found it helpful. Don’t forget to like and subscribe 👍🏻👍🏻
I just finished the ceiling in our nursery after taking down the popcorn. I finished with orange peel with the ez pro texture it was a breeze! 10/10 recommended.
That’s awesome!! I definitely had a positive experience with it
I personally like the mixer better than the truck. The truck is usually has to klmuch water.
You can definitely adjust your mix to your personal taste with the mixer. I’m glad you have a good experience with it. We are going to use it again in the future 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
@@Thehelpfulcontractor Awesome
Great info very helpful for Me. I’m working towards getting my license now
That’s great, Roy! Keep it up, man. Thanks for the kind words and if you haven’t done it yet don’t forget to like and subscribe.👍🏻👍🏻
another word for these incidentals that I think you were looking for was "Contingency"
Dude, you nailed it. That is exactly what I was trying to say. Sometimes when I start filming, my mind, just does not want to cooperate.😂
Great video, profit margins should be at least 25% and $65 per man hour is pretty low!
Every market has a little bit of fluctuation, but with that said I’m definitely not suggesting 65 is an expensive rate.
i sprayed only 100 4x12s in 1 hour. Hopper would of been a 6-7 hour event!
Definitely WAY faster than a hopper. How long have you had your machine? I’m still dealing with a few problems with air supply and misc stuff. Not really disappointed but it’s an expensive tools to only be good for a few years. How reliable is yours?
@@Thehelpfulcontractor I rent the unit from Ames taping tools for 90 a day. I rent around once a month sometimes twice. No point in buying with those frequencies. I could do 5-1500 sq ft whole houses with this unit in a 8 hr day. realistically does it and will it hold up to those daily needs. I dont know but yeah its 1 bad interior rig
@@1mandrywallarmytv144 I really wish Ames was closer to my area. It’s about an hour and 45 minutes away, which means a special trip to go there. I would probably rent it versus buying it if I had that option. Let somebody else worry about the maintenance.
@@Thehelpfulcontractor Exactly! Too expensive to fix . Rent, return, no problems to worry about. They rent the mirko Leros unit for 60 a day
@@1mandrywallarmytv144 definitely a benefit of living in a larger city
very helpful thank you for your help
You're welcome! I’m glad you found it helpful. Don’t forget to like and subscribe!!👍🏻
Looks like some pretty clean work! We all get in a hurry sometimes and miss some screws or forget to pick a corner once in a while, but to have to come back with heavy mud after the big grind is like a rock under a skateboard wheel! Don't ask me how I know... 😅 Any way, I'm not sure why I willingly watched through the whole thing in agonizing anticipation and disappointment 🤷 I joke, I joke! ...kinda! I guess after so many years as the qc/punch-list guy, I've become somewhat of a masochist 🙃
LOL! Yes Dan you definitely have a good perspective on the subject. It’s cool seeing your comment. That’s for the that. We really should get together sometime now that you’re mostly recovered from your accident 👍🏻👍🏻
Ty!
No problem! Glad you found it helpful. Don’t forget to like and subscribe 👍🏻👍🏻
That’s cheap
Yes it was pretty cheap. Luckily prices have come up a lot over the last yr and half. Thanks for watching, don't forget like and subscribe!
This video answered a lot of my questions about this product. I’m gone make the purchase. Thank you for making this video
Glad it was helpful! I've found it to be worth the money.
2 Terrible Things about this video are this Good guy & this awesome Specialty trade known as drywall being negotiated for CENTS ON THE DOLLAR to do BUSINESS when I’m getting 85-105 a board to supply hang and finish here in ny. But eyyy you seam happy and doing good business.. A+
Hey Spackle Rat, thanks for the comment. Yes in my area drywall is still a very low paying specialty trade. However, in the last year and a half since that video was made prices are getting better. On the West Coast we don’t normally do prices per board, but if I do the conversion for board foot numbers, you’re about 25% more than me. I’m not sure what your labor rate is in your area or material cost, so that could be absorbed pretty fast. There is one drywall contractor in this area that only does one job a month and he charges three dollars a foot which would be 144 per 12’ sheet. At that price, he doesn’t have to do much work to make a good living. I’m not saying he’s right or wrong just saying.
@@Thehelpfulcontractor yess! For me it’s 105 per 8ft board! And I’m talking a 8ft plain Jain job with mabe one 10ft vault in the master but anything else price will be adjusted accordingly and they get charged! A average size house with 200 8ft boards I will get no less then 19k plus tax based off a 8ft plain Jain job of course and I will get in done in 2 -1/2 weeks sub out the hanging of 65-70 pieces for around $1300 Materials are around 4k and I spackle & finish the job my self and pocket around 13-15k! That’s my system! Here in NY I was down in Florida For a couple yrs and they hade me doing the exact same 8ft plain Jain job for not Evan 8400 +Texture
@@spacklerat3214that’s some pretty good money. Keep up the good work, man.👍🏻👍🏻
@@spacklerat3214Difference is the cost of living right? Messed up part is your ripping off your hangers, 1300 for 89 sheets? What about taxes? How do you pocket that much after taxes? You don’t pay?
@@spacklerat3214what do you mean by plus tax? 19k plus tax?
Great Video!
Thanks Frank. I appreciate the kind words.
Hey Jeff, I had done concrete too. It's very difficult to get a good looking job. Yours is awesome! Great Job!
Thanks Jim. To be honest Israel my employee did 95% of the finish work, I just fixed the damaged part. I appreciate the compliment and I’ll pass it onto Israel 👍🏻👍🏻
@@Thehelpfulcontractor I noticed that. You definitely hired a great employee 👍👍
@@thedrywallguyofthediy245 thanks Jim
@@Thehelpfulcontractor You are very welcome!
Built it and guessing at dimensions 😮
LOL! Yeah I guess you missed the part where I said Bill and Jesuś my employees built it. They did a great job for hitting the target of make it as big as they could with the materials I left them. 👍🏻👍🏻
Great job
Thanks 👍🏻👍🏻
.30 cent per square foot, in which province are u working. For taping, 45 to 50 cents is the minimum price
Well, a year ago I didn’t have any problem finding guys at $.30 a foot. I’m a little bit more than that now but not quite to the numbers you’re quoting. I’m in Oregon.
there was 100% still some sticker on that joint knife
Yeah but close enough to make me happy 😜
Still has residue lmfao
Just a little, but way better than the tape tech knife 🤣
my boy in the back like “damn i wish mine came out that way”😅
🤣 no kidding. It was nice 👍🏻
Awesome video again!! Good information 👍
Thanks man! We just happened to have a few drywall jobs going on, so more drywall videos
Looking forward to the videos! If you didn't live on the other side of the US, I come help you guys finish one 😂😂😂
@@thedrywallguyofthediy245 remind me again where you’re at?
@@Thehelpfulcontractor I'm in NC 😊
@@thedrywallguyofthediy245 oh that’s right
Interesting 🤔 Good Tip's, Well thought out 👍
Its not a prefect way of doing it, but it’s always helpful to see how other do stuff. You can learn and new trick or learn what not to do 🤣 Thanks for watching and don’t forget to like and subscribe 👍🏻👍🏻
Incidentals, looks Good from my yacht in Florida 😂🤣😂
LOL! Yeah that’s definitely a way to look at it. Thanks for watching and the feedback. Don’t forget to like and subscribe 👍🏻👍🏻
Love the 5”! That’s the ticket
KYLE! Hey man how you been? Hope everything is going great buddy.
@@Thehelpfulcontractor Yes sir! Once in drywall, always in drywall. We have about 3m sf of board left to hang on the books this year!
@@kyleglines3963 that’s awesome man. I only did 28,000 board feet last year. This year will be roughly the same. You in California still?
Very nice
Thank you! The guys really did a nice job.