Don't know how the hell you do it, but making videos sat behind a desk, just as compelling as the practical ones on site - now that's a talent. Great advice once again for a newbie like me - straight to it, no BS, no fannying about. Perfect. Thanks once again for all that you do, which includes keeping my nerd brain entertained by the simple swapping out of an album cover 😉. (I was watching footage of the Maui festival only a couple of nights ago)
I've just done my first ever bit of tiling after watching your video. It looks bloody good 👍 Even the old bat that hangs around here is impressed and that's not an easy win. You were a huge help mate, thanks a bunch.
You nailed it when you listed what older customers expect. So many times contractors show up & look like they just crawled out of a weed patch or have no manners whatsoever. Being late for an appt is an absolute no-no for me unless that call & say that they'll be late. Terrific advise in this video.
Great commentary on how to run a business. Could also mention 'dont underbid just to get the job, it doesn't do anyone a favor but the client" If it is worth $100 and you bid $90 you are bringing down the average price for your services and bringing down your industry. You are also leaving $10 on the table. If you have to spread your business, do a favor for you relative or a neighbor that just lost their job, not someone who can pay the $100.
Great advise, I don't work in renovation but the same rules work for any job. Uniform shirts, to keep a clean look, such as a custom logo and color golf shirt, like Jeff wears, works and is low cost. Its used in many industries, even just for a short outings as well as makes it easy to choose your wardrobe each work day and advertises you as you walk around.
I've always said: "Profit is not a dirty word" You need to know what you're worth and bring to the table. Don't sell yourself short. If you're not losing 50% of your quotes, you're charging too little. I just lost a quote to some other guy. Next time I talked to the owner the project was way, way behind and over budget. He got me to quote the next job for him, which I did at the rate I charge. And he accepted. People learn the hard way cheaper isn't better in the long run.
It’s also important to know what you’re worth. I had someone come to me once saying “Steve is charging $30 an hour”. While the person was asking for very simple stuff I didn’t want to take it, first because how they asked (fyi the selection process goes both ways just like any employee could turn down job offers), and second I could take more difficult jobs at a higher rate and at the rate they indicated I rather spend time with my kid. If I accepted the lower rate next thing you know there’s work for more difficult stuff either from that customer which I’ve then limited the rate range (to their expectation) or another customer that I don’t have time for.
Ran cat6 for a pos system and everything was up and running then they disconnected everything and lost a wire so I got called back out for a service call. They paid for the running the wire but now they aren’t paying for the service call and equipment I installed. Not a lot of money but getting paid the same day is a very good idea.
Good advice! However ,as much as I've learned from your videos I would never want to do this as a job. I know how I am as a person who hires handy men. I for sure wouldn't want to work for me! Lol! But all kidding aside I want to thank you again for all your tutalidge! The knowledge I have learned from you has made our little fixer upper amazing! It's coming out way better than I have ever expected. Cheers!
And it is very important that you have a proper working phone in order to receive call and it is very important that we return the call in a timely manner it is very important this is done too many times people call no answer and then no message and no return call
Thank you for this great video I've learned so much from you. I'm in Maryland and it's Inlegal to Publicly advertise without a license, lol. And people do ask for your mhic#. lucky I passed my exam for my License. Thanks again for the video.
I’ve been a finish carpenter for nearly 20 years and I just discovered other (not as experienced) carpenters are charging what I’m charging-and the experienced ones are charging more than me. 🤔
A not about flyer bombing. If I get a flyer on my windshield I get angry with the company that does it, crinkle that thing up, and throw it away. I know I'm not the only one who thinks that way. Something to bear in mind
LOVE the advice…except for the church fliers!. In my area, that’s the last place I’m going to post. We get so much of that, that now folks just walk up to their car, and either crumble the paper… Or read who put it there, crumple the paper and assign a select adjective to that company! 😮 Just my humble opinion and preference, but I would rather get a word of mouth going at a church versus the flyer. Let’s chance of “select” adjectives that way! 😅
OK you got the job you'll finish the job that's not the problem, Usually the problem is the payment day and you already finished and there's no money Or a little money, And it's not worth it to take it to court for 5k, you can't go forever like that just becareful outside there,
I am looking into possibly starting my own contracting business and becoming a licensed class c contractor in my state. However, my state has a requirement of two years of experience that requires go be verified. I have more than two years of experience in diying and woodworking but I don't believe that will help since I would need someone to verify my experience. My question is how do I get that experience? Apparently it can be verified by a "client" but it says it will slow down the application process. Any advice on this front?
not really , start working for clients as soon as possible and get the experience you need on small projects. those requirements are dumb from a quality control standpoint because it only acts a s a barrier to keep good workers out. It does nothing to keep back humans out.
I would NEVER flyer drop for advertisement. I believe it creates more harm than good. It is practically littering. Folks are irritated when they have to reach over their hood to remove litter, and even more so if they don’t notice the flyer until after they get it. Then they have to get out, reach over hood, etc. Its doubtful they will hire you.
I always ask for half. If the amount is too big, I make a payment schedule. Roughly $1000-1500 chunks. I'm never too far ahead or too far behind on payments so it's fair and relatively safe.
lol the last quote is relatable. i really hate fb and ig because of their straight up privacy intrusion practices but they are damn good networking apps. its hard to bite the bullet and use them knowing how wrong their data collection is. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I may never again see a video where I’m the first view, and I see the video 45 SECONDS after it’s posted. How exciting! Cue the YT buzz-kills to set me straight. 😂
@@HomeRenoVisionDIY This is just common courtesy. People have to answer nature’s call, and if they have to leave to use the bathroom, that’s additional time for the job.
My question is if im starting to do side jobs of the same of the work i do for somebody else, how does one go about getting jobs without getting fired 😂
Never mind hiring an American for renovations, repairs, installs, and redesigns. I just laid off all my floor installers and replaced them with highly skilled Venezuelans who just came over the border. Paying them much much less and charging the customer much less. Its a win win.
Wow you suck dude ! I can't believe you have the nerve to say that publicly ! Win win for you and the client. Not for the guys. They work for cheap because they are in a vulnerable position. I've been in the same boat for 6 years because canada wouldn't give me my permanent residency. The system is made to keep immigrants working for cheap for as long as possible. When I got my PR, I went out on my own the next day. There is always some mother f to take advantage of immigrants and you're one of them.
A wealth of information in 7 1/2 minutes! I think that's a record of some kind! Thank you, Jeff!
Glad you enjoyed it, Cheers Sandy!
Don't know how the hell you do it, but making videos sat behind a desk, just as compelling as the practical ones on site - now that's a talent. Great advice once again for a newbie like me - straight to it, no BS, no fannying about. Perfect. Thanks once again for all that you do, which includes keeping my nerd brain entertained by the simple swapping out of an album cover 😉. (I was watching footage of the Maui festival only a couple of nights ago)
I've just done my first ever bit of tiling after watching your video.
It looks bloody good 👍
Even the old bat that hangs around here is impressed and that's not an easy win.
You were a huge help mate, thanks a bunch.
Nice work! Cheers to Ya!
Been watching Jeff for YEARS! Had a few thousand followers! You want knowledge? Listen to Jeff! 🍻
Jeff, thank you. Im just starting into this, average 10 hours a week. Im in the middle of a landscape job right now. These videos are really helpful.
Best of luck!
Thanks Jeff. Just got ok from Dr. To do my woodworking after almost 3yrs after Covid....👍👍
That's great!
You nailed it when you listed what older customers expect. So many times contractors show up & look like they just crawled out of a weed patch or have no manners whatsoever. Being late for an appt is an absolute no-no for me unless that call & say that they'll be late. Terrific advise in this video.
If your not early then you are late. Cheers!
Great commentary on how to run a business. Could also mention 'dont underbid just to get the job, it doesn't do anyone a favor but the client" If it is worth $100 and you bid $90 you are bringing down the average price for your services and bringing down your industry. You are also leaving $10 on the table. If you have to spread your business, do a favor for you relative or a neighbor that just lost their job, not someone who can pay the $100.
Great advise, I don't work in renovation but the same rules work for any job. Uniform shirts, to keep a clean look, such as a custom logo and color golf shirt, like Jeff wears, works and is low cost. Its used in many industries, even just for a short outings as well as makes it easy to choose your wardrobe each work day and advertises you as you walk around.
So true!
From one avid reader to another, I love that the books on your shelf are all over the subject map.
One thing stood out, “Don’t be cheap!”
EXCELLENT advice. It is transferrable. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful! And yes being able to negotiate is one skill that many folks need to develop. Cheers!
Quick and to the point!
Cheers Robert!
Great advice Jeff keep the videos coming
Thanks, will do!
What programs are being used for all of the business variables or for each specific variable? Billing, scheduling, estimations, etc.
I love your videos great advice for starting business and great tips for my handyman work. Great stuff keep the videos coming 👍😊
Love the Tuscaloosa shout out! ROLL TIDE from nearby Birmingham!
Cheers Scott!
You are helping so many people!
I am trying Margaret. Cheers!
Man your a genious. Thanks for the info i found this video right when i needed it.
You mentioned apps to help run your business. Which one(s) would you recommend?
I've always said:
"Profit is not a dirty word"
You need to know what you're worth and bring to the table. Don't sell yourself short.
If you're not losing 50% of your quotes, you're charging too little.
I just lost a quote to some other guy. Next time I talked to the owner the project was way, way behind and over budget.
He got me to quote the next job for him, which I did at the rate I charge. And he accepted.
People learn the hard way cheaper isn't better in the long run.
It’s also important to know what you’re worth. I had someone come to me once saying “Steve is charging $30 an hour”. While the person was asking for very simple stuff I didn’t want to take it, first because how they asked (fyi the selection process goes both ways just like any employee could turn down job offers), and second I could take more difficult jobs at a higher rate and at the rate they indicated I rather spend time with my kid. If I accepted the lower rate next thing you know there’s work for more difficult stuff either from that customer which I’ve then limited the rate range (to their expectation) or another customer that I don’t have time for.
well said. When you want to raise prices you usually need to find new clients.
...after a few years working for the same customer, I needed to raise my price's, and he really didn't like it
funny eh. they raise the price of coffee every year and no one stops buying it.
@@HomeRenoVisionDIY 🙂😃😘
@@HomeRenoVisionDIY ... coffee is addictive tho ;) x
Ran cat6 for a pos system and everything was up and running then they disconnected everything and lost a wire so I got called back out for a service call. They paid for the running the wire but now they aren’t paying for the service call and equipment I installed. Not a lot of money but getting paid the same day is a very good idea.
Hate it when that happens. service calls are best paid before you start the work once you have identified the problem.
Roll tide! Great video, loves the nuggets.
Thanks 👍
Good advice! However ,as much as I've learned from your videos I would never want to do this as a job. I know how I am as a person who hires handy men. I for sure wouldn't want to work for me! Lol! But all kidding aside I want to thank you again for all your tutalidge! The knowledge I have learned from you has made our little fixer upper amazing! It's coming out way better than I have ever expected. Cheers!
Right on! Great job!
And it is very important that you have a proper working phone in order to receive call and it is very important that we return the call in a timely manner it is very important this is done too many times people call no answer and then no message and no return call
As someone who works in digital marketing for contractors SET UP YOUR VOICEMAIL
great advice
One time I went to Home Depot in my paint clothes to pick up some grout and 2 people asked me if I can paint some rooms in their home lol
Just being there will get you work. Cheers!
You are awesome thank for sharing always a pleasure 😙
Cheers Anthony!
Good advice 👍
"Don't be CHEAP!"
Cheers Serge!
What’s the best app for payment and tracking?
Thank you!
Thank you for this great video I've learned so much from you. I'm in Maryland and it's Inlegal to Publicly advertise without a license, lol. And people do ask for your mhic#. lucky I passed my exam for my License. Thanks again for the video.
Glad it was helpful!
I’ve been a finish carpenter for nearly 20 years and I just discovered other (not as experienced) carpenters are charging what I’m charging-and the experienced ones are charging more than me. 🤔
I would not be surprised to see half of the workforce in need of making a job change.
Great info jeff. I bet you wish you had social media when you started out back in the day. Cheers
It has been a blessing and a curse to learn how to use it. Cheers!
Awesome content! Roll Tide!
Cheers!
A not about flyer bombing. If I get a flyer on my windshield I get angry with the company that does it, crinkle that thing up, and throw it away. I know I'm not the only one who thinks that way. Something to bear in mind
that is very soon forgotten. and the 2 folks out of a thousand that call you are not upset.
LOVE the advice…except for the church fliers!. In my area, that’s the last place I’m going to post. We get so much of that, that now folks just walk up to their car, and either crumble the paper… Or read who put it there, crumple the paper and assign a select adjective to that company! 😮
Just my humble opinion and preference, but I would rather get a word of mouth going at a church versus the flyer. Let’s chance of “select” adjectives that way! 😅
Just saying , when you need the work the opinions of those who don't hire you don't mean a hill of beans.
Thanks from winnipeg
Cheers Manny!
Words of beyond wisdom
Cheers!
OK you got the job you'll finish the job that's not the problem, Usually the problem is the payment day and you already finished and there's no money Or a little money, And it's not worth it to take it to court for 5k, you can't go forever like that just becareful outside there,
A fantastic video.
Glad you enjoyed it
Jeff people are doing doing $7 per sq ft for tile installation .
when i started we got 2.15 for the floor and 1.85 for the wall.
I am looking into possibly starting my own contracting business and becoming a licensed class c contractor in my state. However, my state has a requirement of two years of experience that requires go be verified. I have more than two years of experience in diying and woodworking but I don't believe that will help since I would need someone to verify my experience. My question is how do I get that experience? Apparently it can be verified by a "client" but it says it will slow down the application process. Any advice on this front?
not really , start working for clients as soon as possible and get the experience you need on small projects. those requirements are dumb from a quality control standpoint because it only acts a s a barrier to keep good workers out. It does nothing to keep back humans out.
You should ask before you start filming the inside of someone else's house
Also photos to if you intend to distribute
If you are not losing a few customers because your too expensive, then you don’t charge enough.
I would NEVER flyer drop for advertisement. I believe it creates more harm than good. It is practically littering. Folks are irritated when they have to reach over their hood to remove litter, and even more so if they don’t notice the flyer until after they get it. Then they have to get out, reach over hood, etc. Its doubtful they will hire you.
Shouldn't you ask for half of the estimated cost before starting the work?
As a customer I would immediately hang up and call someone else. NO. His advice to ask for payment after services rendered daily is excellent advice.
If there is a contract you could ask for a materials deposit. I always did. 1/3 up front. It signals their commitment.
@@knurlgnar24 my guess is you are not hiring many contractors.
I always ask for half. If the amount is too big, I make a payment schedule. Roughly $1000-1500 chunks. I'm never too far ahead or too far behind on payments so it's fair and relatively safe.
@@SophiaAphrodite I do everything myself.
Jeff can you come to the American side and fix my porch in 2023?
(…sorry, Immortal…but I got dibs on Jeff’s American Tour with my garage! I’ll send him your way when we’re done!…). 😂
LOL. Cheers!
lol the last quote is relatable. i really hate fb and ig because of their straight up privacy intrusion practices but they are damn good networking apps. its hard to bite the bullet and use them knowing how wrong their data collection is. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I think in time we will find out that nothing we do is actually private.
@@HomeRenoVisionDIY pretty much
Roll Tide!
At last! First!
I may never again see a video where I’m the first view, and I see the video 45 SECONDS after it’s posted. How exciting! Cue the YT buzz-kills to set me straight. 😂
Aim low!
cheers Danny!
The last comment was funny...
20$
cant complain about the ppl who got the guts to do it and how much they charge. lotsa crap to take care of
Jeff you forgot to tell them if they're not working on the bathroom it's not their bathroom to use.
perhaps but folks need to allow workers at the home to use the bathroom. simply ask which one they prefer. Lets not be animals.
I am still looking into this. seems like there are a few choices. somewhat personal. I would prefer to let folks google their own choice.
@@HomeRenoVisionDIY This is just common courtesy. People have to answer nature’s call, and if they have to leave to use the bathroom, that’s additional time for the job.
My question is if im starting to do side jobs of the same of the work i do for somebody else, how does one go about getting jobs without getting fired 😂
You will because in most contractor industries you likely signed a no comp clause when they hired you.
you have to find your own jobs. never approach your bosses clients.
If you don't steal clients, they can't really fire you for finding your own.
👋👍
Simple $95 an hour. And usually more if they want it in a bid. I've never even been asked how much I charge.
Never mind hiring an American for renovations, repairs, installs, and redesigns. I just laid off all my floor installers and replaced them with highly skilled Venezuelans who just came over the border. Paying them much much less and charging the customer much less. Its a win win.
Wow you suck dude ! I can't believe you have the nerve to say that publicly ! Win win for you and the client. Not for the guys. They work for cheap because they are in a vulnerable position. I've been in the same boat for 6 years because canada wouldn't give me my permanent residency. The system is made to keep immigrants working for cheap for as long as possible. When I got my PR, I went out on my own the next day. There is always some mother f to take advantage of immigrants and you're one of them.
My God, so many edits!
🤨