I’m in new construction but I remodeled my house based on some knowledge and what I’ve learned from Jeff. Thank you Jeff for making the videos for us all!
Have you guys ever met a man that you wish you knew personally, you are that guy Jeff, you are a brilliant businessman and professional contractor. All your videos give us the confidence to approach any size job. Thank you, Jeff.
Thanks Jeff. I've learned enough from my DIY dad (who is retired and builds houses for Habitat for Humanity now) to do all my own work. I have remodeled our entire house (and built an air condioned garden office) and it looks great! And we've spent a fraction of hiring someone. I'm no stranger to DIY, and I'm glad to confirm through your videos that I've been doing things right and doing them fast.
As a 14 year union carpenter i can attest Jeff is right on. 99% of what Jeff shows in his videos are spot on and honestly more likely to be done correctly compared to some reno people. Most of the things can be done yourself, get some tools and make mistakes. At the end of the day fixing a mistake is still cheaper than paying the market value for labor. I would say the 4th answer to Jeffs board is to ask around, ask your friends, ask facebook. Someone in your area has a connect with a carpenter like myself who for friends n family will come out and do a job or at minimum give you good pointers/advice on how to do a job yourself, its invaluable. Have confidence you can do it! Cheers Jeff!
Cheers Josh, Great advice. I always tell people having a good relationship with a contractor is like having one with a mechanic. Without one you just don't know if you are getting good advice and value.
There's no way you're paying 50k to remodel a bathroom unless you live in a $700k+ house. Most areas in the US you'd be lucky to make $75k+ after buying a house and doing a COMPLETE REMODEL. So a lot of what he's talking about varies by location.
I agree! I was lucky when I bought my home June 2020 when I needed a wall torn down ( something I wasn't going to do) my dad had just seen a contractor do work to his boss ranch house and gave me his number . for the wall tear down he charged $600 which everyone told me was a deal and he said he did it BC he knew my pops!
Haaa sure is, I went from knowing nothing 2 years ago when I bought this house to friends now asking me how to do things, mostly from what I've learned from Jeff's videos and all the mistakes I had to learn to fix along the way.
I’m a 63 yo grandma and I just changed my own overflow gasket on my tub that has been causing a recurrent leak for 10 years and was “fixed” by plumbers in the past who failed to find the leak and or did a bandaid job instead of fixing it right. Now after watching DIY videos on your channel and others I did it myself! 🙏 teaching me this stuff.
For those of you on the edge of considering DIY, go for it! We completely gutted and redid an old house. Hired a carpenter for major building, an electrician to rewire, an HVAC guy, and a friend to put in carpet because he had the tools. Everything else, we watched Jeff and did what he told us to do. We did wall demo, plumbing, insulation, drywall, trim, paint, put in lamps, tiled floors, and did a complete replacement of the bathroom. The value we built was phenomenal, we have all the tools we need to maintain the home, and we k ow how to fix stuff because we built it. You can do it and this channel is a reliable source of how to information.
You're kind of like the ChrisFix of houses. Thank you for making every project feel "comfortable." Anyone competent can make their craft look easy, but you have to be a good teacher to make it feel approachable. I'm putting in a MIL suite in my mom's basement with kitchen and shower. Going to do the plumbing soon. Wish me luck!
Just at the end of our DIY. Hired pros for the work we couldn't do. Did the rest ourselves. $20k got us 1 full bath and 1 powder room with high-end fixtures and a Schluter shower system, 500 square feet of old tile removed and new tile installed, new hardwood solid oak staircase with new railing and hardwood hallway, new baseboards and paint in all renovated rooms. Thanks to you Jeff and other awesome DIY UA-camrs we were able to learn new skills or improve on existing skills to finish the job properly and professionally! Couldn't have done it without you! 👍👍👍
Your videos are the reason that I was willing to do my own bathroom renovation. I wish I could attach a photo. I am very proud of it. I’m currently building an outdoor kitchen and will be adding a pergola yet this summer. Thank you
I'm almost finished renovating our 60's home here in Sonoma. I can't thank you enough. I'm experienced, but the knowledge, honesty, and all the little tricks you share = HUGE. Thank you so much!
i got a comp sci degree but had dad and an uncle who taught me carpentry and renovations for as long as i can remember. what's missing is the engaged educational experiences for all the teens and we need to recover that with the next generation of parents learning how to do it, getting into it, and passing the skills down.
Agreed! In high school nobody was helping any students get into the trades. Now we have a workforce that can operate a phone and computer, but not much else.
Bought a home 4 years ago. The deck was in atrocious condition. Watched every video you had on building a deck. Everyone compliments me on how nice it came out. Your channel is such a valuable resource.
I bought my first house 3 years ago, and it needed a lot of renovations. I found this channel and binge watched just about everything. I learned a lot, but more importantly it gave me the confidence that I could do a lot of the work myself instead of hiring someone all the time. I've been taking on bigger and bigger projects over time, and renovating parts of my house has become sort of a hobby. I'm in the middle of my latest project which is fully gutting a bathroom and changing the layout. It involves just about all the skills: demolition, framing, plumbing (including redoing DWV under concrete), electrical, drywall, tile setting, painting, trim. All this to say: thanks Jeff! If it weren't for your channel, I might be the guy waiting 2-5 years and paying top dollar to get my bathroom renovated.
Just bought my own house last year, these videos have been a huge help. Dad is a finish work carpenter so I'm typically always asking for his advice, tips and tricks. But it's always good to surprise him with some work I've done thanks to the advice, tips and tricks from these videos!
Thank you for all your effort, Jeff! Me and my wife bought our first place last year, I started to renovate it, we will move in in about 2 months. I am so proud of what I've done with the place, gives me joy to be there. I did everything: bathroom, kitchen, drywall, electricals, plumbing. Everything. And I learned all of that here! Thank you again!
I literally finished our basement because I’m working from home now. I needed an office. Added two rooms and a bathroom. Largely thanks to Jeff’s videos!
I'm 24 and I started my remodeling business towards the end of COVID, and I love it man! It's been tough I had a lot of mistakes and things I had to learn, bit off a little more than I could chew, but I am doing much better now, looking forwards to the future
Hey Jeff! I'm a renovation contractor - and I think I'm going to send this video to every disgruntled boomer who asks why I gave them a tentative start time that's so far out into the future. This video is so true. Thanks for making it! Cheers!
Use all this info to hire your own people for the renovation. This channel already teaches you what everything should look like from framing to electrical. Provide the tools and materials and you’re all set. It’s basically a crash course to being a contractor. It’s still sort of DIY, but less physical hands on. Thanks Jeff for all this info, we are learning from a great mind.
When I need a small job done that isn't urgent I like to tell contractors to just fit me in whenever they have some down time or they have a job fall through. So far it has worked well for me. Last time I used that approach, I didn't hear anything for a few weeks and then all of a sudden got a call at 8 pm one evening saying he was ready to go the next morning lol. Didn't bother me at all - I was just happy to get the work done!
I tried for a year to get someone to renovate my house, it was going to be super expensive but I just wanted it done. Couldn't get anyone to show up so I'm doing it myself. I've built walls, moved doors, installed floors, added lighting - I've saved SO much money, learned a lot and I've gained about 20 lbs of muscle lol. This channel has been so valuable during my renovation, thank you so much for the help!
Very great DIY speech at the end, absolutely true. You're spot on about your analysis of everything else too. People have been calling me for the last two years wanting work done and I haven't had time for a single one. Too busy flipping. Thanks for the video.
I love your videos! I've been watching since I was living back home in Brazil. Now I'm here, after almost five years of living in Canada, and I am already a DIYer!
I rebuilt my back porch myself back in 2020 by watching youtube videos like Jeff puts out along with others. 2 years later and its still standing, lol.
I started in Feb. trying to get a contractor to redo a secondary bathroom. 4 of them never replied, one could start only in November, of them came over and refused the job unless he could do a 10K gut job, which was not necessary. Finally found one in March and he was worth the wait. Project finished in early June. I understand very well the problems and shortages and was just grateful to find someone!
Been a Licensed Rez Builder doing renovations and Handyman work for 4 years now. I will attest to this video being 100% accurate. Also been a member of this channel for a couple years. Worth every penny. Do it!
Great advice Jeff 😁 I’ve been working on my home for about one year after watching all your videos. I appreciate all your kindness for sharing your experience and knowledge. I feel more comfortable and confident in planning new projects.
I usually prefer to DIY for cost reasons but sometimes my time is more valuable. I had a reno guy that did great work but unfortunately(happy for him, haha) has become successful and now I'm in the waiting game for any serious work that needs doing. Recently renovated my own kitchen and living room and love it. I see my mistakes everyday but boy did we save a boatload of money.
We just got accepted on our offer and wow ive been watching so many "do it yourself" videos because we plan on trying our best. This is our first home and we are excited to DIY it.
Jeff, thank you, thank you so much, for enlightening us and all you share with us. And thank you to your behind the scenes team too. The Best & Love & Hugs To All
We've planned our renovation for 6 years ago. Your videos were an integral part of teaching us! Aug of 2020 we started it. The ups and downs of the market had me in tears looking at plywood. Even through all of this (and were not done of course) your insight, experience and wisdom have been accurate and encouraging. As owner-builders (subcontracted only 2 things) we are grateful for the YOU that you've given to others. -And I shared this video with my rising High School Senior, hint hint!
This is a timely video for me. I was gobsmacked at the quotes I got to replace old plumbing and drains. The math made no sense to me, even with inflation and supply chain increases. I DIYd it for a fraction of the cost. Totally worth the sweat!
Wow awesome videos thank you so much for your professional advice I'm new back into the building contractor business again from recently retirement from big government building inspections as a NM state combination inspector doing electrical, building, plumbing and heating, hvacr, inspections for 25 years service with about 60,000 building knew completed during my career , I love your advise
I like the point about you being the best contractor for yourself. It is so much more satisfying to take time and do it yourself, I learned a lot and am 100% satistfied with the decisions I got to make. I know if I got a contractor / tradeperson in I would have had to compramise and potentially redo some work to fit my vision.
You are correct. I am going to learn how to do it myself. Thank you for your videos. I bought a house on a an island off the coast of maine where contractors are highly sought after- only multi-millionaires seem to be able to get them. So I’ll do it myself like you are saying. I figure if I can learn how to do anesthesia and psychiatry- I should be able to figure this out with enough dedication and hard work. Thank you.
I have been watching your videos for some time now and I have not seen a more insightful approach to the industry. Thank you very much and keep up the hard work to get us educated!
My pleasure! Remember hiring a contractor is a new relationship that needs constant negotiating on behalf of both parties. Admit mistakes and build that relationship on trust. Cheers!
I'm a contractor who has started my own small business up in Canada. I pay myself 26 dollars an hour to make sure any new employees start at 22 dollars an hour plus transit. I live a simple life and rent but couldn't be happier to make sure those I work with are just as happy.
One of your BEST videos. Thank you thank you for a real eye opener. The things you mentioned I wouldn’t have known my entire lifetime. You are a real good man.🙏🏻
I started watching your videos 2 years ago when I purchased a house in the middle of the pandemic that needed renovation and I couldn't get contractors to call me back or come give me a bid...the ones that did were nuts on the prices they were charging...so I started watching your DIY videos and even though I had never built anything in my life, I was able to demo and completely remodel my own kitchen, I built my own cabinets, drawers and doors, installed & painted them myself. If not for videos like yours and others who share their knowledge I may still be waiting on a contractor...my kitchen turned out fabulous and today I still sometimes can't believe I built it myself...I had not worked with tools since I was a young teen and my dad who is very much like you, can fix or build anything, used to make me help him around the house...so I thank you and of course my pops who even though I hated it then, passed on his knowledge that came in very handy later in life...
Thank you! Thank you for reminding me that I can do this project myself. I’m starting small with my office in case I somehow mess it up (I know my challenges lol). I’ll be in another video asking questions shortly 😁 I appreciate you posting the videos that you do.
Most insightful. Great job on the research. I fall into the over 65 category and have built my DIY confidence watching your and other channels like it. The real teacher is when I actually tackle the project and learn how to correct my mistakes. Next time around I approach the project with more confidence and learn new mistakes to correct. I enjoy the work and keep it fun and educational. I appreciate your help along the way.
One of my first videos I've watched of your is how to paint better interior walls cutting in etc, and was excellent, this video in particular has been such an eye opener and grateful for the explanation as I'm in midst renovation with contractor frustrations despite attempt to be as patient and a good customer as we can. Always one to want to understand the other side, this is informative and helpful. Excellent vid as always.
Hang in there Janelle. The biggest weakness in contractors is actually knowing the end date. We tend to over estimate our abilities and leave clients frustrated. As a homeowner I tell folks take the estimate for a project and 1.5 the cost and double the time to have a more reasonable expectation. then if they finish early and under budget you are much happier. Cheers!
I'm a contractor in Toronto. I only work referrals and repeat customers, I have a Google page and homestars, yelp etc. Just to make my business look better, but if anyone calls me that I don't know I won't respond. Too busy and too many cheap/crazy people Usually referrals from existing customers are good customers So if I get an email or message saying hey I'm a friend of so and so then they'll get a response from me everytime, and I'll prioritize them if it's a referral from a high end customer cause usually they refer you to other high end customers
That is a great way to run your business. Able to get top dollar when things are good and established online in case the market conditions get bad and you need to have a larger footprint. Cheers!
some clients need to look in a mirror and ask themselves if they are biased toward labor since they grew up being told it was a job for folks who couldn't cut it in school.
Just really started watching you jeff and I really like you and your son's it's a blessing to have them with you not to mention I think they have the best teacher I've ever seen and wish you was around when I started.....God Bless bra
I was one of the ones who went and got an engineering degree, but didn't really find a job I liked. So I went and bought a bunch of tools and have been learning as I go (i'm a very fast learner). I have always been one who loved taking stuff apart and working with my hands. I love watching your videos, you explain it so well I just have to watch it once and I know exactly what to do. I don't really like working for others I have learned, so I'm trying to get something going for myself. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Thank you for a really well-researched, concise and considered presentation. It should give a lot of people comfort, and signal opportunity to the few!
Thank you for your videos Jeff. I bought a 50s house a year ago, and within the first few months the shower failed. After taking it down to the mortar bed I realized they used concrete. When we took the stuff to the dump, they asked if we had got it tested (I hadn't) now I'm trying to figure out how I can get rid of the rest of the cement board, or if I should just leave it up, and just replace the corner shower? My original plan was to turn the corner shower into a curbless shower. I don't have a lot of money so I need to make good decisions with what I spend. Thanks for all you do!
This was extremely informative and it gives you a bit of insight into a contractors mind. I am fairly handy and I do most things myself, except for electrical and I have enough sense to know when something is beyond my experience or ability. I found it incredibly difficult to find a contractor to do a bathroom reno in my apartment building. I am not as young as I used to be and its not easy ripping out an old tub on your own and I've never installed a shower stall. The answer I got was too small of a job or we are too busy. I think these contractors lacked the foresight to see that I have 11 other units in that building that I would be willing to do to and make it worth your while if I liked your work. Eventually, we did go with one of those bath fitting places ;) just to get it done. It was still pricey though.
Hopefully buying a fixer upper house next year (staying where I am is not an option) and watching your videos has given me more knowledge to identify what needs to be done and know whether or not I can do it. Thanks!
Hello from Turkey - we are having the EXACT same situation in the contractor market here so your video was incredibly helpful. They don't return calls here either :))) Thanks so much; now I know how to talk to them.
I'm an accountant/public servant who bought some land in 2019. Built my own house in 2021 on that land. Hired a plumber and an electrician. Built it using ICF. Pride of ownership, pride of workmanship and pride of dramatic equity improvement all in one year.
That's the goal we're working towards too... smallish designs to maximize efficiency/solar thermal gain/views, ICF -including roof, trombe wall linked to ERV, mini-split, thermal mass floor, etc ...basically PassivHaus but w/o the huge budget on doors/windows required to meet the official certification. Learning all the construction needed (by renovating our crappy stick homes that will fund us in the future) has helped with knowing what sucks & needs better methods/design/materials.
Hey Jeff. I live in Ottawa and have learned a ton by watching your channel. Recently I bought a new home only to discover that there was significant water damage under the front door that had caused a rim joist to rot. Due to the lack of contractors available, and inspired by watching channels like yours, I removed the front step with a jackhammer, cleared out the rotten wood in the basement, and treated the mold. Prior to this I've never tackled something of this scale. Unfortunately, replacing the joist is not something I can tackle myself. I'll try out the tips you've provided in this video, but if you happen to know anyone that could help in the Ottawa area, then please let me know!
I like that doing my self because I am cheapskate and I would love to put in high dollar faucets and toilets and bathtubs and other things like that and do real good quality work and do it all myself so that's why I watch your channel I know how to do a lot of this stuff I grew up doing it it's just not easy and it's not fast I mean you just got to tear things apart and go always start over and use good quality stuff not cheap crap thank you you're helping me a lot because you're showing me a lot of tricks and tips to get professional results but I would have never learned by doing it myself
What a great video. I've been a remodeler for 20 years and you just explained my world. I'm in CA and its a goldmine and word of mouth only. I strongly agree with your assesment that young motivated guys should start this career. I've trained many guys who have become their own boss and have great careers that pay very well. Put in 5 years with a good boss and learn, take the test, (its easy) and make 200k a year. Its real. Though you have to want it and you have to take HUGE pride in the product you deliver to your customer.
Funny you should mention building a shed in the backyard. Which is what I just did. I'm putting on the roof shingles later this week, then it's done! I was quoted $6k-$7k for the shed. I'm in $2k including a new nail gun! And I've enjoyed doing it myself, without waiting on anyone, depending on anyone, and not having to listen to hard luck stories why they can't come today... Great analysis of the whole screwed-up working world. By-the-way as a boomer myself, I decided to retire from the rat race a few years ago and it feels Great! Good Luck!
We wanted a small addition put onto our utility room going into our garage to move our laundry there. That was mid 2021. My contractor was so backed up, and eventually was forthright with me about when he might even get to think about the job. He told me almost all the work for any contractor at the moment is commercial because commercial pays better. 90% of his work was commercial. We had to change our laundry plans to put it in the basement, which is a job I am able to do myself.
Now we stuck with terrible contractors, those who won't callback, overcharge on supplies and labor and they wonder why everything is DIY now. I've totally gutted a kitchen n bathroom and only contracted out necessary things. That includes getting this all done on permits. Thanks Jeff for all the confidence i needed to do these projects.
@@TRAKZ115 the kitchen was over a year since my gut was done at the beginning of supply chain issues. The bathroom took me a couple weeks to get it up and functional
I think your prediction is spot on for the younger generation, I’m in my early thirty’s but a lot of my friends switched to the construction industry the past 2-3 years. A lot of them worked in the food industry as chefs and it just couldn’t pay the bills and they got tired of poor job security during COVID so they swapped to construction. I have to say it was a good move for many of them as they were spinning their wheels with no where to go and awful hours and pay. That said with global warming displacing large populations in the coming decades I think we will see a big spike in the next 10-15 years.
Everything said in this video matches my experience over the last few years. One major issue that I ran into with the DIY route is that I don't know what inspectors are expecting. When my local inspector came out, he just laughed and left. I still have no idea how to pass the inspections.
Sounds like your inspector has as much class as the other commentor. My suggestion is do your homework regarding building standards for the type of project you are doing. My husband did our electrical work, and passed inspection, in part by picking up a book on our local electrical safety code and making sure he'd followed it. You should be able to find standards online for your city building codes, but those standards may not be the easiest to comprehend (okay, they're borderline incomprehensible sometimes). This is why you can join this channel and ask Jeff questions directly! Commenting with a bit more detail about what you are getting inspected, you may get lucky with your answers from other viewers, too.
Jeff, I just started watching your videos in the last 2 months. Man, I am blown away. You Sir have an excellent portfolio of videos than can help even a seasoned professional like myself. BUT this video is off the scale (in a good way) great and truthful insight to what most of the public is unaware of. Great Job Sir! Steven Piedmont Oklahoma.
Cheers Steven, I love anyone who is willing to use seat blood and tears as a commodity. Bottom line is crews have options today we didn't have 20 years ago. Don't get upset if having a client is the last option on their list since most clients are not well informed of what a real reno looks like. Cheers!
I graduated college last year. Couldn’t find a job in my town with a 4 yr degree. Got into remodeling/renovation and I enjoy every single day. Learning quickly and being rewarded well for my developing skills. There is high satisfaction in doing something that looks great and knowing you did it the right way. I refer to your videos to improve my skills on the job site. Thank you
Found this channel a week ago and have watched so many hours! I've been wanting to renovate my small co-op apartment but there are so many hurdles in the way that might be outside the scope of your videos which typically deal with detached homes. After getting labor quotes in the 50-100k range for a 400sq.ft apartment, I am handy enough to want to DIY as much as I can, but then I know there are things I can't do, like moving the electric panel or updating the plumbing branches. Would love to see tips or advice on more surgical DIY things for prewar buildings from plaster and lathe patching to dealing with red tape!
Hi Andy, in most older homes it is easier to just remove all the plaster and lathe to see what you are working with. this will allow you to have a structural engineer in to discuss interior wall changes and make sure the structure is sound. It is also going to be necessary to update mechanical plumbing and wiring. all which is much easier without walls and ceilings. getting a permit is easy. keep the reason simple like updating plumbing and then work with your inspector as you update the changes. they are easier to work with on sire than they are in the office. Cheers Becoming a member gives you access to me and you can send pictures and get email help as well. Cheers!
I'm a woman in her 30's and I built my own house (after having a shell put up) myself with help from my husband who isn't that handy. You can find out how to do anything and everything on UA-cam these days. Love your channel btw, I wish I'd of found it before I had 99% of my work done. 😂
@@roxycauldwell544 Same (age) here. Can't afford a fully-built house (talking European market here and I'm buying alone), so I'm going to have a contractor do the structural work and I'll do most of the finishing work.
@@roxycauldwell544 the hardest part for me was finding a bank that would let me be my own general contractor because most don't nowadays. I already had the land with an old trailer on it we lived in for years and being onsite 24/7 was also extremely helpful.
I just asked a guy in the Colorado Springs area where do I find a cement guy to do a driveway. His response was “Good Luck! Unless you speak Spanish, no one is willing to do that hard work.” WOW! Thanks for the info Jeff. I am not a great DIY’er but we are doing it anyway. Appreciate your channel!
Wow! You really got me with that "the contractors are working for themselves flipping houses!" It's true. They're flipping them by selling them to people who are going to rent them out. That causes too sad things for the middle class: fewer affordable homes for rent or for purchase. 😢Thank you for your excellent videos!
Body. This is so funny. I thought you were talking about me. I have been in the business as a contractor for more than 25 years as renovator and new construction and what you are saying is so true. But I will give you one more thing you did not mention in your good video why most of the contractors won't pick up the phone: In my case in these 25 years I have been building a huge network of pleased owners that their referrals only will keep me busy until I die
I’m in new construction but I remodeled my house based on some knowledge and what I’ve learned from Jeff. Thank you Jeff for making the videos for us all!
Glad to help, DIY is the way of the future. Who am I to stand ion the way of progress. Cheers!
Does he have any books on remodeling?
You have been a pleasure and I have done two remodels. 😊
Our saving grace!
Have you guys ever met a man that you wish you knew personally, you are that guy Jeff, you are a brilliant businessman and professional contractor.
All your videos give us the confidence to approach any size job.
Thank you, Jeff.
Wow, thank you! Don't shy away from remodeling this year./ it is a great way to triple your money.
@@HomeRenoVisionDIY I will keep this in mind mate, thanks once again
Thanks Jeff. I've learned enough from my DIY dad (who is retired and builds houses for Habitat for Humanity now) to do all my own work. I have remodeled our entire house (and built an air condioned garden office) and it looks great! And we've spent a fraction of hiring someone. I'm no stranger to DIY, and I'm glad to confirm through your videos that I've been doing things right and doing them fast.
@@ModMINI Hello, which state do you live in? I need help with renovations or a Reno mentor 😅
As a 14 year union carpenter i can attest Jeff is right on. 99% of what Jeff shows in his videos are spot on and honestly more likely to be done correctly compared to some reno people. Most of the things can be done yourself, get some tools and make mistakes. At the end of the day fixing a mistake is still cheaper than paying the market value for labor. I would say the 4th answer to Jeffs board is to ask around, ask your friends, ask facebook. Someone in your area has a connect with a carpenter like myself who for friends n family will come out and do a job or at minimum give you good pointers/advice on how to do a job yourself, its invaluable. Have confidence you can do it! Cheers Jeff!
Cheers Josh, Great advice. I always tell people having a good relationship with a contractor is like having one with a mechanic. Without one you just don't know if you are getting good advice and value.
There's no way you're paying 50k to remodel a bathroom unless you live in a $700k+ house. Most areas in the US you'd be lucky to make $75k+ after buying a house and doing a COMPLETE REMODEL. So a lot of what he's talking about varies by location.
I agree! I was lucky when I bought my home June 2020 when I needed a wall torn down ( something I wasn't going to do) my dad had just seen a contractor do work to his boss ranch house and gave me his number . for the wall tear down he charged $600 which everyone told me was a deal and he said he did it BC he knew my pops!
Haaa sure is, I went from knowing nothing 2 years ago when I bought this house to friends now asking me how to do things, mostly from what I've learned from Jeff's videos and all the mistakes I had to learn to fix along the way.
Great advice on asking around and specially FB. Thanks
I’m a 63 yo grandma and I just changed my own overflow gasket on my tub that has been causing a recurrent leak for 10 years and was “fixed” by plumbers in the past who failed to find the leak and or did a bandaid job instead of fixing it right. Now after watching DIY videos on your channel and others I did it myself! 🙏 teaching me this stuff.
For those of you on the edge of considering DIY, go for it! We completely gutted and redid an old house. Hired a carpenter for major building, an electrician to rewire, an HVAC guy, and a friend to put in carpet because he had the tools. Everything else, we watched Jeff and did what he told us to do. We did wall demo, plumbing, insulation, drywall, trim, paint, put in lamps, tiled floors, and did a complete replacement of the bathroom. The value we built was phenomenal, we have all the tools we need to maintain the home, and we k ow how to fix stuff because we built it.
You can do it and this channel is a reliable source of how to information.
You're kind of like the ChrisFix of houses. Thank you for making every project feel "comfortable." Anyone competent can make their craft look easy, but you have to be a good teacher to make it feel approachable. I'm putting in a MIL suite in my mom's basement with kitchen and shower. Going to do the plumbing soon. Wish me luck!
Just at the end of our DIY. Hired pros for the work we couldn't do. Did the rest ourselves. $20k got us 1 full bath and 1 powder room with high-end fixtures and a Schluter shower system, 500 square feet of old tile removed and new tile installed, new hardwood solid oak staircase with new railing and hardwood hallway, new baseboards and paint in all renovated rooms. Thanks to you Jeff and other awesome DIY UA-camrs we were able to learn new skills or improve on existing skills to finish the job properly and professionally! Couldn't have done it without you! 👍👍👍
Awesome Antonio! Sounds to me like you got around $90,000 worth of work done at least. great ROI. Cheers!
Your videos are the reason that I was willing to do my own bathroom renovation. I wish I could attach a photo. I am very proud of it. I’m currently building an outdoor kitchen and will be adding a pergola yet this summer.
Thank you
Hands down one of the best content creators on UA-cam. Thank you for all your hard work and useful information.
Cheers!
This is one of the most educational videos I've ever seen on UA-cam. Real, hard truths. Great job, Jeff! Thank you for sharing this.
I'm almost finished renovating our 60's home here in Sonoma. I can't thank you enough. I'm experienced, but the knowledge, honesty, and all the little tricks you share = HUGE. Thank you so much!
Happy to share what I have learned. Seems like a great way to make a living. Cheers!
i got a comp sci degree but had dad and an uncle who taught me carpentry and renovations for as long as i can remember. what's missing is the engaged educational experiences for all the teens and we need to recover that with the next generation of parents learning how to do it, getting into it, and passing the skills down.
Agreed! In high school nobody was helping any students get into the trades. Now we have a workforce that can operate a phone and computer, but not much else.
Bought a home 4 years ago. The deck was in atrocious condition. Watched every video you had on building a deck. Everyone compliments me on how nice it came out. Your channel is such a valuable resource.
I bought my first house 3 years ago, and it needed a lot of renovations. I found this channel and binge watched just about everything. I learned a lot, but more importantly it gave me the confidence that I could do a lot of the work myself instead of hiring someone all the time. I've been taking on bigger and bigger projects over time, and renovating parts of my house has become sort of a hobby. I'm in the middle of my latest project which is fully gutting a bathroom and changing the layout. It involves just about all the skills: demolition, framing, plumbing (including redoing DWV under concrete), electrical, drywall, tile setting, painting, trim.
All this to say: thanks Jeff! If it weren't for your channel, I might be the guy waiting 2-5 years and paying top dollar to get my bathroom renovated.
Cheers Brian, Happy to help!
I call work on my properties hobby/ retirement plan
Agreed! It’s something to grow into.
Just bought my own house last year, these videos have been a huge help.
Dad is a finish work carpenter so I'm typically always asking for his advice, tips and tricks.
But it's always good to surprise him with some work I've done thanks to the advice, tips and tricks from these videos!
Cheers Scott. Great to have more than 1 influnce!
Thank you for all your effort, Jeff! Me and my wife bought our first place last year, I started to renovate it, we will move in in about 2 months. I am so proud of what I've done with the place, gives me joy to be there. I did everything: bathroom, kitchen, drywall, electricals, plumbing. Everything. And I learned all of that here! Thank you again!
That is awesome! Well done. Another DIY success story! Cheers!
I literally finished our basement because I’m working from home now. I needed an office. Added two rooms and a bathroom. Largely thanks to Jeff’s videos!
Well done Scott. Cheers!
I'm 24 and I started my remodeling business towards the end of COVID, and I love it man! It's been tough I had a lot of mistakes and things I had to learn, bit off a little more than I could chew, but I am doing much better now, looking forwards to the future
Hey Jeff! I'm a renovation contractor - and I think I'm going to send this video to every disgruntled boomer who asks why I gave them a tentative start time that's so far out into the future. This video is so true. Thanks for making it! Cheers!
Use all this info to hire your own people for the renovation. This channel already teaches you what everything should look like from framing to electrical. Provide the tools and materials and you’re all set. It’s basically a crash course to being a contractor. It’s still sort of DIY, but less physical hands on. Thanks Jeff for all this info, we are learning from a great mind.
Happy to help!
When I need a small job done that isn't urgent I like to tell contractors to just fit me in whenever they have some down time or they have a job fall through. So far it has worked well for me. Last time I used that approach, I didn't hear anything for a few weeks and then all of a sudden got a call at 8 pm one evening saying he was ready to go the next morning lol. Didn't bother me at all - I was just happy to get the work done!
That is a great approach if you can be patient. Cheers Chris!
Thats usually how I like doing it. Be very open as a customer. It works out well for me.
Good plan. That's why I made a list of jobs for my rentals. Big or small, I can get on a few guy's back pocket list for pop in jobs.
@@KLondike5 flexibility is a huge asset
Our gutter guy put us on his list 2 months ago..we're still waiting for him to show up
I tried for a year to get someone to renovate my house, it was going to be super expensive but I just wanted it done. Couldn't get anyone to show up so I'm doing it myself. I've built walls, moved doors, installed floors, added lighting - I've saved SO much money, learned a lot and I've gained about 20 lbs of muscle lol. This channel has been so valuable during my renovation, thank you so much for the help!
Well done! ( subtle golf clap) you are a rockstar!
With your advice and guidance I built my first high rise building in Toronto with a laser level and a skill saw! Thank you Jeff! Best content ever!
Very great DIY speech at the end, absolutely true. You're spot on about your analysis of everything else too. People have been calling me for the last two years wanting work done and I haven't had time for a single one. Too busy flipping.
Thanks for the video.
I love your videos! I've been watching since I was living back home in Brazil. Now I'm here, after almost five years of living in Canada, and I am already a DIYer!
I rebuilt my back porch myself back in 2020 by watching youtube videos like Jeff puts out along with others. 2 years later and its still standing, lol.
I started in Feb. trying to get a contractor to redo a secondary bathroom. 4 of them never replied, one could start only in November, of them came over and refused the job unless he could do a 10K gut job, which was not necessary. Finally found one in March and he was worth the wait. Project finished in early June. I understand very well the problems and shortages and was just grateful to find someone!
Been a Licensed Rez Builder doing renovations and Handyman work for 4 years now. I will attest to this video being 100% accurate. Also been a member of this channel for a couple years. Worth every penny. Do it!
Cheers Anthony!
Well said Jeff, I think you got it spot on.
Cheers!
Great advice Jeff 😁 I’ve been working on my home for about one year after watching all your videos. I appreciate all your kindness for sharing your experience and knowledge. I feel more comfortable and confident in planning new projects.
Cheers David! Happy to be of help!
I usually prefer to DIY for cost reasons but sometimes my time is more valuable. I had a reno guy that did great work but unfortunately(happy for him, haha) has become successful and now I'm in the waiting game for any serious work that needs doing. Recently renovated my own kitchen and living room and love it. I see my mistakes everyday but boy did we save a boatload of money.
We just got accepted on our offer and wow ive been watching so many "do it yourself" videos because we plan on trying our best. This is our first home and we are excited to DIY it.
Happy to help if you need some. check out our membership plan!
Jeff, thank you, thank you so much, for enlightening us and all you share with us. And thank you to your behind the scenes team too. The Best & Love & Hugs To All
"Don't buy a house for that 4th bedroom" - that was directed at me, and I needed to hear that.
So true! I've been trying to find folks to work on projects for so long that I started mapping my own plan for doing them myself. Time to DIY! 💪🏿 BK
You can do it! Cheers! We can help!
We've planned our renovation for 6 years ago. Your videos were an integral part of teaching us! Aug of 2020 we started it. The ups and downs of the market had me in tears looking at plywood. Even through all of this (and were not done of course) your insight, experience and wisdom have been accurate and encouraging. As owner-builders (subcontracted only 2 things) we are grateful for the YOU that you've given to others.
-And I shared this video with my rising High School Senior, hint hint!
Well done Kim. Just Guessing but you must have built up quite the nest egg of home equity. well done!!
This might be the best advertisement for why I should subscribe to a channel I have ever seen, master class, nice work! I'll be following.
Great video! I’m a construction manager for large firm and thought you were spot on. Material escalation has been crazy.
Glad you enjoyed it!
This is a timely video for me. I was gobsmacked at the quotes I got to replace old plumbing and drains. The math made no sense to me, even with inflation and supply chain increases. I DIYd it for a fraction of the cost. Totally worth the sweat!
Wow awesome videos thank you so much for your professional advice I'm new back into the building contractor business again from recently retirement from big government building inspections as a NM state combination inspector doing electrical, building, plumbing and heating, hvacr, inspections for 25 years service with about 60,000 building knew completed during my career , I love your advise
You’re my favorite renovator guy here on UA-cam, you’re the best my man. Thank you.
I like the point about you being the best contractor for yourself. It is so much more satisfying to take time and do it yourself, I learned a lot and am 100% satistfied with the decisions I got to make. I know if I got a contractor / tradeperson in I would have had to compramise and potentially redo some work to fit my vision.
You are correct. I am going to learn how to do it myself. Thank you for your videos. I bought a house on a an island off the coast of maine where contractors are highly sought after- only multi-millionaires seem to be able to get them. So I’ll do it myself like you are saying. I figure if I can learn how to do anesthesia and psychiatry- I should be able to figure this out with enough dedication and hard work. Thank you.
Being a contractor for only two years now I learned a lot in this video thank you for the advice and quality information!
Welcome to the revolution!
I have been watching your videos for some time now and I have not seen a more insightful approach to the industry. Thank you very much and keep up the hard work to get us educated!
My pleasure! Remember hiring a contractor is a new relationship that needs constant negotiating on behalf of both parties. Admit mistakes and build that relationship on trust. Cheers!
Wow! A 20 min video rehashing simple things that everyone already lived through and already knows. We know about Covid and lumber prices. Thanks.
Lol, why did you watch it then, Captain Know it all?
I'm a contractor who has started my own small business up in Canada. I pay myself 26 dollars an hour to make sure any new employees start at 22 dollars an hour plus transit. I live a simple life and rent but couldn't be happier to make sure those I work with are just as happy.
One of your BEST videos. Thank you thank you for a real eye opener. The things you mentioned I wouldn’t have known my entire lifetime. You are a real good man.🙏🏻
I started watching your videos 2 years ago when I purchased a house in the middle of the pandemic that needed renovation and I couldn't get contractors to call me back or come give me a bid...the ones that did were nuts on the prices they were charging...so I started watching your DIY videos and even though I had never built anything in my life, I was able to demo and completely remodel my own kitchen, I built my own cabinets, drawers and doors, installed & painted them myself. If not for videos like yours and others who share their knowledge I may still be waiting on a contractor...my kitchen turned out fabulous and today I still sometimes can't believe I built it myself...I had not worked with tools since I was a young teen and my dad who is very much like you, can fix or build anything, used to make me help him around the house...so I thank you and of course my pops who even though I hated it then, passed on his knowledge that came in very handy later in life...
Thank you! Thank you for reminding me that I can do this project myself. I’m starting small with my office in case I somehow mess it up (I know my challenges lol). I’ll be in another video asking questions shortly 😁 I appreciate you posting the videos that you do.
Cheers You got this!
Most insightful. Great job on the research. I fall into the over 65 category and have built my DIY confidence watching your and other channels like it. The real teacher is when I actually tackle the project and learn how to correct my mistakes. Next time around I approach the project with more confidence and learn new mistakes to correct. I enjoy the work and keep it fun and educational. I appreciate your help along the way.
Cheers Mike never stop learning!
Jeff, I have been binge-watching your videos and I am so grateful! I can do it and your videos are going to get me there!! Thank you!
One of my first videos I've watched of your is how to paint better interior walls cutting in etc, and was excellent, this video in particular has been such an eye opener and grateful for the explanation as I'm in midst renovation with contractor frustrations despite attempt to be as patient and a good customer as we can. Always one to want to understand the other side, this is informative and helpful. Excellent vid as always.
Hang in there Janelle. The biggest weakness in contractors is actually knowing the end date. We tend to over estimate our abilities and leave clients frustrated. As a homeowner I tell folks take the estimate for a project and 1.5 the cost and double the time to have a more reasonable expectation. then if they finish early and under budget you are much happier. Cheers!
@@HomeRenoVisionDIY Excellent advice and makes sense. Thank you!
I'm a contractor in Toronto. I only work referrals and repeat customers, I have a Google page and homestars, yelp etc. Just to make my business look better, but if anyone calls me that I don't know I won't respond. Too busy and too many cheap/crazy people
Usually referrals from existing customers are good customers
So if I get an email or message saying hey I'm a friend of so and so then they'll get a response from me everytime, and I'll prioritize them if it's a referral from a high end customer cause usually they refer you to other high end customers
That is a great way to run your business. Able to get top dollar when things are good and established online in case the market conditions get bad and you need to have a larger footprint. Cheers!
100% same. Been 2 years since I've taken on a new client without a referral from a current client.
some clients need to look in a mirror and ask themselves if they are biased toward labor since they grew up being told it was a job for folks who couldn't cut it in school.
Loved the reality of a spouse calling...so sweet
life happens. Cheers!
Jeff, I truly thank God I found you!! Cheers !!!
Happy to be of some help my Friend. Cheers!
I’m currently in this situation! Contractor I had last year won’t return calls so now I’m going the DIY route!
Just really started watching you jeff and I really like you and your son's it's a blessing to have them with you not to mention I think they have the best teacher I've ever seen and wish you was around when I started.....God Bless bra
Cheers Marcus, great to hear we are helping!
You are the reason I pay for a subscription to UA-cam. This compliment is understated. Guys like you make the world a better place.
Cheers Larry, UA-cam is a great place to find real people
I was one of the ones who went and got an engineering degree, but didn't really find a job I liked. So I went and bought a bunch of tools and have been learning as I go (i'm a very fast learner). I have always been one who loved taking stuff apart and working with my hands. I love watching your videos, you explain it so well I just have to watch it once and I know exactly what to do. I don't really like working for others I have learned, so I'm trying to get something going for myself. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Love your videos. Used a lot of your knowledge on my first bathroom Reno this past week. Wish I could put pics in comments. Thanks Jeff!!
That is awesome! Cheers!
Thank you for a really well-researched, concise and considered presentation. It should give a lot of people comfort, and signal opportunity to the few!
Thank you for your videos Jeff. I bought a 50s house a year ago, and within the first few months the shower failed. After taking it down to the mortar bed I realized they used concrete. When we took the stuff to the dump, they asked if we had got it tested (I hadn't) now I'm trying to figure out how I can get rid of the rest of the cement board, or if I should just leave it up, and just replace the corner shower? My original plan was to turn the corner shower into a curbless shower. I don't have a lot of money so I need to make good decisions with what I spend. Thanks for all you do!
This was extremely informative and it gives you a bit of insight into a contractors mind. I am fairly handy and I do most things myself, except for electrical and I have enough sense to know when something is beyond my experience or ability. I found it incredibly difficult to find a contractor to do a bathroom reno in my apartment building. I am not as young as I used to be and its not easy ripping out an old tub on your own and I've never installed a shower stall. The answer I got was too small of a job or we are too busy. I think these contractors lacked the foresight to see that I have 11 other units in that building that I would be willing to do to and make it worth your while if I liked your work. Eventually, we did go with one of those bath fitting places ;) just to get it done. It was still pricey though.
Great video. Even as a contractor i found this interesting to watch
I'm glad you have u-tube info. I have learned from you and got brave to give my projects a go...plumbing! It's still working...no leaks!
That is awesome! You are a DIYer now. Cheers!
Thank you for your encouragement for DIY! As I watch your videos, my anxiety level for DIY is disappearing😅.
Hopefully buying a fixer upper house next year (staying where I am is not an option) and watching your videos has given me more knowledge to identify what needs to be done and know whether or not I can do it. Thanks!
Best of luck! get a 1980 remodel and not a 1940 reno. Cheers!
Hello from Turkey - we are having the EXACT same situation in the contractor market here so your video was incredibly helpful. They don't return calls here either :))) Thanks so much; now I know how to talk to them.
Glad it was helpful! The baby boom was a world wide thing after the second world war so many countries are in the same boat!
I'm an accountant/public servant who bought some land in 2019. Built my own house in 2021 on that land. Hired a plumber and an electrician. Built it using ICF. Pride of ownership, pride of workmanship and pride of dramatic equity improvement all in one year.
Blood sweat and tears still the best formula for personal financial freedom. Cheers!
That's the goal we're working towards too... smallish designs to maximize efficiency/solar thermal gain/views, ICF -including roof, trombe wall linked to ERV, mini-split, thermal mass floor, etc ...basically PassivHaus but w/o the huge budget on doors/windows required to meet the official certification.
Learning all the construction needed (by renovating our crappy stick homes that will fund us in the future) has helped with knowing what sucks & needs better methods/design/materials.
Yes, but most people today don’t have any idea how to change the oil in their car. Zero common sense. 😜
Slow clap…. Slow clap…. Faster clap… faster clap…: fast clap… fast clap….. everyone joins in fast clapping …
This is gold Jeff! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
I’m starting a tiling project and this is the confidence I needed! 👍🏾
You sir, are 100% correct on everything you spoke of in this video. I highly respect you.
Thank you Jenny. I hope this helps to ease the frustration and better understand what we are facing.
Comprehensive and brilliantly done. Thank you
I needed to hear this. Thank you for breaking this down. It all makes sense.
Hey Jeff. I live in Ottawa and have learned a ton by watching your channel. Recently I bought a new home only to discover that there was significant water damage under the front door that had caused a rim joist to rot. Due to the lack of contractors available, and inspired by watching channels like yours, I removed the front step with a jackhammer, cleared out the rotten wood in the basement, and treated the mold. Prior to this I've never tackled something of this scale. Unfortunately, replacing the joist is not something I can tackle myself. I'll try out the tips you've provided in this video, but if you happen to know anyone that could help in the Ottawa area, then please let me know!
easier to call a structural engineer. they can tell you what to do and show you the process. not as hard as you think. Cheers!
Oh my gosh.... This is a phenomenal video. Thank you Jeff. Wow...
I like that doing my self because I am cheapskate and I would love to put in high dollar faucets and toilets and bathtubs and other things like that and do real good quality work and do it all myself so that's why I watch your channel I know how to do a lot of this stuff I grew up doing it it's just not easy and it's not fast I mean you just got to tear things apart and go always start over and use good quality stuff not cheap crap thank you you're helping me a lot because you're showing me a lot of tricks and tips to get professional results but I would have never learned by doing it myself
What a great video. I've been a remodeler for 20 years and you just explained my world. I'm in CA and its a goldmine and word of mouth only. I strongly agree with your assesment that young motivated guys should start this career. I've trained many guys who have become their own boss and have great careers that pay very well. Put in 5 years with a good boss and learn, take the test, (its easy) and make 200k a year. Its real. Though you have to want it and you have to take HUGE pride in the product you deliver to your customer.
Funny you should mention building a shed in the backyard. Which is what I just did. I'm putting on the roof shingles later this week, then it's done! I was quoted $6k-$7k for the shed. I'm in $2k including a new nail gun! And I've enjoyed doing it myself, without waiting on anyone, depending on anyone, and not having to listen to hard luck stories why they can't come today... Great analysis of the whole screwed-up working world. By-the-way as a boomer myself, I decided to retire from the rat race a few years ago and it feels Great! Good Luck!
Cheers Mario, well done. enjoy your retirement!
Wow! My jaw was literally wide open. Awesome. Thank you!
Cheers Kirk. hope this helps sort some things out for ya!
Wow! Awesome explanation of why there are no contractors or employees!! Best advice I’ve heard Jeff! I’m following and watching! Thank you!
We wanted a small addition put onto our utility room going into our garage to move our laundry there. That was mid 2021. My contractor was so backed up, and eventually was forthright with me about when he might even get to think about the job. He told me almost all the work for any contractor at the moment is commercial because commercial pays better. 90% of his work was commercial. We had to change our laundry plans to put it in the basement, which is a job I am able to do myself.
Now we stuck with terrible contractors, those who won't callback, overcharge on supplies and labor and they wonder why everything is DIY now. I've totally gutted a kitchen n bathroom and only contracted out necessary things. That includes getting this all done on permits. Thanks Jeff for all the confidence i needed to do these projects.
Cheers Reese , happy to help! You rock!
How long did both projects take you ?
You can diy it but we charge a lot because things are expensive.
cheers Payton not to mention your time.
@@TRAKZ115 the kitchen was over a year since my gut was done at the beginning of supply chain issues. The bathroom took me a couple weeks to get it up and functional
I think your prediction is spot on for the younger generation, I’m in my early thirty’s but a lot of my friends switched to the construction industry the past 2-3 years.
A lot of them worked in the food industry as chefs and it just couldn’t pay the bills and they got tired of poor job security during COVID so they swapped to construction.
I have to say it was a good move for many of them as they were spinning their wheels with no where to go and awful hours and pay.
That said with global warming displacing large populations in the coming decades I think we will see a big spike in the next 10-15 years.
I haven’t had a lot of time to view all of your content, but it is first rate… Please keep it up… I will get to it!
We DIY...keep the tutorials with great details coming. I've used a bunch of them so far. 🤞🙌
Long time subscriber...........Jeff.....Your BEST video to date...........Cheers Bro
Thank you very much. Just thought I would add a little inside context to the frustration out there.
Everything said in this video matches my experience over the last few years.
One major issue that I ran into with the DIY route is that I don't know what inspectors are expecting. When my local inspector came out, he just laughed and left. I still have no idea how to pass the inspections.
Sounds like your inspector has as much class as the other commentor. My suggestion is do your homework regarding building standards for the type of project you are doing. My husband did our electrical work, and passed inspection, in part by picking up a book on our local electrical safety code and making sure he'd followed it. You should be able to find standards online for your city building codes, but those standards may not be the easiest to comprehend (okay, they're borderline incomprehensible sometimes). This is why you can join this channel and ask Jeff questions directly! Commenting with a bit more detail about what you are getting inspected, you may get lucky with your answers from other viewers, too.
Jeff, I just started watching your videos in the last 2 months. Man, I am blown away. You Sir have an excellent portfolio of videos than can help even a seasoned professional like myself. BUT this video is off the scale (in a good way) great and truthful insight to what most of the public is unaware of.
Great Job Sir!
Steven
Piedmont Oklahoma.
Cheers Steven, I love anyone who is willing to use seat blood and tears as a commodity. Bottom line is crews have options today we didn't have 20 years ago. Don't get upset if having a client is the last option on their list since most clients are not well informed of what a real reno looks like. Cheers!
So cool how you talk about the history!! Very interesting! I hope my boys become contractors!!
I graduated college last year. Couldn’t find a job in my town with a 4 yr degree. Got into remodeling/renovation and I enjoy every single day. Learning quickly and being rewarded well for my developing skills. There is high satisfaction in doing something that looks great and knowing you did it the right way. I refer to your videos to improve my skills on the job site. Thank you
Smart. Admirable. I'm so happy to hear that you are happy doing what you are doing!
Cheers Ethan, you are on the right path to a very fulfilling life.
Awesome video. It's full of insight and encouragement. Thank you!
I like your big picture analysis! Thank you.
Found this channel a week ago and have watched so many hours!
I've been wanting to renovate my small co-op apartment but there are so many hurdles in the way that might be outside the scope of your videos which typically deal with detached homes. After getting labor quotes in the 50-100k range for a 400sq.ft apartment, I am handy enough to want to DIY as much as I can, but then I know there are things I can't do, like moving the electric panel or updating the plumbing branches. Would love to see tips or advice on more surgical DIY things for prewar buildings from plaster and lathe patching to dealing with red tape!
Hi Andy, in most older homes it is easier to just remove all the plaster and lathe to see what you are working with. this will allow you to have a structural engineer in to discuss interior wall changes and make sure the structure is sound. It is also going to be necessary to update mechanical plumbing and wiring. all which is much easier without walls and ceilings. getting a permit is easy. keep the reason simple like updating plumbing and then work with your inspector as you update the changes. they are easier to work with on sire than they are in the office. Cheers Becoming a member gives you access to me and you can send pictures and get email help as well. Cheers!
I'm a woman in her 30's and I built my own house (after having a shell put up) myself with help from my husband who isn't that handy. You can find out how to do anything and everything on UA-cam these days. Love your channel btw, I wish I'd of found it before I had 99% of my work done. 😂
That's amazing! Good for you :) 25 and considering doing the same
@@roxycauldwell544 Same (age) here. Can't afford a fully-built house (talking European market here and I'm buying alone), so I'm going to have a contractor do the structural work and I'll do most of the finishing work.
@@roxycauldwell544 the hardest part for me was finding a bank that would let me be my own general contractor because most don't nowadays. I already had the land with an old trailer on it we lived in for years and being onsite 24/7 was also extremely helpful.
Right on sister!
I just asked a guy in the Colorado Springs area where do I find a cement guy to do a driveway. His response was “Good Luck! Unless you speak Spanish, no one is willing to do that hard work.” WOW! Thanks for the info Jeff. I am not a great DIY’er but we are doing it anyway. Appreciate your channel!
Good luck!
Wow! You really got me with that "the contractors are working for themselves flipping houses!" It's true. They're flipping them by selling them to people who are going to rent them out. That causes too sad things for the middle class: fewer affordable homes for rent or for purchase. 😢Thank you for your excellent videos!
Body. This is so funny. I thought you were talking about me. I have been in the business as a contractor for more than 25 years as renovator and new construction and what you are saying is so true. But I will give you one more thing you did not mention in your good video why most of the contractors won't pick up the phone: In my case in these 25 years I have been building a huge network of pleased owners that their referrals only will keep me busy until I die
Cheers to a successful career my friend!
This is a well-produced video. Thank you for this information and your energy! Always a pleasure to watch your work. -G
Bingo. I have some customers I need you to talk to. If only this wasn't titled as such, I would share this video on my shops fb page.