 Finding Help (by DJ [VA]) Aug 15, 2018 8:39 PM
 Finding Help (by Smokowna [MD]) Aug 15, 2018 10:12 PM
Finding Help (by GKARL [PA]) Aug 15, 2018 11:16 PM
Finding Help (by Pat [VA]) Aug 16, 2018 3:53 AM
Finding Help (by Ken [NY]) Aug 16, 2018 4:30 AM
Finding Help (by bet [MA]) Aug 16, 2018 5:12 AM
Finding Help (by S i d [MO]) Aug 16, 2018 5:24 AM
Finding Help (by Bill [NC]) Aug 16, 2018 6:05 AM
Finding Help (by DJ [VA]) Aug 16, 2018 5:31 PM
Finding Help (by cjo'h [CT]) Aug 17, 2018 1:47 AM
Finding Help (by WL [CA]) Aug 22, 2018 6:41 PM
Finding Help (by plenty [MO]) Aug 22, 2018 7:58 PM
Finding Help (by DJ [VA]) Posted on: Aug 15, 2018 8:39 PM
Message:
Monday evening I spent about 6 hours (yes, really!) dealing with a blockage (the magnitude of which has never been seen before) in a sewer line. Anyway, I tried calling my most regular plumber, then 3 other standbys, and a couple names from the local hardware store - all to no avail. Nobody could come help me. Then it occurred to me - somebody lived near me who parked a plumber's van in front of his house, so I drove over and called the number on the van. I didn't know this guy or have any references, but I was desperate. He was great! Worked like a dog and did not give up until finally victorious. My new, go-to guy!
So a light bulb went on in my head - I live in a blue-collar neighborhood where there are all kinds of work vans parked every night. Why not just drive around in the evening and photograph different vehicles with business contact info on them, and hire them to do work? It's got to be at least as reliable as hiring someone off of CL - right? Even people I have hired referred by other landlords were terrible.
--68.10.xxx.x |
Finding Help (by Smokowna [MD]) Posted on: Aug 15, 2018 10:12 PM
Message:
I like the idea.
I wonder what motivates people. I get the impression that many only work enough to get by. No desire to do more than needed.
--96.241.xxx.xx |
Finding Help (by GKARL [PA]) Posted on: Aug 15, 2018 11:16 PM
Message:
DJ, I've thought about the same thing. They congregate at hardware and convenience stores also. I've thought of just going there and collecting names. --209.122.xx.xxx |
Finding Help (by Pat [VA]) Posted on: Aug 16, 2018 3:53 AM
Message:
When I was trying to get a storage bldg. moved that I had purchased secondhand to use at one of our smaller rentals, I ran into real difficulty finding someone to do it. I had a list from a previous experience, and I write down numbers I see people post on Facebook yard sale sites.
It occurred to me to call the places that sell them new and they gave me some more names, one of which worked. Where we used to get the local mechanic shop to move them for 100.00 on a roll back, it costs 300.-400. now from the pros.
So I'm looking long & hard before buying one again! --71.219.xx.xx |
Finding Help (by Ken [NY]) Posted on: Aug 16, 2018 4:30 AM
Message:
A lot of those guys will work for after hours for $20 and hour instead of when they are on the owners time at $75 an hour --72.231.xxx.xxx |
Finding Help (by bet [MA]) Posted on: Aug 16, 2018 5:12 AM
Message:
My newest electrician is the guy I was mad that he was parking his work van in front of my rental. So we got talking and now he is doing work for us. While waiting outside another rental a pair of painters guys walked by, there are on 3rd job for us. So Yes, hire from around town when you see them. a lot of them pick up the side jobs after hours. --108.20.xxx.xxx |
Finding Help (by S i d [MO]) Posted on: Aug 16, 2018 5:24 AM
Message:
That's a good strategy. +10 points for you!
I do something similar when driving around town. Lots of service vans with logos/phone numbers. If I'm stopped at a traffic light, I'll snap a picture of the van/truck with my phone and call them later to get info on availability (nights, weekends, holidays?), service call rates, and general skill level.
At least if you see them out and about, it probably means they are doing work for someone. With CL, who knows? --173.19.x.xxx |
Finding Help (by Bill [NC]) Posted on: Aug 16, 2018 6:05 AM
Message:
I ran into two guys at Lowe's that were loading pilings, decking, etc., onto their trailer. Asked them if they repaired piers, porch rails, etc. They said they did. They came and looked and gave me a price on repairing each pier and the railings. They did the work in record time. These guys want to work Giving them all the work I can. They don't sit at the local cafe and drink coffee and complain. --76.0.xxx.xxx |
Finding Help (by DJ [VA]) Posted on: Aug 16, 2018 5:31 PM
Message:
I have also taken info from people I see at Home Depot. --68.10.xxx.xxx |
Finding Help (by cjo'h [CT]) Posted on: Aug 17, 2018 1:47 AM
Message:
DJ,so now you know! Good idea..........charlie............................................. --32.214.xxx.xx |
Finding Help (by WL [CA]) Posted on: Aug 22, 2018 6:41 PM
Message:
My dad used to get his workers from AA meetings, rehabs, and liquor stores. They worked hard for cheap (ditch digging, cleaning vacant units, roofing) but he had to supervise them. In this job market, AA meetings might be the place to look for cheap help. At the end of the day, he would treat them to a beer after paying them and one guy ( a boozer roofer) refused to work without cold beers ready whenever he was thirsty. Strange that he never fell off roofs while drunk, which was always. --201.140.xxx.xx |
Finding Help (by plenty [MO]) Posted on: Aug 22, 2018 7:58 PM
Message:
Now you are getting me thinking...where have I missed it? --99.203.xx.xxx |
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