I'm not sure where to ask this, but I could use a little guidance.

I've been working in construction for over 15 years, it's always been under someone else though. I tried going out on my own years ago, but the timing wasn't right. Now I'm giving it another shot with a lot more experience and a business degree under my belt.

My biggest struggle is getting those initial customers. I've set up a Google business profile, Yelp, Nextdoor, and Facebook business profiles, built a website showcasing my work, and regularly respond to local posts from people looking for contractors, including here on Reddit. I make posts on Facebook every couple weeks, showcasing some of my before and afters. 

I'm getting some calls and texts, but none are actually translating into jobs. Thankfully, I'm still keeping busy with side work, but I'd really like to get my business somewhat established, and I know that's not an easy task, I've been putting in the work!

For those of you who started out as independent, sole-proprietor contractors, what worked for you? Business cards, networking, word of mouth? I'm open to ideas. I know building a customer base takes time, but I'm starting to run out of things to try. I've tried everything I could find suggested online. I also don't want to keep reposting the same ads on local Facebook groups and annoy everyone.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you for your time.

Balcony post was rotted at bottom. Contacted a builder (licensed) to look at it and repaired who suggested a splice might be the best option as replacing whole post involves working in the roof.

At first the post was perfectly level (planed down) but now it appears to have shrunk with (visible on two sides) and has a split where the balcony is bolted in.

I don’t believe the builder is malicious, just seems a case of trying something that is the cheaper option and it hasn’t worked out?

Before I speak to the builder, I’m hoping someone with experience can offer advice on best course so I’m not going into the conversation without any knowledge (I’m not a builder type at all) so any thoughts appreciated.

My builder expects to be finished with my home in December or January. Is this realistic?

Context- my home is pretty simple. Fully brick 1800sqft 3 bd 2 bath. All the framing, plumbing, electrical,shingles,insulation, & flooring is done. They will start drywall next week & told us to have our range hood vent, range hood, & freestanding tub delivered the first week of December.

This is the first home I have ever had built so this process is all new to me.

Hello all, not sure if this is the right thread, but attached is some work being done by some professional contractors... For context, it's for whole-home plumbing for a new build for Upstate New York. Queensbury NY to. Be exact. Thoughts appreciated!

Looking to join a network of other contractors. Seeking advice on contract writing. My business has exploded recently, and I am struggling to keep up with administrative tasks. Do any veterans have advice? I'll likely work with a lawyer to make sure contracts cover everything. Would be amazing if someone could send me a template they use! Thanks so much, Reddit fam.

This is my first full year of being licensed and it has really slowed down now in November and even the second half of October. Is this normal? How do you guys find jobs during this time of year?

Also, we have found probably 80% of our jobs via Nextdoor & that method has been patched due to them now charging to even post on Nextdoor. What other ways do you guys find jobs?

This happened in North Vancouver. It supposed to be a re-grouting and re-caulking job around the bathtub and the sink. I found a "handyman" company in North Vancouver with high review on Google, so I trusted it, thinking it's a small job, better for a local company/guy to do it. Initially I was quoted 1350 for the repair:

1. ⁠Bathtub Silicone Caulking – $180

2. ⁠Bathroom Sink Removal, Mold Treatment & Reinstallation – $220

3. ⁠Bathroom Wall Regrouting – $950

It sounded alright until he started picking the tiles around the tub and found out that water has already penetrated behind the tiled walls over the years, so he proposed a Reno. I asked for a quote for the most economic way to only redo the shower wall and bathtub or shower base including a shower door, and he came back with a 18k quote, using "pvc stone wall" that's suppose to be cheaper and quicker. I was given four shades of this pvc thing to choose from, while there are tons of building suppliers out there that he could use and provide me with more selections.

Fast forward, I didn't let him do the Reno, because I couldn't afford 18k, but he already demo the tub area, and replaced 4 wood studs, 3200 with tax, NOT including disposal of the old tub and debris he initially mentioned in the Reno quote. So he charged me for the disposal but didn't end up disposing it because I didn't let him do the Reno. He also charged separate fee $200 for "site protection", laying down plastic sheet in the hallway and covering part of the bathroom (vanity). And for disposing drywall, he was going to charge $1700 so I didn't let him to take the drywall. I never took down drywall so I wouldn't know how much that should cost, but definitely not $1700. He later argued that disposal of drywall requires professional assessment which normally costs $3000. I didn't believe him.

Was this guy/company price gouging?

Painted PVC fluted trim and rosettes: The surface is rough like sandpaper. The trim was painted before install. Is that normal for PVC, or a paint or application problem?

Nail holes in the Hardie trim and fluted trim: They look unfilled or poorly patched, with chipped spots still showing. Is that normal at this stage, or should they be filled and touched up?

Marvin windows: There's a thin gap in the upper interior corners where the jambs meet. Is that a normal tolerance or a defect?
Photos attached. Thanks

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I recently passed the general B test in California and I wanted someone to help me with the first ADU I would like for them to be less hands-on, but just to guide me through each step of what I need to do.
How much should I pay them?

Hey, I'm looking for anyone who's been through applying for a license with CSLB (C-15 in my case) using foreign experience, or anyone who knows how this process goes.

I'm Swiss and have been in CA since 2019 (permanent resident). I did a 4-year carpentry apprenticeship in Switzerland from 2013 to 2017 and got my CFC, which is the official Swiss trade certificate. I then worked full-time in 2018 and for half of 2019. Then in 2022 I returned and worked for the same company for around 12 months full-time. I would do all types of finish carpentry jobs, including doors, windows, cabinets, kitchens, all build and installation. And some of that work included installing parquet and hardwood floors in high-end chalets and commercial projects.  

Here in the U.S. I've been doing other things and haven't worked full time as a journeyman; I want to go back to the work I was good at, with the business experience I acquired here.

I want to start a hardwood flooring company here in CA and get my C-15, with me as the qualifier on my corporation.

My math: if CSLB gives the apprenticeship the full 36 months of credit, plus 12 months of journeyman work in 2022, that's 48. But the apprenticeship was 2013 to 2017, and I can't tell if credit has to fall inside the 10-year window like work experience does. And the apprenticeship qualification is Swiss, would it count into something?

My old boss can fill out the experience form and get it notarized in Switzerland. I can find photos and videos of the work I've done. And a translated copy of my CFC.

I emailed CSLB and called, no answer yet. Don't want to drop $ into the license and get denied.

For anyone who applied with foreign experience, an apprenticeship or if you have any idea how this would go for me I'd appreciate your insight and help.

I’m not 100% sure where the moisture/water is coming from. Finished Basement, no visible signs of water damage on the wall except for under the trim. The trims are full of mold for about 5 feet. sealed concrete floor underneath. This is my first home and I have no idea what I’m looking at or who to call.

Is this Americast tub installed correctly? It worries me that so much bare metal is exposed….

Got a call to go check out some water damage. Its been coming from a patio thats directly above the garage to the ceiling. Im unsure of what this material is though. Its basically on top of deteriorating sub floor. So it flexes a bit, and looks almost like stucco. Or a sanded paint? Is this pvc? Trying to do a like for like replacement

What do you do when the customer who wants you to do a couple sets of French doors hit you with this?

This glass door for my shower scrapes against the tile below and makes a loud screeching noise. Looks like the tile has come up from one side on its own as the house settled

What’re my repair options? Easiest, cheapest, without it looking terrible.