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Remember The Good Ole Days? No Dirty Jobs
Times change quickly. Not long ago installers could pick their own jobs, but what’s happening today with the lousy economy? Are installers willing to take on those dreaded jobs? You bet. Money is tight. With business in the doldrums (some say they’ve never seen it worse) I talked to a fellow that works for a national flooring removal company.
“Dealers don’t call us anymore,” says Bob Knupp who works as a regional representative for a national flooring removal company. Trying to get new account work is almost impossible. Dealers want to keep their guys happy, and with the economy the way it is, installers that hated these kind of jobs before are more than willing to do it.”
Dirty jobs. Installers know what I’m talking about. Removing tile floors for a new hardwood floor. Taking out glue down carpet, or one of the toughest jobs; tearing out a glue down hardwood floor. This wasn’t part of the job résumé they thought. In years past many would turn down the work or bid it out of the ballpark.
So what’s your take? How much are you bidding for these lousy jobs today? Are you keeping all the dirty work for yourself or hiring some help? Be honest, nobody will ridicule you. After all you have a family to take care of and work is important.
“Dealers don’t call us anymore,” says Bob Knupp who works as a regional representative for a national flooring removal company. Trying to get new account work is almost impossible. Dealers want to keep their guys happy, and with the economy the way it is, installers that hated these kind of jobs before are more than willing to do it.”
Dirty jobs. Installers know what I’m talking about. Removing tile floors for a new hardwood floor. Taking out glue down carpet, or one of the toughest jobs; tearing out a glue down hardwood floor. This wasn’t part of the job résumé they thought. In years past many would turn down the work or bid it out of the ballpark.
So what’s your take? How much are you bidding for these lousy jobs today? Are you keeping all the dirty work for yourself or hiring some help? Be honest, nobody will ridicule you. After all you have a family to take care of and work is important.
Comment
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Comment by steven boleski on September 14, 2009 at 5:34pm - I had to take Supermarket this winter @ $1.50 up n down w/feather finish skim all nite work,,,VCT the cheapest floor out
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Comment by Stephen on December 6, 2008 at 8:30am -
Yes and the machines are much improved since then as well. I tried to post a video of Taylor's tool I have on a cd they sent me but it was too big.
Remember the size limit is like 100mb when looking for or making a video.
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Comment by Ken Fisher on December 6, 2008 at 4:34am - I guess what I didn't realize is the availability of machine driven tear out tools like SP refers to. Back when I was actively installing (prior to 2004) these kind of machines could not be found in my market, so it was bloody murder tearing out tile or glue down wood by hand.
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Comment by Jerome on November 28, 2008 at 11:30am - By far the most profitable part of my work involves tearouts. It has always been that way for me and i take all I can get.
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Comment by Steve Simonson on November 25, 2008 at 10:55pm - I think there are alot of folks who are looking at jobs today, regardless of the prep, differently than they did in 2006. It is a different world in alot of ways.
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Comment by Stephen on November 25, 2008 at 10:32am
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I've always done my own demo Ken. Especially ever since I was able to rent a turbo stripper.
I ahve been tempted to sub out the demo but most of my jobs just are not that big and I need the money more than they do. Plus what if they screw something up? I don't know them that well and do not like strangers on my jobs. I have no idea what kinda people they hire.
Notes
Flooring
Flooring is one of the most important areas in home decor. And high quality flooring matched with high quality installation is the perfect solution to any flooring project.
Created by Steve Simonson Nov 6, 2008 at 10:58am. Last updated by Steve Simonson Nov. 6, 2008.
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Created by Steve Simonson Oct 22, 2008 at 12:06am. Last updated by Steve Simonson Aug 27.
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