As an Electrical contractor and electrical Instructor. Everything this gentleman has said is invaluable information to anyone looking to manage any type of construction project. Great job sir thank you for sharing this wealth of insider knowledge !!!
Thank you for the support. I will keep it up. I created some checklists on electrical for owner builders to use while managing their own build. Are you interested in editing my electrical checklist? You can contact me at kelschconstrution.com. My first name Keith@ and then the domain.
Stopping to ask when you see a sub working worked great for me. Turns out they were on their last day of that job (Wed), they came and looked at my job during lunch (2 parcels down the street), gave me a bid that day (that I accepted), they started my job the next day because it was worth it to them to fill in with my job before moving all their equipment to start the next job they already had lined up.
Thank you! Great advice. Good man. You're a good a guy for this. I have inherited some great insights, via your "Warnings on this video,"... With a protective smile and ample explanation of it. Thanks, your works is appreciated!!!
Great advice on posting a huge 4X8 plywood sign at the site. Bids welcome, and bringing in a framing crew from maybe an area were the weather prevents them from framing. Planning on building in Custer SD in the Spring. Spring comes earlier in S.D. than MN. So, I will contact some framers up there in Feb.
Omg i needed to here this thank you sooo much!!!!! Thank you 🙏🏻 what you said really changed my way of thinking and approaching onto projects. Thank you
I have been a realtor for 20+ years and have quite a bit of knowledge from doing home remodels and flips on the side over the years. I know I do not have all the knowledge but I do know more than the average person lets say. I have always loved the building side and want to get my GC license and then start my own building company and leave the real estate sales side of things. What is your opinion/advice for someone who wants to get a GC license and technically has not reference/experience per se. I have had people tell me I can't do it without having on the job experience. Thank you and love the videos.
There are builders that aren't lazy but have a trusted, loyal group of subcontractors and use them consistently. My dad was a builder in the fifties and sixties and the business model was very different then. He had subs he had been using for ten years or more, they did quality work and made latent defect repairs with no argument (high value there). I agree that those days are LONG GONE. Building a relationship with subcontractors is a builders focus (my business management philosophy). The builders that want the lowest price they can find will bid every job. Having trusted proven subcontractors is the flip side of "lazy"......(don't get me wrong, there certainly are lazy builders in this world). I suggest to owner builders that they get a clear plastic flip top holder (Realtors use them for flyers on listings) and label it for subs to drop their cards into. And YES, put that on the job early as possible.
I used to do sales for a heating company..I would leave product brochures and flyers at every job site I could find...actually received calls for quotes.
You inspired me to create webpage for build- I can put the website name on the board and create forms they can fill out online. Question- do you verify all licenses and insurance for every sub?
Great tips, but in our area its hard to get any subcontractors. Subs will not even give you a bid if they do not know you. Young people do not want to work in construction so the pool for subs and employees is so tight that once you get a sub you like. You better hold onto your deer life for them no matter what the cost. Flip side of it is if you do get a bid from someone new, they either are just starting out and do horrible work or they are con artists. All the descents subs and employees are taken. It’s only going to get worse unless we can get some robots.
Sounds like where I live here in Canada..no one really wants to work..it’s like pulling teeth to get quotes. Some areas are different and trades hustle to get work and will bid on every job out there.
Great video. My wife and I already watched your video 3 times and subscribed to your channel. I think your subscribers are going to increase rapidly in the mear future. Video really made my day! I have one question though. When you said go to lumber yards. As an average person, a layman actually in the building, can I just walki into those lumberyards? shouldn’t I be a builder or a construction in order to walk into those places. How does that work? thank you
Where I live in Canada you practically have to beg to get quotes..everyone is to busy to do quotes...if you do mange to get a quote the the contractor won’t follow up.
Hi Keith, Any tips on how do you find contractors, who have worked with the kind of material you want to use. For example, lets say you want to use ZIP sheathing or Schluter kit for shower. Do you just go by their word that they know how to use it?
That is a big question. Part of the hassle and learning curve in being an owner builder is networking. The key is networking and learning to ask questions and perhaps even joining a network. Get out and talking is perhaps the best advice I can give. Some can adopt new tech, some are not willing to, so do not hire them. If they are willing to learn new tech, then learn right along side them.
Unless you are an excavator, drive new subdivisions and hand out cards and call builders starting new projects. You’ll be surprised how fast you’ll get busy once you prove yourself.
Great videos and advice. Thank you!!! Question: my wife and I are now retired (mid 60's) and downsizing. Looking to build a small but nice 1000 - 1200 sq ft single story farmhouse style home (our last home) on our lake area 1 acre property. We have done DIY home building before but now that we are older not interested in doing it all, maybe just the interior parts. Question - how much more expensive (rough %) to build a small home than maybe a 2500 sq ft home? North Texas rural area. Any guidance / thoughts appreciated. again nice job on the videos and site.
Interesting question. If there is not a lot of building going on, then those looking for work in that area would be more hungry to get work. If there is a lot of building going on, then subs are not as hungry. This is the firs question to ask. As for size and cost differences, I can tell it will be easier to get bids on a larger build than a smaller one. If contractors have to haul their equipment out for a small job, they are more likely to bid a bigger job. Just a few thoughts. See howtobuildyourownhome.com. I suggest taking the First Steps course.
When is the best time to get bids? Most are good for thirty days. Sometimes it takes 30 days to get bids. Do you rebid closer to the start of the project?
Hello my name is Alfredo valencia I hope you are doing well i just have a question how can i learn to bid on new construction i don't know how to i just know how to work i just started my own business and i don't have much experience as a sales man if their is any tips you can share with me i would greatly appreciate it. thank you and i hope you have a wonderful day
Awesome tips! Since my new construction will be 3 hours away and my architect is insisting I hire a GC - I would have to hire a GC till the drywall stage. I know an excellent foundation/concrete guy. What would be a good way to convince the GC to use my concrete guy, I know my concrete guy's pricing would be much reasonable as I have used him in the past and nobody was able to beat his price
I am not sure what you are asking? Framing can range from $7-$26 per square foot, depending on market. Total cost to build for all work done can range from $150-$300+ per square foot. If can be lower if you do some of the work yourself.
@@HowToBuildYourOwnHome oh yeah, my fault lol. I had the numbers mixed up. I was told it would cost about $130-$150 with current prices of materials in my area. I don't know what I was originally thinking. Thanks
Please help, I jest became a realtor , but I started a painting/ remodeling company, and was looking very good until my painter started harrasing and blackmailing because he knew I needed him. I still want to continue although I don't have a lot of experience, I have an idea . I need help with pricing or biding how it is said in the industry, but also intimidated by man's dominance in the field. I am broke now, do I need money to GC or sub?, do you have words of encouragement for me?. I see myself flipping houses for my retirement. Iam coming from owning a hair salon for long , I am ready for change. My dad's occupation was ebanist. I grew up among wood, not sure if that influenced me towards the remodeling/ construction business
Anabel, Save your pennies, this much is true. Second, start a networking organization and get out and meet as many people as you can. If you want help starting a network, let me know. See localcommonwealth.com. This is what I created. All you need is a free place to meet ounce a week and you are on. As for painters, search around. Never feel in prison by one person. Stay as a realtor and work also in construction/remodeling. It is a great combo. Do not think you are at the bottom of anything in life. You at basecamp #3 and there are say 7 basecamps before the first summit. Baby steps and hard work. Never forget that.
@@HowToBuildYourOwnHome nice....ill will like to meet whit you talk to you about some proyects...urbinasaldo@gmail.com... Hope hear from you...thanks..
Great Info. Personally I just assume everyone is a liar and a greedy snake, go from there, weed out the rats and snakes, and find (not easy) someone with a moral compass. Its worked quite well in keeping me at a distance from the Rat Race. Blunt, but TRUE. Im sure someone will be highly offended, but in reality, who cares?
I pulled labor from Atlanta and Nashville for a rural build in Alabama. Great talent!
As an Electrical contractor and electrical Instructor. Everything this gentleman has said is invaluable information to anyone looking to manage any type of construction project. Great job sir thank you for sharing this wealth of insider knowledge !!!
Thank you for the support. I will keep it up. I created some checklists on electrical for owner builders to use while managing their own build. Are you interested in editing my electrical checklist? You can contact me at kelschconstrution.com. My first name Keith@ and then the domain.
I love the way you think, totally outside the box!
Yay, thank you!
Stopping to ask when you see a sub working worked great for me. Turns out they were on their last day of that job (Wed), they came and looked at my job during lunch (2 parcels down the street), gave me a bid that day (that I accepted), they started my job the next day because it was worth it to them to fill in with my job before moving all their equipment to start the next job they already had lined up.
That is great news. You made me smile.
Great tips! Having the sign on job site is great idea.
It really is!
Amazing video. Every minute has great info! Thank you!
Thanks. I will keep it up.
He speaks the truth. I just found a framer by talking to contractors working in the area of my new construction project!
That is great news for you.
Great presentation. Great video. Great channel. Your subscribers will multiply quickly!
I appreciate that!
Thank you! Great advice. Good man. You're a good a guy for this. I have inherited some great insights, via your "Warnings on this video,"... With a protective smile and ample explanation of it. Thanks, your works is appreciated!!!
Glad to help.
:(
Great advice on posting a huge 4X8 plywood sign at the site. Bids welcome, and bringing in a framing crew from maybe an area were the weather prevents them from framing. Planning on building in Custer SD in the Spring. Spring comes earlier in S.D. than MN. So, I will contact some framers up there in Feb.
Try also framing crews in colder climates wanting to shift to a cooler climate and vise versa. Framers prefer the best weather than can.
Thank you great informaion I'm planning to rebuild my house very good idea to put a sign in your Yard
glad to help
Omg i needed to here this thank you sooo much!!!!! Thank you 🙏🏻 what you said really changed my way of thinking and approaching onto projects. Thank you
I am glad that helped. I will keep it up. See howtobuildyourownhome.com for more.
Loved this! Thank you.
Gladd to help.
I have been a realtor for 20+ years and have quite a bit of knowledge from doing home remodels and flips on the side over the years. I know I do not have all the knowledge but I do know more than the average person lets say. I have always loved the building side and want to get my GC license and then start my own building company and leave the real estate sales side of things. What is your opinion/advice for someone who wants to get a GC license and technically has not reference/experience per se. I have had people tell me I can't do it without having on the job experience. Thank you and love the videos.
Can you do one on architects and engineers too? And who helps with permitting?
Great Video.
Thanks for watching!
Great information! Thank you!!
Glad to help
Great info
Love the tips!! Thank you!
Glad to help and I will keep it up.
There are builders that aren't lazy but have a trusted, loyal group of subcontractors and use them consistently. My dad was a builder in the fifties and sixties and the business model was very different then. He had subs he had been using for ten years or more, they did quality work and made latent defect repairs with no argument (high value there). I agree that those days are LONG GONE. Building a relationship with subcontractors is a builders focus (my business management philosophy). The builders that want the lowest price they can find will bid every job. Having trusted proven subcontractors is the flip side of "lazy"......(don't get me wrong, there certainly are lazy builders in this world). I suggest to owner builders that they get a clear plastic flip top holder (Realtors use them for flyers on listings) and label it for subs to drop their cards into. And YES, put that on the job early as possible.
Thank you. Great words of wisdom....
I used to do sales for a heating company..I would leave product brochures and flyers at every job site I could find...actually received calls for quotes.
You inspired me to create webpage for build- I can put the website name on the board and create forms they can fill out online. Question- do you verify all licenses and insurance for every sub?
Great tips, but in our area its hard to get any subcontractors. Subs will not even give you a bid if they do not know you. Young people do not want to work in construction so the pool for subs and employees is so tight that once you get a sub you like. You better hold onto your deer life for them no matter what the cost. Flip side of it is if you do get a bid from someone new, they either are just starting out and do horrible work or they are con artists. All the descents subs and employees are taken. It’s only going to get worse unless we can get some robots.
Soooo true !!! We use the same subs because we know it will pass inspection and know they do quality work , it’s called built trust.
Sounds like where I live here in Canada..no one really wants to work..it’s like pulling teeth to get quotes. Some areas are different and trades hustle to get work and will bid on every job out there.
Hey great info but I'm a paint, drywall and concrete finish contractor can I give you bids on these kind of work? Please let me know , Thank you.
Or it’s cause we have had subs do bad work and we have to fix it so now we stick to subs we know that do good work
Great video. My wife and I already watched your video 3 times and subscribed to your channel. I think your subscribers are going to increase rapidly in the mear future. Video really made my day! I have one question though. When you said go to lumber yards. As an average person, a layman actually in the building, can I just walki into those lumberyards? shouldn’t I be a builder or a construction in order to walk into those places. How does that work? thank you
Yes, you can walk in lumber yards to do business. Just tell them your are a builder and want to set up a builder account. Keep your head high.
Where I live in Canada you practically have to beg to get quotes..everyone is to busy to do quotes...if you do mange to get a quote the the contractor won’t follow up.
Yup. The same everywhere. There are things you can do
Do u have any insight how much framing is here in Southern Nevada in 2024?
I wish she had asked me if I knew who she was. The trailer park Queen would be in for a reality check
I can't find the local builder associations website. Can you provide me the link to the website?
Hi Keith,
Any tips on how do you find contractors, who have worked with the kind of material you want to use. For example, lets say you want to use ZIP sheathing or Schluter kit for shower. Do you just go by their word that they know how to use it?
That is a big question. Part of the hassle and learning curve in being an owner builder is networking. The key is networking and learning to ask questions and perhaps even joining a network. Get out and talking is perhaps the best advice I can give. Some can adopt new tech, some are not willing to, so do not hire them. If they are willing to learn new tech, then learn right along side them.
I recently got my general contractor license but prefer being a subcontractor but I don’t know any gc or where to look for one either
Unless you are an excavator, drive new subdivisions and hand out cards and call builders starting new projects. You’ll be surprised how fast you’ll get busy once you prove yourself.
Great videos and advice. Thank you!!!
Question: my wife and I are now retired (mid 60's) and downsizing. Looking to build a small but nice 1000 - 1200 sq ft single story farmhouse style home (our last home) on our lake area 1 acre property. We have done DIY home building before but now that we are older not interested in doing it all, maybe just the interior parts. Question - how much more expensive (rough %) to build a small home than maybe a 2500 sq ft home? North Texas rural area. Any guidance / thoughts appreciated. again nice job on the videos and site.
Interesting question. If there is not a lot of building going on, then those looking for work in that area would be more hungry to get work. If there is a lot of building going on, then subs are not as hungry. This is the firs question to ask. As for size and cost differences, I can tell it will be easier to get bids on a larger build than a smaller one. If contractors have to haul their equipment out for a small job, they are more likely to bid a bigger job. Just a few thoughts. See howtobuildyourownhome.com. I suggest taking the First Steps course.
Great videos. Thank you. Just want to check if Do you do business/bid in San Jose , California area?
Nope. I build in the south west corner of Utah
When is the best time to get bids? Most are good for thirty days. Sometimes it takes 30 days to get bids. Do you rebid closer to the start of the project?
Get bids and build fast. Framing labor, excavation, lumber package and big ticket costs need to have fresh costs as close to the build as possible.
Hello my name is Alfredo valencia I hope you are doing well i just have a question how can i learn to bid on new construction i don't know how to i just know how to work i just started my own business and i don't have much experience as a sales man if their is any tips you can share with me i would greatly appreciate it. thank you and i hope you have a wonderful day
That's kind of a big question. What kind of work do you do? Message me through my site at howtobuildyourownhome.com
Awesome tips! Since my new construction will be 3 hours away and my architect is insisting I hire a GC - I would have to hire a GC till the drywall stage. I know an excellent foundation/concrete guy. What would be a good way to convince the GC to use my concrete guy, I know my concrete guy's pricing would be much reasonable as I have used him in the past and nobody was able to beat his price
Talk with the GC and get his feedback and okay to use your guy.
Whew, that seems like a lot per sq ft. Is the calculation different for framing than cost per sq ft for the entire house?
I am not sure what you are asking? Framing can range from $7-$26 per square foot, depending on market. Total cost to build for all work done can range from $150-$300+ per square foot. If can be lower if you do some of the work yourself.
@@HowToBuildYourOwnHome oh yeah, my fault lol. I had the numbers mixed up. I was told it would cost about $130-$150 with current prices of materials in my area. I don't know what I was originally thinking. Thanks
Do you offer a payed subscription for helping owner builders?
I have a few services at howtobuildyourownhome.com.
Please help, I jest became a realtor , but I started a painting/ remodeling company, and was looking very good until my painter started harrasing and blackmailing because he knew I needed him. I still want to continue although I don't have a lot of experience, I have an idea . I need help with pricing or biding how it is said in the industry, but also intimidated by man's dominance in the field. I am broke now, do I need money to GC or sub?, do you have words of encouragement for me?. I see myself flipping houses for my retirement. Iam coming from owning a hair salon for long , I am ready for change. My dad's occupation was ebanist. I grew up among wood, not sure if that influenced me towards the remodeling/ construction business
Anabel,
Save your pennies, this much is true. Second, start a networking organization and get out and meet as many people as you can. If you want help starting a network, let me know. See localcommonwealth.com. This is what I created. All you need is a free place to meet ounce a week and you are on. As for painters, search around. Never feel in prison by one person. Stay as a realtor and work also in construction/remodeling. It is a great combo. Do not think you are at the bottom of anything in life. You at basecamp #3 and there are say 7 basecamps before the first summit. Baby steps and hard work. Never forget that.
Great advice! Thank you for posting. You earned my subscription to your channel!
Glad to have you aboard.
Hi...where you locadet at?
South west corner of Utah
@@HowToBuildYourOwnHome nice....ill will like to meet whit you talk to you about some proyects...urbinasaldo@gmail.com...
Hope hear from you...thanks..
Great Info.
Personally I just assume everyone is a liar and a greedy snake, go from there, weed out the rats and snakes, and find (not easy) someone with a moral compass.
Its worked quite well in keeping me at a distance from the Rat Race.
Blunt, but TRUE. Im sure someone will be highly offended, but in reality, who cares?
I am not a offended. Trust is earned over time.
Great video but please quit moving around. It is dizzying watching you on camera with the background constantly moving. Thanks!
Thanks. I will stop that.