Contractors and Handymen are Worth More Than They Think

[@pattieo3280]

This was excellent! I am 63 also, was out of the trades for 26 years! It comes right back. Love helping people and working with my hands.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Wonderful!

[@gergemall]

You’re my mentor and I’m in my sixties . Thank you Matt and family .

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers , Happy to help

[@mostlikelywedoitservices6926]

In a few days I reach 64 and still charging.

[@thebountyhunter2783]

You give the greatest gift to all of us; you give your time, and experiences thank you so much.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers, happy to share!

[@DarylTheFINISHER]

I love it Jeff, never under sell yourself. I practically gave work away when I first started and couldn't figure out why I was struggling so much. I was basing my expectations on previous jobs instead of what I actually needed to run a business. You don't know what you don't know. Been loving your content for years, appreciate what you do!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Happy to help Daryl. Cheers!

[@ChrisPyle]

Started off flipping houses when Covid hit, couldn't find anyone to do the work. This channel gave me the details and confidence I needed to do really good work myself. Now I have a business, a company truck, a good reputation in the community, and a legit contracting business. When people ask me how I learned to do various things, the look on their face when I say KZbin....just kidding I don't admit that ever lol Truth is this channel has taught me a ton. Just wanted to say thank you!

[@saeedsobhani1981]

He is an amazing man. Learning things the hard way and teaching them for free is what amazing people do.

[@platinumhandymansolutions]

Best guy on KZbin regarding DIY. Really appreciate the videos!

[@MBMCincy63]

I listened for the first half hour and I like the 7 guidelines/rules/ protect yourself habits. I skipped about and i like the closing comment and statements. Always enjoy Hearing your voice and listening to your experience. Thank you Jeff, And Matt also. shivering black bell thumbs up. And I hope your homes, properties remain free from the wildfires.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thanks and so far so good. Cheers!

[@JeffreyFeyh-rb4xk]

I learned about residential wiring back in 2006 in an 8 week program called O.T.A.P Orientation to Trades and Apprenticeships. They showed us how to wire an outlet to a light switch. Since then ive learned alot more because of youtube. Thanks Jeff for what you do.

[@gschulzeapex]

Great video, Jeff. My motto is " I'd rather be an hour early than a minute late'.

[@illdecidemylifesdirectionl9992]

I always take a piece of drywall tape and wedged it into the electrical box before I spackle so that it’s easy to just pull the mud right out

[@willkirk486]

I love it! I am a school teacher, and I always tell my kids 10 minutes early as five minutes late.

[@darrenschaeffer3190]

Jeff, you’re a rockstar! I especially like the funny dad jokes. You’ve taught me quite a bit about almost every part of construction, I’ve actually been in the trades for almost 30 years, but I still continue to learn from you. Thanks again for all that you do and I’m super glad to be a member :-). Darren

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

happy to help! Cheers

[@andrewhamshare2511]

15 seconds in and I'm hitting the like button. Perfect timing too as im "evaluating" my business this week on a large office decorating job. Being methodical, tidy, thorough, comfortable paste, using skills learnt durectly from THIS channel. Very positive and in a great mindset. Next few weeks ill be going over my methidolgy and the true value of my worth ready for the next step. Cheers Jibs a good un.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Never stop getting better Andrew. Cheers!

[@TheModelmaker123]

WOW! This was so good. I agree with the principle that if you are 10 seconds late, you are late. Please communicate. At the doctor's office, if my appointment has come and gone by over 30 minutes, I politely asked if there is an issue and when is my anticipated new time. I decide if I want to accept the new time. Once the time was extended by over an hour without any explanation. I politely let them know I have other appointments and I would reschedule. Folks that do that on a regular basis do not get my return business.

[@shawnevans6508]

I wanted to learn about starting a business. I would have never evan thought about some of the areas that you spoke about.Amazing!!

[@166Roberto]

Lots of respect for you for making this video ❤❤❤

[@ZulfiqarAli-rf6fp]

Love u jeff. U are not only smart, hard working but also not only good actually great person too.

[@maxmotors9497]

I love your point about punctuality. It’s also the first impression, regardless of how you look at it. Every day might be a new day to some people, but if you start it out bad you’re already in the wrong really. I’m a beginner at doing this on my own, and I made a very specific point to be there on time or early, scheduled my materials pickup hour and a half before I had to be on site.

[@platinumhandymansolutions]

Truly some of the most amazing videos on KZbin.

[@joseph7105]

I charge $250/hr vacuuming decks and porches. Thanks Jeff!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Nice!

[@gergemall]

Excellent

[@fishmonger7020]

Why would someone vacuum a deck?

[@richeyrich2203]

Can you explain more?

[@arnieselectric007]

Great video brother...I lived in Florida from February 84 'till Aug 06 and then came back to York, PA still in the trades, but winter...I hate it...wish I could go to the panhandle area and be a Handyman now...Yeah buddy...😃😏😎

[@torpedo35]

Lol @ the Hotel California comment. That is exactly how we referred to the job at a certain company. The hour I finished my share of the work for that particular contract, I walked out and waved goodbye to the manager. As it turned out, that was exactly the right time to leave as well.

[@nunya___]

The Value of Skills. I've preached that for years. I've come up from residential to commercial HVAC to county supervisor of building maintenance and added a programming degree so I could bring the county into energy management through automation. HVAC teaches you a lot of basic skills used in other trades and is a door to management for those that like the challenge of managing budgets, crews and outside contractors. I've loved every minute of it. I retired at 55 to be with my wife who had cancer for the second time. I loved working with people and solving the hard problems. Trades are a great career IMO. I've met awesome people and made great friends. My advice is compete on "Quality of Work" and Professionalism, _not_ on price. Be the premium, dependable service provider. That will garner you success and respect. Guaranteed.

[@pjespinal5037]

SCORE is an org of people who are retired or semi retired who volunteer to mentor from idea to business. Hold your hand thru all of it. Brought to all states via SBA, Small Business Administration. FREE. Webinars taking place nearly all day every day too.

[@BenjaminBlattenberger]

Thank you for the information

[@carlosdejesus2245]

In the business. The shoes are brilliant!!!

[@mrupholsteryman]

I have always priced myself cheap and my old boss (still friend) in the auto upholstery business...would get really upset with me for giving out "free work"...and I was always wanting to help people out and still make more money on the side than I did when I was on his payroll and clock...but after some time I had competition with another guy that cut my labor in half! And this was already a really good price.... I now am an x ray tech that doesn't do much upholstery work at all now...cuz people just would rather get a new car than to pay what it costs for the higher costing materials etc etc.... I never quite looked at the notion of lowering the price makes you (as the contractor) a liar and a thief....

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

it only counts if you present a price and then cut it under pressure. being below market is fine if that is where you start.

[@camelface1]

These episodes always hype me up to get more side jobs!

[@gergemall]

Me too .❤ Working less in my professional ( psychotherapy) private practice but I’m renovating my century plus house st Louis , Missouri. Never to old to keep improving my health but pick up extra income based on the demand . I can still climb ladders and have all the tools and equipment plus years of experience. This is exciting to me.

[@jsinclair3333]

My friend, you are like the Steven Covey of Home Improvement, Excellent content!!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Wow, thanks!

[@johnsmith-qz4bv]

great video JEFF keep up the great content...

[@BMHomeServices]

I’m glad I stayed until the end of this video. The triple triple joke was great. 😂

[@garrettpatten6312]

Greatest be there early rant I've ever heard

[@jgarard111482]

Great info, thank you!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers!

[@shaneomac271]

amazing content. love ya jeff and crew

[@pjespinal5037]

Young people should see this and most of Jeff's videos as well as the school speech Owen Wilson did You, Me & Dupre. For the good mental health of those who aren't round or square pegs!

[@carlosdejesus2245]

Brilliant on the gut feeling!!!

[@kalebbillig3472]

Generally If a landlords unit needs something they can give notice and most tenants will vacate for a set amount of time or stay out of your way… if it’s more complicated than that, then the landlord should be there when you do the work

[@benjaminbunny99]

My first carpentry job was with a young carpenter who was just getting into contracting. I told him I didn’t have experience when I interviewed. He said that was fine and he would teach me. Within the first couple months he was leaving me alone on jobs. Often he would text that morning to let me know he wouldn’t be on the job site that day and give me a to do list. Many times I was expected to do something I’ve never done before and then he would get pissed if I messed it up. It was so incredibly stressful. I hated it and eventually quit and become a self-employed handyman.

[@Keith-wb2nn]

I was in the army for 11 years and we had to be in the company area 10 minutes prior to formation, it's a must to be early, now i have a small painting company and i can tell you... Be on time, i work for Indian people.. from India, assured them that i would only wear new indoor shoes, i can tell you if you respect homes the money will come.

[@floydherrera8898]

I am looking to start a small business but am stuck in prices to charge. would like to start a auto detailing but I don't have much area and don't know what to charge I am in my 60's and looking for early retirement so that I could care for my mom.

[@lilcs3011]

Having a business logo, shirts, cards go a long way. Dress for success.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

very noice!

[@Keith-wb2nn]

As a soldier for 11 years....an NCO always takes care of his or her soldiers, it's like having a G.I Joe action figure that you have to make sure it has its appropriate weapon, backpack, and accessories

[@victorduncker5267]

I disagree with the mindset that we work hard so our children don't have to. I'd far rather teach my son to work hard/smart and be self-dependent and self-disciplined than to be dependent on me when he grows up. We can pass on our wealth but that will run out quickly if we don't pass on the values that created the wealth. I know way too many unemployed college graduates who's mom and dad paid for everything and now feel entitled to high paying jobs.

[@Hewittscandoit]

Tuff times create tuff men.

[@bobprys3246]

Couldn’t have said it better. Amen!

[@carlosdejesus2245]

wow, that liar and thief thing is truly powerful!

[@jesusc4384]

Thanks for all the great info!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers!

[@Cave_man_chuck]

Love your show I'm also in fl

[@cimadomepat]

Hi, great video. I am starting a handyman business and I would like your suggestions on how I should advertise to get customers? What do you do? How can I get property managers besides cold meetings by beating feet and passing out business cards ? Thanks Patrick

[@betterboss]

Great topic

[@marcello7993]

hi i love your show. you being a canadian like me what are the procedures of coming down to florida for 3-6months and work as a handyman? i have a handyman business in canada. thanks

[@CalebGibbsAvenue]

Time for a corse coriculum on this stuff. Appreciate the business integrity talk im young i need this stuff cuz i may need it when I'm not thinking.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

loving the idea. Cheers!

[@basilidelah3789]

Wish I didn’t miss this episode!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

no worries. there will be more!

[@ajdonally1522]

Great show Jeff! Alot of good information and reminders..btw you were at least 10min late with calls..lol

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

LOL. I simply capitulated with Matt's suggestion to keep in the comment's since they were furious. Cheers!

[@johncouture6752]

Plenty of good advice

[@ScreamingEagleFTW]

what about in Florida where its a misdemeanor to touch anything electrical without an Electrical Contractors license? Can you get a bond to get around that in Florida? Thanks. Asking for a friend.

[@arnieselectric007]

Yah brother, I'll be 68 next month, St Patrick's Day...I'm still doin' it because 1, I have bills to pay and 2, kids and grandkids...😉

[@walterbrooks8756]

great video thank you

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

cheers Walter!

[@ChrisMarin0]

Jeff - where are you in FL? I have a place in Englewood - lots of fix ups there and very good location for beaches, sun - could be a great area for a flip. We are in a DW and lucked out with Ian. DWs can survive a hurricane, but construction after 1991 is important.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

working in leesburg right now. Cheers!

[@cocacolabob]

you're the man!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers, just trying to help!

[@Jason.Davis.]

My hero..

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Just a decent neighbor talking stuff out while having a drink with ya. Cheers!

[@kalebbillig3472]

Is there some software tools that you use for estimates, project management, and customer relationships management? Does marketing tie into it?

[@ZandRsportscards]

Do you have to have a business license say a sole proprietor license to advertise and do small sub $900 jobs?? Thank you my friend

[@mariolachance9419]

How can I change a hardwood slat. Thank you very much,

[@pashko90]

1) remove old slat 2) clean area up 3)install new hardwood slat 4)profit!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

simply rip the bottom of the groove and set in place in adhesive.

[@STINGER1964]

Hey Jeff! Love the channel. Any possibility of getting Mike Rowe on the channel?

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Looking i to it. Cheers!

[@Cave_man_chuck]

How can I give my costumer a fair price on a project if I'm unsure of how much time it's going to take to do it

[@LDhusky]

Damn!! Tough luv

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

is there any other kind that gets results?

[@joeltaylor1659]

Speaking of contract issues, do you have a sample contract or a template that would work for us starting out, so we don't miss anything important on paper?

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

not as of yet. Too many different jurisdictions. But one of these days I will. Cheers!

[@mostlikelywedoitservices6926]

My Google stuff that I thought did not work. Years later, has landed me work in large management companies out of state. Yes, 30-day pay. But I get to charge way more per job than doing then local management companies will pay. So I make sure I have plenty of both fast pay and slow pay. The furthest corporation I work for is in Canada and I am in SB, CA. My problem now is to much office time. So now I am looking for a part-time office person. By the way, I am 64 this June. And love working to this day.

[@Heman33]

Hi Jeff, should a small handyman business prepare a contract.

[@gergemall]

Yes

[@bgBlea]

As a homeowner I wouldn't hire you otherwise. It shows scope of work, timeline, planning for unforseen circumstances and that you know what you are talking about. Of course it depends on how big the job is.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

always have a blank contract so you can manage expectations and have room to add in additionals. Cheers!

[@sc666666]

The problem is those falsely believing they are competent and charge as if they are.

[@AMMA-we3zz]

Is $2500 to install 16 kitchen cabinets too much to pay? It is an L-shaped kitchen with an island. The $2500 does not include cabinets assembly out of the boxes. The installer said it is a one day job

[@jenniferspeer842]

We had someone install our kitchen cabinets (uppers and lowers) for $100 each cabinet last year. Now that’s in Nebraska so depending on where you are located that might be reasonable. Just an idea from a remodeling homeowner!

[@dwightvoeks9970]

No it's not. If it's a one day install there will probably be at least 3 guys maybe 4. I install that many by myself in 2 to 3 days.

[@samsamuel7816]

This may work in states, but with loose immigration rules and market flood with IllEGAL cheap labor, in Canada, with all the skills in the market, its impossible to compete, with cheap foreign labor and seeing bad poor workmanship. People too often, prefer to take cheap labour verse, good workmanship, plus we have to pay, WSIB, pay business Insurance, business licence and bills just don't end.(avg cost is $5,000) plus, per year The fact, you are only guy, quoting is far from true, cheap labor is lined up the side walk, to undercut with skilled rates, that's the truth. You tube is worst for guys posting videos of how to etc, I am 40 yrs experience and a Degree, and it's just a bad circus show. We have few regulated rules for construction industry. Do your self A favor, get certified licensed skills only, rest is a Cirus show.

[@AMMA-we3zz]

@@dropndeal the price does not include assembly of the cabinets out of the boxes. I am doing the assembly myself. His price was to just to shim, level, and screw them to the wall and that is ridiculous. Anyway, I decided to assemble the cabinets myself and already had 10 done in 2 days and will attach them to each other and the wall over the next few days as my time allows. There is nothing into them. I am an engineer and have done more than half the remodel myself. The problem is I don’t have much time due to my full time job. Anyway, I already have all the tools I needed for the job. My problem is paying someone $150 per cabinet which is a complete joke. That’s greedy.

[@fishmonger7020]

@@AMMA-we3zzThen do it yourself. You’re paying for the time AND the expertise. If it’s not worth it to you then do it yourself or get someone else. Part of the reason contractors pay people that are experts is that they can keep a schedule. If there’s no schedule, then you don’t need that.

[@xmassan20906]

Don't undervalue yourself?? My boss does it for me every day.

[@pashko90]

Bc he wanna pay you less. That's a reason.

[@arnieselectric007]

Texas has a Resi Lic...

[@moneywithmagic]

Hit the like button for the man!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers!

[@juanverduzco8085]

Glad that you don't need to follow all that rules in the "3rd world". Although I'm always doing my best with my team and I'm actually not accepting full payment until the client is happy with the results/job.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

you do you. Cheers markets change and good habits will help you regardless of the conditions.

[@tomassantiago661]

❤❤❤

[@kalebbillig3472]

Insurance

[@kalebbillig3472]

39:19

[@dsa1konceptLLCcabinets386]

And never put your tools on your customers furniture that a big no no

[@buk6708]

Exactly, place it on tile or in a really nice sink. Also sit in customers furniture.

[@kalebbillig3472]

In mn you don’t need a contractor license to do work within ONE special skill area (but they are specific, like you cannot do drywall and painting without a license, but you can just paint… but can’t do interior AND exterior without a license)

[@johnnyhoover2373]

Build and rent your project

[@jasonbaxter5502]

I do all this and still get under cute.

[@SudburyMan]

Mud my boxes and I bring out Mr Eastwing to find them 😏

[@Mostviews111]

I agree with everything your saying except the working 80 hours a week. Yes the first few years until you can get established but after that your just ignorant.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

I like to outwork all my competition. I live like someone is always trying to take my customers and I will always outwork them to keep that from happening.

[@Mostviews111]

@@HomeRenoVisionDIY haha well the rest of us enjoy our hobbies and family so we work smarter to delegate parts of our work. You don't see a multimillion dollar company owner doing it all they hire people and have passive income.

[@johnnyhoover2373]

Repeat

[@kaisersouze41]

Undervalue? Maybe you should dedicate this to the handyman/handywoman who who tries to charge as a contractor. Many handy folks aren't licensed nor are they bonded so when you try to charge at or slightly under contractors prices, don't be upset when people don't want to pay contractors prices for a handyman.

[@johnnyhoover2373]

You don’t want customers

[@toasgreece]

I’m constantly going to jobs where the customer wants to see if I’d be interested in doing a bunch of hard work for nothing. I explain they would be better off exploiting some poor guy from Mexico

[@ianwynne5483]

Still doing 80 hours a week at your age, what's important, things or relationships, if your mortgage is paid off and the bulk of household expenses are done with, then you should be able to tick over, picking handy well paid jobs rather than work 14hours a day six days a week. Your children's children are not your responsibility you do not get a say in how they are raised. I don't know if you are nervous on camera or not, but you seem short of breath quite often and you are overweight these are obvious health issues which need your attention, find a why for that. I wish you the best of luck, and hope you time re-evaluate you decisions.

[@buzzzkill9183]

1st red flag uses hands to talk, #2 talks all about himself #3 failed flex seal actor #4 not impressed. you must experience failures. communication with customers is number one 1. on time and extra time. unforseens. job corrections adjustment as build. written contract and completion. going the extra mile. will call materials. he's ouT to get your money. says it's free, eh.

[@troycarpenter3675]

🙄