What A General Contractor Does

Jobsite responsibility: • Jobsite Safety and Tak...
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[@ollie4dad]

I know a GC that has a boat called "Change Order" it got it's name because he charges $350 when a client changes anything from the the completed and approved plans and contract. This fee, that is clearly stated in the contract and well covered at signing, paid for his 40ft cabin cruiser.

[@edwardbrady8410]

In NYC $350 for a change order would be like found money. More like $3,500 here. Additionally, we have a whole cottage industry of thieves called "expeditors" here who's only job is pushing paper around the various city agencies in order for any work to be permitted. Having dealt with many of them, they are the most cutthroat, cunning opportunists you'll ever come across in life. It's a different world here in Blue Urban Centers.

[@ollie4dad]

@@edwardbrady8410 Like I needed anymore reasons to not live in NYC. Ha... In small town Ohio most changes can be handled with a phone call and an email.

[@josephhummel6200]

cool story.

[@gforcedod]

We do this for living. Sometimes the change order doesn’t even cover for the expenses. The change order boat it’s a myth. It’s like anything else. There are good and bad contractors, just as they are good and bad clients. The best rule is. Hire the most trustworthy Gc with a reasonable price. Not the cheapest guy. The cheapest guy, is always problematic.

[@jerry7334]

@jerry Emmanuel am sorry for your lose but that was really huge🙊 I do forex trading but am not a pro just little knowledge of it and I invest low not more than$2,000 as a beginner

[@turtlestomper3012]

Watching the weather forecast as a contractor can save you a lot of time, money,etc.

[@pistool1]

666k subscribers :D

[@codycharles7147]

@@pistool1 as a wise man of God, I wonder what Scott's thoughts are on the mark of the beast, 666.

[@turtlestomper3012]

@@codycharles7147 just a #

[@michaeldougfir9807]

@@codycharles7147 You are right, that Scott is a wise man of God. I think his take on that 666 sign is basic to the fundamentals of Christian scripture and prophecy. You ask because you know who and what it means, like so many of us. And that time is coming sooner than we think. In all probability most of us notice when that number pops up: whether in a phone number, in a license (number) plate, or wherever. Aside from its' inevitability, it is important not to be superstitious about it. Don't go off the deep end. Numbers happen. Rain happens. And so does sunshine. I think the important thing, more than not giving in to it, is to fight it. How? The Bible said a day would come when good will be considered evil, and evil would be considered good. So, simply, stick with good things that ARE good. Don't let deceived people tell you otherwise. And speak up when deceived people lie to others. There are blessings in standing up for God's ways. Don't go with the public's perception on many modern things. Go with the truth from scripture. Then you too can be a wise man of God. In your Bible read the book of Proverbs. It is chock full of how to get along with others in a way that pleases the Lord. And may at times include speaking up firmly against wrong doing, and even wrong beliefs concerning biblical prophecy. A chapter a day in the Book of Proverbs will last you a month. I think you will be glad you read it.

[@pistool1]

@@codycharles7147 As a professional and über level contractor, it is probably just a string of numerals without other random meaning.

[@badlandskid]

When you hire a GC, you are hiring him for his relationships and his experience. One cold winter morning I was at the drive through for my favorite coffee shop. The lady at the window noticed I was all bundled up and she asked what I did for work. I told he I was in daycare. I babysit grown men all day long. 🤣

[@jayebyrd00]

Ain't that the truth!

[@bigunone]

LOL I used to sub work with a biker excon general he would get mad for what every reason another sub, or material supplier, come over and start an argument with me, knowing that I wouldn't have my feeling hurt. We would be chest to chest nose to nose yelling, this would go on till I would ask him if he was okay now, he would grin and say yes and walk off . Since we had both been power lifters and built about the same, clinching a fist was never thought of because neither one of us could afford to pay the damages done to the building.

[@adamstone5946]

I call it Industrial Babysitting 😂

[@pnwRC.]

LOLZ! Now that's some funny stuff right there!

[@rickrobertbob]

A good general contractor laughs at their own jokes, no one else will.

[@klmbuilders5385]

I'm a GC. Have been since 1994. Most of my subs have been with me the whole time. Life is good.

[@furtim1]

Sounds like the GC I worked for. That status/arrangement of keeping the same subs for many years created a less competitive pricing situation from them over the years, resulting in losing a lot of bids and eventual closure of the GC during the crisis. Don't hesitate to shop around, I suggest, and keep them hungry.

[@patrickmcdonagh381]

Ok

[@mikeohernia5498]

@@furtim1 scumbag!

[@What_was_wrong_w_jst_our_names]

What makes you keep them around?

[@klmbuilders5385]

@@What_was_wrong_w_jst_our_names Because we get along well. Personality goes a long way with me.

[@petemiller519]

I am a retired structural engineer, had hundreds of builder clients. I can honestly say out of maybe 300 builders I knew, I could only trust a handful. Just listening to Scott speak and address issues, he would fall in the latter category. It is very difficult to find a conscientious, honest, hard working GC. An easy way to find one is by going to a structural engineer that does a lot of residential work, and asking him who he would recommend. To find a good engineer, go to multiple worksites and ask the framers who they would recommend. Cheers from Canada.

[@angelmoreno5058]

Pete Miller how is structural engineering as a career? I’m thinking of possibly going that route?

[@Blakely901]

@@angelmoreno5058 study civil engineering and allow for your focus or concentration courses be in structural engineering. Also, a lot of structural guys go to grad school for it as well

[@carsonchan5102]

gold comment

[@WaltWW]

Thanks Pete, I’m looking for a good engineer right now so I’ll brush up on my Spanish.

[@geese5170]

That’s actually fantastic advice. I plan on becoming a GC, so knowing that I can be one above the rest by just being a decent guy gives me hope 😂

[@mossyhollow3732]

If you are stopping by the job site to look over the contractors shoulder (and you should but not too often), bring only a positive attitude and donuts or other treats for the crew. The crew will know they are working for a kind person who deserves for the job to be done right versus good enough. And hire an independent home inspector.

[@rubenvarela4077]

Tacos

[@jayebyrd00]

Beer works very well. For after the day is done of course.

[@foxwood67]

I couldn't agree more.

[@kito1san]

Yes and know. In general, you do not want to be the soft boss on top. Everyone will slack off and you will have many delays on the project. The main key is having the crew respect you as the leader and when work is involved things to need be serious and a schedule to make or beat. There are time for snacks, treat and happy hours. However, being the soft leader does not work in a construction environment nor is safe for anyone.

[@mossyhollow3732]

@@kito1san This is about being the home owner not the site forman. Being a kind and appreciative cuatomer versus a nagging nit picking jerk.Only slackers slack off.

[@nullrout556]

I can't tell you how to find the right GC, but I can tell you how to find the wrong one: get fixated on the lowest cost. I don't know how many times I need to learn that cheap and inexpensive are not the same. "Cheap" can cost you a lot of money in the long run.

[@jfbeam]

Indeed. Being cheap has cost more money and time than I can add up.

[@adampindell]

Cheap labor aint skilled, and skilled labor aint cheap

[@rockyneal3337]

Your 3 choices are ... Good. Fast. Cheap. Pick 2 and sacrifice the third.

[@pnwRC.]

100% truth!

[@brandonhatten3075]

I’m currently fixing work on two jobs from the cheapest contractor. Fine by me, because it means my employee and me both get paid, and now my clients will tell their friends.

[@butterflyxf]

I've been a builder for many years and have seen quite a fair bit of sheds. The plans in ryan's package kzbin.infoUgkxB7IXYxLzb_Ichhe45zM3Im5xfEiSp9vB have some of the nicest looking sheds i've seen in a while.

[@phildcrow]

As a subcontractor, I have a little different view of what a GC does. He calls me out of the blue and says he needs me on the job tomorrow or else. He tells me he hasn't been paid yet, so there's no money for me. He says that he won't pay me for my work unless he gets paid for it. I don't have an agreement with the owner, I have an agreement with you. I don't care what you have to do to get your money. The list goes on and on. Having said all that, there's no way I would want to be a GC. I can't imagine having to put up with 15 of me on every job.

[@RodneyFisk]

I've worked for those GC's too. They're terrible.

[@kito1san]

Yea. Seen those type of GC. Those are some bad GC, which may either have bad company funding or they are just holding your money so they can leverage to more money in their account. Or they have bad project owners who also sucks at keeping the funding to flow per progress billings. Usually, if a project owner who does not have a certain % of funds in an escrow account, then things like this happens.

[@joemunoz1476]

I wont even respond to a GC..no thanks

[@cd2875]

That is about the size of it.

[@envy8468]

Generally the GC will have someone under him you can liaise with, who deals with most issues on site. You should pal up with him to get your money quicker. Or find a better employer I guess

[@BillyG869]

I’ve been licensed well over 40 years, this is right on. Most important, be honest, own your mistakes, hold your cards, never compromise. I’ve never been sued, collect most all my money. And at 74, still love what I do....NEVER be dishonest, never “Rip Off” anyone....Always pay your subs, promptly when they perform as agreed, never until they do what they agreed to deliver. There is no such thing as a “Deal” and Owner’s who think that are not work the time...

[@nathand1798]

what's the difference between performing as agreed and doing what they agreed to deliver?

[@peacockhorsepower1765]

@@nathand1798 he stated dont pay the sub until he has delivered so if work not comoplete as agreed no payment. Some folks are purely money motivated so once they have youyr money they have no more motivation.

[@chandua8964]

I’m 30 years old computer science IT worker and I wanted to do something on the side and heard about this and totally new to this and planning to do remodeling license. Is it worth it and what are the risk if I be honest and do my job right as promised in the contract. I would love to hear this from you sir. Thank you in advance

[@peterflores2745]

My dad is a general contractor and owns 5 companies with a total of 230 employees and makes 650,000 a year and he is 50. He says it’s fully worth it because he uses the money to invest and I’m in the process of getting my GC license to join

[@isaiahj3968]

What type of companies does he own? Does he own some of his subcontractors? I'm 29 and been thinking of getting into this field.

[@Bga1412]

To the ones who truly love it. The challenges, and delivering a good final product is what gets us up in the morning. There is no better feeling than delivering a good quality product at the end of it all.

[@rcostheta]

Sitting an listening to you talk is at least 60% of why I play your videos :D

[@edwardbrady8410]

He is such a likeable man. A true gentleman.

[@Adventure_fuel]

Edward Brady how to live like him is the question as his sons are

[@raymondheckard234]

Having worked on contract for the federal government, I have learned in dealing with them, they have a requirement on their jobs for a materials inspector that keeps the general contractor honest, and makes sure the general contractor uses only the materials that are specified in the bid specs of the job. I saw a concrete slab that was laid down and 2 weeks later was removed and reported because the materials inspector found used the wrong concrete mixture formulation, which was ordered by the general contractor in a cost savings move. In the end the general contractor cost himself money because the removal and replacement of the slab was his burden which cost him way more than he saved. When my uncle had his house built he also hired a materials inspector to verify that the proper quality of products was used in the build of his house, and the general contractor did not cut corners. My uncle said it was the best money spent because the materials inspector kept the general contractor and all sub contractors honest. Maybe you can do a video on the pros and cons of a materials inspector in a build. Enjoy your videos, and as an American living in Ukraine , English videos are a must for entertainment.

[@psidvicious]

I’ve never really heard of a ‘materials inspector’ but in my experience all materials used by any subcontractor had to be formally submitted to the GC, who in turn submitted them to the architect, engineer and developer for approval. Then when the materials showed up on the job, the GC would confirm that they were indeed the materials that were submitted and what the GC was paying the sub to install. As far as concrete goes, [in my area] the developer always hires a materials testing and engineering company to sample (cylinders) all concrete pours (every 5th truck) and make sure they were the specified mix for whatever the application. Maybe it varies from place to place, but material inspections are performed by the GC as far as I’m familiar with.

[@raymondheckard234]

psidvicious the materials inspector is a third party construction inspector that is used on most all government construction projects and on high value construction projects to insure the quality of the building materials used in the construction. You can do a search on the web and you will find numerous building Materials inspectors job postings. The city of Fremont Ca actually had a job posting to hire construction materials inspector that paid up to $102k a year. Reading the posting you will see this posting is more about road building. What I remember in when my uncle was building his house was the Material inspector rejected a load of lumber because it was not the grade as was specified by the architect. To many knot holes in the lumber and according to the inspector was mis graded, and he called it a load of culls. The General Contractor blew a gasket several times because the materials inspector did not let anything slip by, and no invoice could be paid without the materials inspectors signature on the delivery invoice.

[@motor2of7]

Material substitution on a government contract can land you in jail. It’s a BIG deal.

[@raymondheckard234]

@@motor2of7 yes I know, but the General contractor on the project says it was a slip up in the paperwork at the time of ordering. The materials inspector caught it, but after the slab was poured.

[@bestbuilder1st]

@@raymondheckard234 Sound like the "inspector" might have been trying to make sure he had job security? If he didn't reject anything, people wouldn't think he was needed. Just saying.

[@erniewhite9595]

Im gonna tell you right now....stamped concrete once sealed is some of the most slippery surfaces when wet. I guarantee sombody is going to bite the dust on those stairs after a rain storm. I did a large pool deck for a customer last summer and he insisted on stamped concrete. I tried to talk him into a broom finish but he just loved the look of this stamped concrete, and the fact that he could color it. So fastforward 2 months after completion of the deck and he is in the hospital with his wife who has a broken wrist. Home owners do this to them selves instead of listening to the guy who does this for a living and knows what the end product will be. Stamped concrete should interior work or have grit added to the seal to make it suitable for outdoor use but it changes that nice shiny smooth.....slicker than owl snot on a wet rock, look.

[@essentialcraftsman]

I agree, gotta love exposed aggregate.

[@Gigabomber]

The point of hiring and paying for a good contractor is to be able to ask them what they think.

[@jake_god_of_sleep6564]

Well theres multiple ways of avoiding this and one of the easiest would be using a sealer or a sealer additive that provides better grip second use color hardener and broom that and if he really desperately wanted stamp then you should’ve charged more in order to get the point across.

[@CrimeDoesNotPay]

Getting Dr. James Dobson vibes from this man. I love it. Heart of a teacher.

[@psidvicious]

I was lucky to work for one of the good GCs for many years until retirement. We always made the ENR top 400 list (which might be a good place to start your search) and I knew all of the principals personally, and what kind of people they were. GCs collective reputation probably rank somewhere right in there with, politicians, bouncers, tow truck drivers and lawyers, but if you get a good one, you should breathe a sigh of relief bcz you’ll probably never really be able to fully appreciate the amount of ‘brain-damage’ they and their knowledge and experience can save you. A good one can really shield you from all the riff-raff out there you’d likely encounter on a project without one.

[@ricardomagnificent]

A General Contractor is a person who has in mind someone to blame when something goes wrong. :)

[@jvicente8315]

AMEN

[@adamcosta4610]

Found the channel for a specific purpose and I am a full fledged fan now. First time I am seeing the intro and it's great.

[@-Chip]

"They can substitute with a lower quality product" Very true, ask Louis Rossmann.

[@Strasedon]

Eugene disliked this video.

[@zacharyosvald251]

I don't get it, what did Louis do?

[@-Chip]

@@zacharyosvald251 Some scumbag contractor called Eugene told him he was gonna buy regular plywood for his shop floor and bought OSB without telling him, among a lot of other terrible things he did.

[@zacharyosvald251]

@@-Chip Oh god, Im a carpenter so understand just how bad that is. OSB is cheap shit I wouldnt reccomend to anybody

[@dannydaze2959]

I can’t help but admire the awesome framing in the background. Great work guys👍🏼

[@ILoveAnchovies334]

Being a GC has shaved years off my life

[@jeffreypauli3077]

What do you mean?

[@cantubloodaxe768]

I think he's referring to the stress that comes with being at the center of a project.

[@johnhulsker9123]

Three wives and a broken back,

[@hexZ06]

@@johnhulsker9123 🤣🤣

[@beaubroshomesconstruction7295]

Gone are the days of a honest hand shake. Great content, thanks to you and Nate for all your long hours and extremely hard work. It benefits us all.

[@jcoul1sc]

Those days never existed

[@DanielDaniel-ci6pj]

Mr.Scott. there is no substitute for knowledge and experience. You have paid your school fees and in my veiw you are one of the most interesting builders to watch on KZbin....Keep the videos coming, I have learnt so much from you...... Thank you.....

[@TheRepublicOfJohn]

Thanks for another great video! Whenever I get stuck in a rut, feel burned out, or start getting a "good-enough" attitude, I watch and listen to you. You're an inspiration, and a good man.

[@edwardbrady8410]

I've watched your whole series and have to say, this is the most important episode. You managed to explain an extremely complicated and nuanced subject, thereby making it understanding to your followers. Thanks as always and keep up the good work!

[@josiahjohnson9922]

Best explanation I've seen. Makes me want to have prospective clients watch this before we talk!

[@WhiteFox011]

A very well thought out video, covering at least the high points ofa general contractors job and responsibilities. Thank you, and may you keep up the good work! Be safe!

[@csabapali]

I would like to thank you for a great and informative series that I can binge watch (and immediately feel the urge to build a house) - especially in these harsh times with the pandemic and self isolation. Please do keep up the great work!

[@nevinkuser9892]

Is the pandemic still going?

[@packerbacker9109]

You’re the most knowledgeable person on KZbin in my opinion. I enjoy every single one of your videos

[@AlexJosten]

Wow this is such an excellent description of what my dad does, he's a GC on very large, high-profile commercial projects.

[@sandscribbler]

Actually, I found a LOT of what you said to be helpful - and I'm not even looking to build anything any time soon. Thanks for sharing what I imagine is some hard-earned wisdom!

[@markb.1259]

And then my question was answered!!! As I sat here watching this really great video, I thought to myself, gee... I wonder if Scott has ever written any books? He's got a wealth of information to share with folks. Then the video tells me where I can find Scott's book!!! You have the finest, most humble disposition Scott! Thank you for your videos!!!

[@waldenhatton7313]

Great video so good to hear someone with a true understanding of The business from from all sides !!!!! I've been a Hands-On building contractor for 20 years there is so much to the building and so much to the business good to hear I'm not the only one trying to balance this

[@nikitaradion3301]

I’m 19 about to turn 20 and I just got my general contractors license in North Carolina yesterday👍

[@321phc]

Thank you, for all. You wouldn't imagine how much this is helping me.

[@harambetidepod1451]

This guy knows his stuff.

[@russellanderson3901]

Live in an area where we can do a lot on our own, knowing your limits is key though. Currently acting as the GC on our upcoming major landscaping project. There is a lot of time and thought that goes into significant projects, that if not done ahead of time, will definitely cost you more. When dealing with the subs on this, two things I look for are do they talk about or even better ask you about some of the details or do they keep things in broad strokes only. Detail oriented is a plus since you then know they have thought it through as well. Two, communication can not be underestimated. Had one sub that was non responsive for a bit. When he did call back, he had a reasonable reason for his lack of communication and a plan to improve communication in the future. Definitely a plus there too. Thank you Scott and Nate, for your videos. I nearly always learn something new, whether it be a technique, a tool I had not seen before (never worked in logging), or a perspective that helps me see things more clearly in my daily life.

[@williams6262]

As always Scott, well-said and on-point.

[@moffettfpv5616]

No matter what you're talking about, your videos keep me inspired and motivated to be better at my craft.

[@williamhilton6270]

I'm a YouthBuild teacher in Maine. I use your videos in class all the time. Thank you so very much!

[@essentialcraftsman]

Most welcome!

[@terencewinters2154]

That is what maine needs youth building as it's the state with the oldest median age.

[@kiyelchase85]

I’ve been in the trades for a while and am studying up for Oregon CCB license. I thoroughly enjoy and benefit from the information put forward by essential craftsman. Thank you

[@edwardkenny2356]

Good stuff. Thank you.

[@timavery7984]

Great and wise advice …snd nicely worded -I although I’ve been in business for myself some 40 years , I’m always learning and very much appreciate and your videos .

[@DTHRocket]

Thanks! This was clear and helpful to explain what general contracting is all about. After watching this video, I decided to go for a career change from aerospace engineer to general contractor.

[@clemkadiddlehopper7705]

I've rarely met anyone that I considered worth the risk to hire help and expand. That's why my niche is lone handyman. I'm way too consistent with my own skills to risk a big loss because of someone else's mistake.

[@jesswynn9626]

This is beyond helpful and must surely be a benefit to anyone watching it - we had a house fire and appreciate any helpful information we can get to rebuild and move back in - thank you

[@reynerioguevara2990]

All words were helpful to me. Thank you

[@deshawnmuhummadhaywood9195]

very informational video currently in school getting my general contractor license loving every moment of it 😎

[@bobkraft4364]

Only channel about contracting I’ve seen where you’re actually working!!!

[@Moparmaga-1]

You shed a new light on it for me definitely

[@c.b.389]

Thank you for the info!

[@nights2747]

My uncle is a general contractor. One day I went to work with him and we went around town and talked with customers about jobs he was going to do. He said hes been doing carpentry for decades and is great at it, but its his ability to know and work with people that is his most valuable skill. That kind of surprised me then, but it makes more sense after watching this video.

[@RodneyFisk]

Totally right. A GC is a project manager. To manage people effectively is to build good relationships with them.

[@cmm170526]

Your words have been very helpful. Thank you very much for your help.

[@stephenjohnson8728]

Your videos are very educational! Even for someone like me who has been building my whole life. Keep up the good work ur a good man!

[@calebmattix391]

Every word is solid gold ! thanks again

[@chrissmith-lp8zc]

I’m planning on getting into the industry and have not much experience. This was extremely helpful!

[@Jovial_1]

Most of the words you speak are helpful to me, Sir. Thank-you.

[@JB-mb1ro]

Super informative. Thanks alot.

[@MarkMitchellTheWhizard]

Great explanation of the role of GC. Thanks

[@deanaoxo]

This will now be required viewing for all clients that are not sure which way they should go. I think it does help, because it outlines exactly what the role is, why it is essential to get a trustworthy one, and whether or not you might need one, if the project is small. Again, thanks.

[@sdbassin1143]

As a current wanna be and aspiring to be a licensed contractor your words are invaluable. All your videos are extremely helpful, thank you good sir💪👍🤙

[@rogiervantilburg3440]

Excellent explanation, thanks for sharing.

[@popgoestheweasel95]

I always enjoy watching your videos sir. It does bring back some nice memories however I was never able to make enough money to stay in the business mainly because of my inability to quote jobs properly. My subs and guys always got paid Leaving little left for me. The reason I got my B1 license here in California is because a couple of the contractors that I was working for as an apprentice were so incompetent I just figured if they could make money so can I. But I was young very naïve and was really very lucky something didn’t go too terribly wrong and wipe me out financially. So the risk definitely wasn’t worth the reward in my case. And I can see from watching how you operate I wasn’t even in the ballpark and should have never given it a try. Please keep your videos coming!! 👍

[@feliciamdupree]

Wow. Thanks for the great points about being a GC.

[@JonBender3]

Thank you for your continued videos. Could you explain how a relatively new and young(ish) landlord & property manager should forge relationships with tradespeople? I am 31 and have been working with people that are both older and younger than myself.

[@davidfinley248]

Your right on the money with your advice- thankyou

[@ADwoods-ru8xh]

Thank you sir appreciate your show me timing was great from KZbin have a great season be safe

[@dama2318]

Thank you for the video.

[@Jon_Thunder]

You are awesome! Thank you for passing down all your knowledge. My grandfather was a carpenter and craftsman. Sadly he passed away before I could really appreciate and learn everything he did. I was young dumb kid in my teens, but now I am in my 30s and love carpentry and any sort of craftsmanship. Big or small. I really enjoy watching all your videos. I am excited about the next anvil give away, Lord willing. If you ever want to give away a small forge that would be awesome!

[@garyd.alzagajr.4157]

Thanks for making these videos.

[@daverohner271]

It is helpful to a builder like me just hear you reaffirm what I thought I already knew!

[@Faith2bigi]

Thank you , this has been very informative

[@PinkysIronDoors]

Great work guys

[@4legdfishman]

I've never built a home and most likely, I never will. Im not a general contractor but, I can not take myself away from your videos. This is extremely helpful even to homeowner. Knowing what to expect and who to trust is extremely important. Thanks for the great content.

[@anthonyesparsen7776]

Very helpful video loads of help

[@alfricabinsay8413]

Thank you sir. That was very informative.

[@oside760a]

Very good information. Very insightful.

[@kengamble8595]

Thanks for sharing and take care. 👍

[@nwcarpenter2878]

I can't stop staring at that gluelam sticking out past that header.

[@camperjack2620]

I am so old fashioned. Many years ago we worked for time and materials cost. The owner inspected and approved daily or weekly and paid you. Everyone involved expected the job to meet building inspector requirements, according to the plans. Now people second guess, set up bidding wars, have contractors and lawyers instead of knowing who to call and what kind of work they do. Pressure has ramped up and I like the old ways and simpler projects. For those people who are doing big high pressure projects, God bless you, and watch out. Too much stress can kill you just as quickly as falling off a roof. I think two rules Scott just reminded us of are a) Know the people you're dealing with, b) you mostly get what you pay for.

[@groundupcontracting7350]

Believe it or not from what I've heard the US is still less tough contractually than the UK. The UK doesn't export much anymore but making everything overly contractual seems to be something they are still exporting!

[@tommybounds3220]

Thank you for the video

[@AustinHansen]

Good point about the shady contractors. I helped a friend who was working as a subcontractor installing a roof for a big name, big money GC in our area. He bought the cheapest shingles he could find, didn’t provide enough underlayment, there wasn’t any chimney or dormer flashing, and when we had asked about the flashing, they told us to just reuse the old flashings that had nail holes all over them. We weren’t going to fight him on it, so we bought all new flashing metal (out of my buddy’s pocket) and replaced it. I don’t think he worked for that guy much longer after that.

[@weirdo804]

Thanks for the video now I want to watch the whole construction of a house since the beginning step by step 😀

[@BVITALYU]

great informantive video!!!

[@tonymcguckin1712]

Reading potential clients and avoiding bad ones is one of the most important things.

[@makemyday1477]

Be careful of the low bidder, often times they change order you to death during the project. That being said, don’t always go with the higher bid either, they may be just over charging and not delivering. Interview the potential contractor and find out if you can communicate and are on the same page. Although experience is good it’s not the only determining factor. New guys have to get their start and they may be worth talking to and they may have a lot of experience just not as the General which isn’t always bad. Set up a good pay plan that protects you and allows you to control the expenses. I have seen many contractors with years of experience that charge 10 times more than the job should cost and still do a half assed job.

[@alvinnorris1977]

I'm well equipped to do and accomplish any job I except. I'm not the man but the right hand of the job. I mostly deal with vinyl siding but know enough to build most homes on my own. While my "boss" will tell me that's why I write the checkes" and says I pay you to do it so i don't have too" then turns to ask me how i should do things... i have so much to say but i just want to thank you for saying the one that makes the checks is the one is responsible for the outcome at completion. Wish all that made out payments know this. Great video my friend. God bless you and yours in this time of hysteria

[@CaptainVillanueva1]

I appreciate your video. I used to frame and now got into doing my own business doing welding and auto repair. I always wanted to know how all this works and where I can fit in to make myself a buck. Still very wet behind the ears in the entrepreneur field. Thanks once again cheers!

[@treyoates8211]

Everything I have ever heard you say was very valuable

[@SteveSummers]

Thanks for sharing, love the channel.

[@Hoaxer51]

Steve Summers, how’s the shop wall coming along? Got a new update coming soon? What you’re doing has been a fun project to watch also! Keep em coming!

[@SteveSummers]

@@Hoaxer51 Thanks, I appreciate that. The shop is moving forward pretty quickly 👍

[@bellakim9404]

I'm at month 15 in having my entire house remodeled. The kitchen was custom made. & as it sat there done for months, (while the GC's crap/dirt/dust,etc piled up on & around it.) I asked him twice to clean it up and tarp the kitchen off. He said he was going to have the house cleaned at the end of the remodel. I wasn't happy with that, so one night l did it myself. The next morning l recieved a call full of anxiety (& I swear I heard tears.) I don't like to micro-manage, yet when a GC says my expectations are high, yes it is. I don't want dirt and damage on my grout, appliances, etc. I also put down very expensive granite in the bathrooms and he never covered them, (or the vanities, washer dryer) as the contractors walked all over them for months. Again, I had to do that myself. It's situations like this that makes me as a homeowner look neurotic, while the contractors have no attachment, because it's not their home. I believe in working smarter, not harder. Why make a mountain when you can clean up a molehill once in a while. With that said, I just want people to understand, at the end of the day, prevention is better than the cure.

[@jameskelly3361]

I’d love to know more as I am a young worker and would love to know what the risks are to become a gc. Thanks essential craftsman

[@ReubenRahmeyer]

Great video! Takes being a leader of men to be a contractor, and bearing responsibility is where true value lies!!!

[@amberkay2596]

Or a woman. I know great women GC’s. I plan on leasing myself when I get my license 😉

[@thaimaishua8867]

Just came across your channel, while searching for skilsaw operating tips. Great instruction videos. Just subscribe too.

[@mathiasholmin7855]

I wish that every singel client could watch this video. Very true.

[@MrIown212]

At 8:50 you are saying how because the scope of the video is so broad it’s unlikely to be directly helpful; I want to let you know that this video actually helped me broaden the scope of my future and even reaffirm my self agency in the present. - 12 credits from a BS Civil Engr

[@scottsmyth1862]

great stuff thanks

[@JA-ut8fi]

Amazing content!

[@HolyFacts]

Thank You and Subscibed !