quote:Originally posted by HIFLYER:
Even though I disagree with your position you were stating your point in a good manner until this post. So being honest is somehow some kind of political position? What you seem to be saying is its ok to be dishonest as long as it benefits you. As I said before that is what is partially wrong with America.
Being dishonest has and never will be a routine part of my life BUT extreme measures can call for extreme actions. And i believe that life or death injuries fall into the category of being extreme. When it comes to one's life or the financial well-being and stability of one's family, I would put nothing past anyone. Would you risk not getting treated for injuries or racking up a large medical suit judgment against you just to be noble and good. For what?.... warm fuzzy feelings?
The fact that you are willing to go around a jobsite checking for greencards seems to hint at the fact that contracting may not be your primary employment or source of income.
quote:Originally posted by uwsoftball: BAHAAAAWAAAAAAA, now that's funny. You were kidding right? The old adage, young, dumb and full of..... well you should know the rest, is still alive and well. Oh sure there are exceptions to the rule but expierence wins out in the long run. I want people on my job sites that have "been there done that".
No slope changes quicker than that of building materials and techniques. In the past 50 years, we have gone from brick veneer, to vinyl, and now to products like Hardie board and even wilder "green" building products. The chemical treatment and fastener specs for treated lumber seems to change almost annually. New products come onto the market constantly. Composite wood products, cellulose insulation (do you have to vent an attic when applying? Tell me quickly. Don't know do you?), new adhesives, specialty tools that cut installation time in half, etc.
Do you keep an aircard and laptop in your worktruck. How do you have instant access to code revisions, manufacturers installation instructions, appliance specs, houseplans? You're not still riding around with half a dozen rolled up plans on your dashboard are you?
What two type of fasteners are approved for ACQ treated lumber? How do you know if you are even using ACQ?
Tell me what you know about ceramic shower systems. What kind of vapor/moisture barrier works best? Do you prefer the roll on rubber or do you like the orange felt paper stuff that comes from Schluter. Do you embed your backer board in the wet mud of the pan (possibly wicking moisture) or do you hang it after the pan dries (leaving a gap and hanging everything on the integrity of your pan liner)?
What are the specs on joist spacing when running composite decking at 45 degree angle?
What is the approved method for attatchment of iron balusters to oak treads and handrail? The IRC just changed the maximum rise on residential stairways. What is it? Did you know anything had changed?, or are you just doing things a certain way because "that's the way we've always done it".
What is the appropriate way of attaching ledger boards to stucco and vinyl?
Do you still use T-molds? You have to right? Please tell me you don't.
Tell me about the tax credits for making your home more energy efficient.
These are just a few things i could think of. Things are changing constantly. While the same building principles apply like always, it is the attention to detail and compliance with manufacturer specs that insure the homeowner is in the position to make claim on warranty if ever needed.
The next generation of tradesmen will have better tools, easier access to critical information, and better marketing skills to upsell the homeowner.