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Tmrrptr

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Posts posted by Tmrrptr

  6. Posted · Report reply

    I really think the Pressure Pros are on to something here.

    We've got killer bees, zebra mussels, star thistles, and a really long list of invaders including the english sparrow.

    US Customs quickly admits they only inspect something like 5% of incoming containers, and they are looking for something they already know about.

    Probably drugs or counterfeit nikes.

    If immigration can't stop holes in our borders, cdc let aids into the country, who inspects lumber? Dept of agriculture???? I'm sure they all want more funding.

    Forestry could not stop pine pitch canker here in CA..

    And now we have lead in toys.

    Who's to say an imported mold on pretty deckwood is well under control in it's own environment, but grows like wildfire when it gets to our climate zone.

    Point being, no one knows what it is, until someone like Ken who deals with specialty wood frequently, raises the hue & cry.

    I've read of microscopic bugs that seem to live happily in straight bleach used

    to clean petri dishes... and no one thought that could happen.

    We all know penicillin resistant bacteria exist.

    I recall a few years back when scares of contagion traveled around the country... I was quite happy living in a 2 horse town, with little outside contact, known historically as the "protected valley."

    So ...The guy I worked for says, "My ex-wife is flying in from Ramstein tomorrow, you go pick her up at LAX in the morning."

    I think it was about the time Bruce and Brad came out with that 12 monkeys movie...

    I sure hope Ken keeps up the good work !

    r

  7. Posted · Report reply

    Sry to see that... I busted a couple trucks before. EZ to do. Big things can break quite easily. Funny how it happens in slow motion, almost frame by frame

    Jobsites & property managers here in CA all want 2mil aggregate liability...

    I swear I'll never turn in a claim, but never know what will happen tomorrow.

    Its only another 90/month...

    r

  9. Posted · Report reply

    It seems like most of the calls I get most recently are cost conscious in the extreme... and work is very slow.

    Seems like the general consensus is somewhere between 2/3 and 3/4 for a partial job...

    I'm considering a flat rate for the service call that will give the client an hour, and going to a half day and full day rate, from there.

    ...Just had a silly situation pop up over price per sq ft...

    Potential client is simply not considering hazards of ladder work, fuel and transport costs, expendible incidentals, and repeat trips required for the project.

    r

  10. Posted · Report reply

    Wow, you got me on that quote from the past economy post...

    I was looking all through the thread to see where I might have said something disparaging about "Newlook Carlos" and I just couldn't find anything...

    Then it dawned on me... Yep, the light clicks on once and a while...

    It was in reference to Carlos Castaneda, the pseudo shaman.

    I guess Rod has somewhat of an esoteric view towards the big picture that I was in disagreement with.

    Now that it's Nov 4, 07 and the economic situation is peachy, perhaps I could review my view of the general situation...

    Oops! From reading web news presentations, it almost looks as though things are beginning to snowball !

    Maybe I should stop reading news articles and just go fishing.

    r

  14. Posted · Report reply

    I've picked up some new construction work...

    Mostly they want concrete flatwork blasted off, but there could be masonry

    cleaning, or in my case...pigeons LOVE the new buildings!

    All work comes from the jobsite superintendent.

    Motor right on in, find his job trailer, and ask what he needs done!

    They usually have their BMP's in order, so you don't need to be too concerned over recovery and runoff.

    r

  18. Posted · Report reply

    Wow!

    This is like Rod Serling's Twi-light Zone...

    As this thread popped up, I had a client ask me to

    employ wood densifier to some dry-rotted framing members.

    Apparently structural stuff supporting a door frame!

    I've seen it applied before, many years ago when doing termite work.

    Just can't believe someone would actually ask for it on a key structural component...

    r

  19. Posted · Report reply

    I don't know Kevin.

    In a past life I did a lot of carpentry, but very little, anymore.

    People feel you must be specialized, in my experience.

    They ask me that, directly.

    I frequently reply, "residential service," or "customer satisfaction."

    ...Oh boy! Radio news flash has just said FEMA has brought in grief counselors for the unfortunate folks here in the land of big smoke.

    At least there are a large number ofhomes on the market for these people to take over!

    ...A very real credit to enforcement people that there have so far been so few fatalities involved in this maelstrom...

    r

  20. Posted · Report reply

    or could anyone make any recommenations?

    Hello K,

    Congratulations on your new home!

    I once lived in Ohio, and can only recall it was very nice there.

    Since you have an unknown situation with your deck, I would advise you engage one of the deck restoration fellows in your area with a good reputation and allow him to restore/refurbish your deck.

    Once that being done, you may find it enjoyable to do some of the maintenance and upkeep on the deck, yourself!

    It's my thought, and experience, that you cannot fool Mother Nature.

    There is really no substitute for the warm depth and subtle homey qualities

    of a nice wooden deck attached to your home, where you can enjoy many hours with your family.

    The price to be paid for this wonderful attribute is periodic maintenance.

    If concrete, steel, or plastic were desired, well, they ARE available!

    r

  25. Posted · Report reply

    GM Carlos,

    The Housing Bubble has affected me, in the extreme!

    So, I'm constantly on the lookout for varying sources of work for our service business. My presentation must be lacking, because even with changes, I am encountering actual RESISTANCE from real estate agents, in particular.

    One might think pressure washing would be a great, cost efficient tactic to improve curb appeal of a residence and help it gain a step above others in a marketplace flooded with a 10 month supply of homes available. No joy!

    With so many homes in foreclosure, and vacant, I considered there must be opportunity, for those of us in the service business.

    I have not yet determined HOW to approach banks, and such, regarding those REO properties, with inquiries regarding maintenance and upkeep.

    However, I did make the rounds of various mortgage companies, in my travels, and offered my presentation to them.

    As it happened, I met a couple, working in a mortgage company, that had taken over a property headed for foreclosure and I did an exterior wash on the mobile, which led to an interior paint job, and then electrical work.

    What is needed, is a way to reach whoever makes decisions on REO, bank and lender owned properties.

    From information I've seen on the web, there are hundreds of thousands of these vacant buildings that shall degenerate even more if they are not given at least a minimum of care.

    r

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