big mike

Jim, First mistake was agreeing to another coat of RS. Thats money out of your pocket. 2 coats are plenty, unless they want to pay for it. As for the plants, I wouldn't worry too much. I've gotten stain on all sort of plants, and they may lose some leaves, but they usually don't die. The big plant issue is with stripper, acid, or bleach. Sounds like a general PITA homeowner. Just tell her that if the plants die, to call for replacement. But don't put up with a daily update.

QB Pro here. We use the credit card service through them too. Seems like a lot of work at first, but really helps out having all that info in one place. Once you're set up, it rocks.

In a perfect world we'd all talk and figure out pricing and not step on each others toes. Not ever gonna happen, but its a nice happy thought. Just keep up your diligence on learning and moving forward, and soon those folks will be in your rear view mirror. I've talked with a few guys in my area that are registered users of these BBS, and really, they're the only ones who I'd ever refer work to, or take referrals from. Tell the guy to get in the 21st century, and check this out. Knowledge is everything.

Dan, There are several stains that perform to those requirements on soft woods. RS fits that bill well, although you really don't have to fully strip it for many years. I am still recoating RS decks, every 2 yrs, that I originally restored over 6 yrs ago, and they look great. Being 100% HONEST with your customers about the longevity of a stain is crucial to secure repeat business. Remember, your business is only as good as your word. Most folks who are willing to pay to have their deck restored, realize that maintenance is a fact of life, and will appreciate you being up-front about costs. Most people would rather pay the maintenance cost.

I feel your pain brother. I've had mixed results with IPE. They don't use it much up here though, mostly cedar, then PTP, then redwood. Any IPE I've done requires a yearly recoat.

I do it religiously on deck bids, and it works really well. Usually I do the call back the following day and ask if they have any questions about the estimate. I then proceed to give them pointed questions to ask other contractors bidding the job such as; explain the importance of neutralization, ask about moisture content and its effect on the stain they're going to use, etc., etc. I let them know that they can call me anytime with questions too. Makes me appear to be concerned about their project (which I truly am), and gives them the feeling that I'm an ally in their project, and someone they can trust.

It's Time to Celebrate!75th Anniversary of the Repeal of Prohibition April 7, 2008 President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the modified Volstead Act that legalized the sale of 3.2 percent beer in the United States following a 13 year prohibition. This marked the beginning of the end for the "failed experiment" known as Prohibition. The ratification of the 21st Amendment on December 5, 1933 gave rise to the three-tier system of alcohol regulation and distribution that still works in the U.S. today. Now that's something to celebrate!

The brown will lighten dramatically in a couple days to a week. Does the customer want a lighter shade of brown, or just a different color altogether?

Shipping costs are a necessary evil. How much would it cost you to go pick those items up? There's many possibilities why they sent two different carriers; one package was chems, one was not; different locations of the purchased items; and so-on. You can usually find a shipping cost calculator on most web based stores, and if in question ask the cost before buying.

Pete, Nice work. I am really liking that Baker's stain. Always impressive on the before and afters. I think I'll be taking a closer look at Bakers this year.

Hey daniel, I'd be happy to share with you. just not on a public forum. PM me if you like. Discussing prices on a public forum is shooting yourself in the foot, Lots of lookers and lurkers here......

One more note on respirators: make sure you are using the proper filters on them, or your still going to get the damage. Particulate filters are not going to stop the fumes and chemicals from entering your respiratory system. Those are the ones that usually come with them when you buy them. We use organic gas / acid filters almost exclusively (olive green color). Check with your respirator manufacturer for the proper filter.

Hey neighbor, SealWIZE, sealMAXX, whatever.... Most consumers are aware that anything that guarantees something longer than the natural lifespan of the structure that it's applied to, is a sham. I look at it as an opportunity to educate people about the reality of maintenance. Just remember the old adage "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is". As for competition, they're nothing to worry about.

The most cost effective build would be PTP stained with two coats of solid stain a year later. Grow your vines, and forget about it. I do a lot of decks, etc up here, and cedar anything is a high maintenance affair. Pergolas are tough for pro's to do, so yearly maintenance of a cedar structure like that would be a major pain / expense for a homeowner. Now that isn't advice i like to give, since I'd love to do the staining and maintenance for you. Solid stain lasts the longest in our particular climate. My own deck has a 15 x 22 pergola, and its Deckscapes Solid Acrylic. Has lasted on pergola for 4 yrs, and could use a recoat this spring. I'm sure that folks on the board will say that recommending a solid is blasphemy, but my own deck is proof to me. I'm local for any questions via phone.

Question 1. Needs more info such as: how many structures? pitch of roofs? You say wash and strip. Strip what? are you sealing the shakes too? Yes, commercial will be substantially lower than residential prices but doesn't mean give it for free either. Question 2. It's hard to commit to specific days because of weather, employee no-shows, etc. I would commit to the job until complete, and don't worry about your other customers. Can you have others deal with your regulars? If not, tell them that your calendar is full and you can address them when finished. How many people will be committed to this project? Are you set up to handle this (equipment, workers, etc)? How long do you envision this taking? and, is that OK with the persons asking for the bid. Question 3. Large commercial jobs will let you draw on funds, usually. I would look for a percentage up front say, 20-30%. That should be enough to get you through the job if you haven't bid too low. Or else payment at certain benchmarks like you described. The only problem with the benchmark thing is that commercial accounts are notorious for 30-60 day payment. Be careful on that. Advice: don't be intimidated by the size or scope of the project. Everything is do-able, and it may be time to let your business grow. Hire some workers, and get it done.

Rich is right about this. If someone has issues with Bleach, its safe to say that they've had a problem in the past. Best to ask them point blank what the issue was, and tell them how you're going to approach the work to ensure that specific problem won't occur this time. Beyond that, if they're still concerned it's definitely a red flag.

Just use some warm water and Dawn dishwashing soap. You most likely have it, and it take the oily residue right off.

William, I've done several shake roofs, and its really a combination of roof washing and wood restoration. I wash with either a sodium percarb or hypochlorite solution then follow with Oxalic rinse. Roof safety is HUGE because cedar is really slick when wet. If you can do it with a lift your in great shape, if not a harness and lifeline is essential if theres any slope whatsoever. A ground man is essential to keep a rinsing hose going at all times. Follow this link for more info : Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau

Shaun, The only "truly" environmentally safe cleaning item would be water. We consider many of our chems environmentally safe for house washing because of high dilution with water during rinsing, and the fact that the runoff goes back to the earth. Let your customers know what you're using in terms they can understand. Show them comparisons to your "detergent" with their laundry soap, or dishwasher detergent if they are concerned. By the way, if you honestly don't know how harmful your chems are, you need to understand how to read a MSDS sheet for your products, and ALWAYS have them with you.

Hey John, Don't worry, I'm raising my prices too. I think I may buy in larger bulk to offset the increase. Inflation sucks!!

Man, thats tough to watch. Why is it that this country and its politicos can't follow through on its promises to veterans? Just like the recent reports on various VA hospitals with deplorable conditions, and vets not getting the care they need. Now this. I'm not a vet, but many of my family and friends are. We owe these folks alot for their service to this country. I'm going to e-mail that news report to every person I can. It's time that the people in this country get their heads out of the sand and do whats right. Thanks for the eye opener Reed.:(

Well I had an interesting call this afternoon. Seems a gal wants her house washed (mildew, mold, etc). One small problem ITS -4 DEGREES OUTSIDE!!! Are folks really that unaware of the fact that water freezes at 32 degrees?? Sorry, had to rant. I'm getting a little stir crazy:lgbonk:

Try your local car wash, or even Craigslist

Yeah I think I have the job as soon as it warms up. By the way, when its this cold we don't take our hats off!!

Yeah.....good one Beth ;-> Didn't mean to wake the sleeping giant. I have also learned the secrets of bleach. Maybe if we stopped calling it bleach and only went with hypochlorite it would make it all better:p