Seattle Bubble

News & discussion about real estate & the housing bubble in the Seattle area.

Seattle Bubble - News & discussion about real estate & the housing bubble in the Seattle area.

Entries Tagged as 'home improvements'

Contractors & Tradesmen APB: what’s going on in the trenches?

Posted by S-Crow on May 22nd, 2008 at 10:28 AM · 35 Comments

Speaking of economics, I’d like to hear from people who are in the trades: small general contractors, electricians, plumbers, siders, framers, painters, masonry/hardscapes, landscapers, flooring installers, heat/HVAC contractors, small remodeling contractors, etc..

I spoke recently with a client of ours who is an electrician and the individual mentioned that there were recent incidences of builders either not paying or delaying payment for services.

  • How are fuel prices influencing your small business?
  • Has work dropped off in a noticeable manner?
  • Are bid requests still robust?
  • Have you been asked by builders or Gen. contractors to drop your prices as a sub?
  • Are you getting paid in 30, 60, 90 days or longer?

For homeowners that are doing remodeling or home improvements this Spring/Summer season:

  • Are you scaling back your projects?
  • Are you going to do more work yourself?
  • Are you receiving more bids, more promptly?
  • How far out are contractors scheduling your projects?

Thanks,

S-Crow

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