First Job

[jaydebruyne]

I'm going to look at a job on Thursday but I wanted to run it past you first.

They're friends of my girlfriend and have said they've already had a plumber out who stated he couldn't fix it as he'd end up cracking the granite worktop.

The tap body is loose, the whole tap turns. I'm thinking the backnut needs tightening. It's quite a large backnut and apparently it's almost impossible to get to.

As a bid to start off with small jobs, I'm determined to have a go (within reason - reason being I'm not going to damage the worktop).

I'm thinking, even if I cut away a little more of the wood on the right to get some pump pliers in there to grip the nut, could I not, in small increments, turn the tap body and tighten it that way? Returning the tap body to the original position after each small turn. I'm assuming they're flexi's at the end of the tails, if not I'd have to isolate the water and disconnect the tails to do this.

What do you think?

As I can't upload images at the moment, here are a couple of links:

 

[rpm]

This brings me to a question as I didn't charge her for anything. To me it was just good to get some real life experience.

But generally if I can't fix something, like todays example, do I still charge? I mean, as I didn't do anything other than try.

Try to get something, even if you just ask for the fuel money most people will appreciate your efforts and honestly and give you something but being a friend of the family can make it difficult to ask.

 

[jaydebruyne]

Try to get something, even if you just ask for the fuel money most people will appreciate your efforts and honestly and give you something but being a friend of the family can make it difficult to ask.

Yeah I hear you. Thanks for the advice, I think I'll do this from now on. Obviously I'll charge for any parts I use (+ my 10%)

 

[nysk2008]

as above, gaining exp is what we all do, however we all need to make a living and some times working for family and friends isnt always the way forward

 

[rpm]

Would also increase that % mate but thats not for a public forum conversation.

 

[jaydebruyne]

as above, gaining exp is what we all do, however we all need to make a living and some times working for family and friends isnt always the way forward

Perhaps not & I totally understand what you mean, but I'll take what I can get right now. If I get paid, great. If not (family/friends only) then as long as my diesel is paid I'll put it on my experience belt and walk away with a smile.

However, this will depend on the job, how much time it takes, parts needed etc. I'll have to just weigh up each job individually.

 

[SimonG]

Should have discussed with cust whilst its in bits about new tap. Your foots in the door whilst its in bits.

Sounds like you nailed it though and hopefully they will be back onto you to fit a new one

That percentage wants increasing as well. Profit is not a dirty word Repeat one hundred times

 

[jaydebruyne]

That percentage wants increasing as well. Profit is not a dirty word Repeat one hundred times

Hahaha I literally laughed out loud! To be fair, I've marked up all of my initial stock as 20% but I thought I was being a little cheeky with that figure (even though I didn't change it) - but decided to mark up future stuff at 10%.

What's a decent markup without ripping someone off?

I'm hoping she'll call me to fit the new tap. "Thank you Madam, that'll be £240 + parts!" Cha-ching! haha (kidding)

 

[PlumbBobBob]

jay wait until you are in the arms to discuss prices, profit etc., we like to keep it out of view as much as possible unk:

 

[jaydebruyne]

jay wait until you are in the arms to discuss prices, profit etc., we like to keep it out of view as much as possible unk:

Duly noted. Apologies. I've applied for my drink token and awaiting a reply from the powers that be. I hope I get in, I'm quite parched!

 

[SimonG]

Looks like a good session in the arms tonight I'm at darts, but you can leave me a strongbow in the pump

 

[kris]

Your right simon i think we should have a shin dig. Has the arms got a beer garden ?,

 

[SimonG]

Beer garden, pond, koi carp, all mod cons.

 

[kris]

Brilliant il have a mosey down after tea check them all out, i think ian has took one of his arcades down aswell, pacman i think il have a go

 

[Dotty]

Duly noted. Apologies. I've applied for my drink token and awaiting a reply from the powers that be. I hope I get in, I'm quite parched!

whose door did you knock on Jay?

 

[jaydebruyne]

whose door did you knock on Jay?

Hi Croppie, I just messaged the "Contact Us" link. I didn't chose anybody specific. Do I need to?