Sub Contractors - Electrician Talk - Professional Electrical Contractors Forum

brian john · 06-14-2009, 02:06 PM

I HATE USING SUBCONTRACTORS, I like being in control with subs there is a loss of control.

Last time I need a sub start time was 7:00 AM he got there at 11:00, he forgot.

Today I got up at 4:30 am for a 7:00 job, sub was to be there with a 200 kw generator at 7:30 AM. Sub finallyshows up at 10:10 AM complaining about traffic and telling me not to get in his face for being late. He dropped off the generator and left, he had to go get a 300 kw for us 20 minutes later I called him to tell him we did not need the 300 kw and to come get the 200 kw. That was 2 hours ago. I lost pay for 4 men 2 mechanics and 2 apprentices double time 5 hours each so far.

Somebodies boss is getting a ear full in the morning.

walkerj · 06-14-2009, 02:18 PM

Some people just can't get up on time and it makes me crazy!

Send them a bill for screwing you AND your men's Sunday

MDShunk · 06-14-2009, 02:19 PM

Sounds like a true story, so I'd really like to know who the generator company was so that I don't use them.

I gotta say, for the things I need a sub for, I'm pretty lucky. I have a pretty good list of guys. I keep my eyes peeled for people on the job who seem to do good work and I collect their information in case I ever need a service like they provide.

MDShunk · 06-14-2009, 02:24 PM

You'd think that with the current economic situation, the incentive to exceed expectations would be great. Oddly, many people still don't get that. They don't realize that the threat of "I'll never use you again" is quite real, and will hit hard in the current climate.

william1978 · 06-14-2009, 02:27 PM

The sub was complaining about traffic on a sunday morning, did he forget that traffic is usualy not a problem on sunday morning.

MDShunk · 06-14-2009, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by william1978

The sub was complaining about traffic on a sunday morning, did he forget that traffic is usualy not a problem on sunday morning.

Other than all the churches letting out around noon, Sunday mornings you can practically see tumbleweed rolling down the streets and roads of most towns.

william1978 · 06-14-2009, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MDShunk

Other than all the churches letting out around noon, Sunday mornings you can practically see tumbleweed rolling down the streets and roads of most towns.

You got that right.

Thats the way it is here.

Celtic · 06-14-2009, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MDShunk

Other than all the churches letting out around noon, Sunday mornings you can practically see tumbleweed rolling down the streets and roads of most towns.

I live in a fairly large town...only 2 places have any action on a Sunday morning ~ the churches and the supermarkets...other than that, it's tumbleweeds too.

MDShunk · 06-14-2009, 03:12 PM

Any states still have blue laws? I think that Maryland was like that up until recent years.

Celtic · 06-14-2009, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MDShunk

Any states still have blue laws? I think that Maryland was like that up until recent years.

NJ of course

.... Bergen County...probably some "shore towns" like Ocean Grove

...

Magnettica · 06-14-2009, 03:23 PM

The Garden state mall has that blue law thing. Really stupid if u ask me that a shopping mall is closed on a Sunday. Don't you think?

Magnettica · 06-14-2009, 03:28 PM

Oh hey Brian that sucks u had work with moron subs today. It could be worse if he didn't show at all. Or u could stuck here like me refinishing old oak doors.

Celtic · 06-14-2009, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnettica

The Garden state mall has that blue law thing.

Bergen County...as is Paramus Park Mall

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnettica

Really stupid if u ask me that a shopping mall is closed on a Sunday. Don't you think?

Have you ever been on Rt.17

Seriously, IMHO, for economic reasons it's foolish...the towns, local businesses, and workers all lose money ...for the populations sanity it may make sense ~ give everyone a chance to NOT deal w/bumper-to-bumper traffic.

wildleg · 06-14-2009, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnettica

The Garden state mall has that blue law thing. Really stupid if u ask me that a shopping mall is closed on a Sunday. Don't you think?

I'm all for shopping malls being closed on sunday. I think its ridiculous that they are open so many hours - it makes it hard on the poor retail workers. The only thing that should be open on weekends like that is DMV, car repair shops, and anything that really serves the public (of course all those things are closed on the weekends).

Celtic · 06-14-2009, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildleg

I'm all for shopping malls being closed on sunday. I think its ridiculous that they are open so many hours - it makes it hard on the poor retail workers.

..maybe hiring more worker bees is the answer?

Nah.....

Bob Badger · 06-14-2009, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brian john

I HATE USING SUBCONTRACTORS,

Well no kidding.

Anyone that has read a few of your posts would know that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by brian john

I like being in control

Again no real surprise there.

My guess is that you could have walked away comfortably from working a while ago and only keep doing it because you enjoy it.

brian john · 06-14-2009, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Badger

Well no kidding.

My guess is that you could have walked away comfortably from working a while ago and only keep doing it because you enjoy it.

Almost, 4 kids 3 in college a 4th starting next year.

I just do not like looking bad I planned everything to a tee and had a 2.5 hour sit down at the beginning and another 2 hour sit down at the end.

kbsparky · 06-14-2009, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MDShunk

Any states still have blue laws? I think that Maryland was like that up until recent years.

The Blue laws in MD were done away with in 1988. Doesn't seem like more than 20 years ago!

Quote:

... Originally Posted by brian john

I HATE USING SUBCONTRACTORS,....

As for complaining about subs, you need to strengthen your contracts, with terms like "liquidated damages" inserted. That usually straightens `em out, once it hits `em in the wallet!

MDShunk · 06-14-2009, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kbsparky

As for complaining about subs, you need to strengthen your contracts, with terms like "liquidated damages" inserted. That usually straightens `em out, once it hits `em in the wallet!

Eh, sounds good, but there might not have even been a contract involved. When I order a generator, it's more like picking up the phone to order a pizza. Nobody really signs anything.

Magnettica · 06-14-2009, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Celtic

Bergen County...as is Paramus Park Mall

Have you ever been on Rt.17

Seriously, IMHO, for economic reasons it's foolish...the towns, local businesses, and workers all lose money ...for the populations sanity it may make sense ~ give everyone a chance to NOT deal w/bumper-to-bumper traffic.

I used to work for an EC who was right off of 17 in Paramus.

Is the Paramus Mall and Garden State Mall the same thing? I really don't understand why they're closed in Bergen County and everything on Route 22 in Union and Springfield is open. There's way more traffic on route 22 than 17. plus 22 has the island and uh, Hooters.

I don't know I'm not from around there, I go to Woodbridge and Menlo Park malls. Especially Menlo Park because the Apple store there.