Consulting

Jack Smith

Just trying to get some feedback from homeowners and contractors alike. Thinking about hanging up my tools, but I love the business too much to leave it altogether!
What would you think about someone offering consultation on residential heating needs? Could not be a contractor or have any ties to a manufacturer or contractor due to conflict of interest. Would offer design advice, bid comparisons, and possibly mediate disputes. Customer gets an unbiased view from an experienced professional. Looking forward to the feedback from everyone!

John@Reliable_4

Sounds like a good idea, but.........

I think it really depends on location. Where I service most "new" systems are replacement steam and hotwater boilers with little upgrading of piping or even indirect hot water heaters so most jobs are under 5k, and need it asap, so bring in someone like you wouldn't even be considered I think. I really do like your idea from what I see everyday it's needed but how to let people know about your services I think would be hard at best. Hope this helps John@Reliable

Steamhead

I've done that, Jazz

Mostly out of my area though. It's fun, and I get to visit places I otherwise might not see.

To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

Robert O'Connor_4

Steamhead has

has established himself as an expert in the ways and the why's of low pressure steam. He also demonstrates a great passion for it

Jazz you will have to be arguably expert and passionate about it to succeed.

Good luck with it.

Regards,

Roebrt

Mad Dog

Yeah , Jazz, it is definitely doable, but

it could take you several years to esatblish yourself to the point that you could support yourself, Year-round. You need alot of connections, you need to join as many heating organizations as possible, you'd want to advertise as such. I've been doing consulting on steam, radiant, and carbon monoxide for the past 5 years. There is definitely a market for it, but the jobs ebb and flow. One big obstacle is know-it-all contractors that have too much pride to get help. Ease in to it slowly, don't quit your day job just yet and good luck. Be glad to help you any way can. Mad Dog

To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

Lori

As a homeowner involved in DIY, may I suggest that you consider adding consulting to DIYers? Even with my almost non-existent budget, it would have made things so much simpler, and have saved a lot of anxiety if I could have hired someone to come and look at the situation and my plans before I started, to be sure I hd covered all the bases. Regular contractors aren't geared for selling an hour or whatever of their time (at least in this area).

Good luck with whichever route you choose!
Lori

DanHolohan

What area?

Where's home, Lori? Thanks for the feedback.

Lori

Rural

Eastern Canada ... Prince Edward Island.

Thanks for the site! I've read everything on it, much of it more than once. You have a good way with words, Dan Holohan.

Lori

DanHolohan

Thanks, Lori.

That's all I know how to do. That, and stare at a birdfeeder.

Lovely part of the world you're in. Oh, Canada!

Jack Smith

compromise

My concern in keeping my day job is that I am afraid that it may create a conflict of interest or at least a percieved conflict of interest. Wouldn't you think that as a homeowner the thought would be in the back of your mind that I was just trying another angle to sell my company? If asked about my day job, I would have to tell the truth or lose my credibility again. The marketing is the thing that bothers me, how to convey the services in a way that is easily grasped. Thank you for your offer, I may take you up on it! Thanks to you and all others on your input!

Firedragon_4

Two other things

I've learned the hard way.
1. If you go full-time have at least a years pay in the bank, a good vehicle and a good family.

2. Buy lot's of insurance if you intend to work with teh public. Friends today, plaintiffs tomorrow.

Mad Dog

I hear ya, but the truth is the truth.

Most people are pretty good judges of others veracity. If the people need something, they really will not care =- and would usually prefer - that the person who was smart enough to finally diagnose the problem is a good choice for the repairs. We do it all the time. Don't feel funny, if you're straight up with people as I'm sure you are, you'll be fine. Mad Dog

To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

Edward A. Carey

Your topic

Jazz,

Where are you located?

Regards
Ed

Lori

That's all ... Uh, huh ... Yep ... And I expect the birds provide the information that you write about, too.

It is a lovely part of the world here ... Thanks ... and milder winters than those south or us would expect, fortunately.

Lori

Rob T

As another homeowner

that is also involved in DIY I would gladly hire a professional consultant to come in and look over what I currently have and give me some concise and pertinent info regarding it.

If I were able to hire such a person I would like info on how well the current system is functioning, what can be done to upgrade the current system and some recommendations towards a new system to replace the current one.

I have come to the conclusion that while I am quite knowledgeable in the arena of construction (25yrs +) I really am not HVAC material… I have also reached the conclusion that I would rather hire someone to show me than to try it on my own and end up with a mediocre setup.


Checked the Locate a Contractor and there is nobody close so will feel out my old construction contacts to see if I can find someone that knows his/her stuff.

Rob