http://www.northjersey.com/community/house_gardening/83699822_No_job_too_small___Projects_perfect_for_the_professional_handyman.html
You’ve got a door sagging on its hinges, crumbling grout between the bathroom tiles and missing moldings in the living room. A major contractor probably would scoff at doing such small jobs, but you don’t have the time or know-how to tackle them yourself.
As the Ghostbusters famously asked, "Who ya gonna call?"
Handyman to the rescue!
The handyman fills an important niche in the home-improvement industry, as a Jack-of-all-trades for whom "no job is too small." Ideally, he will be more likely to return your calls promptly, to charge a reasonable fee and to stand behind his work than a contractor who’s eager to rush off to a big construction job. While some handymen prefer to remain independent, others today have become part of national franchises.
The Independent Contractor
Frank D’Amico of Hasbrouck Heights has been in the home-improvement business for about 20 years, operating as D’Amico Home Repairs since early 2009. He said he is called most often for small jobs such as "putting up a door, bathroom tiling and grouting or putting up cabinets." He also does small masonry jobs in warm weather.
Like most handymen, D’Amico is not licensed for electrical work or plumbing. He also prefers not to tackle big projects such as home additions. Other than that, he’s versatile. He said he charges "mostly by the job, but it comes out to an hourly rate" and has several longtime customers who call him regularly.
D’Amico advised anyone hiring an independent handyman to look for someone with experience, to ask for references and to check with the state and to make sure the person is licensed and insured. (See Sidebar.)
The franchised handyman
Bob Palmarozza, along with his wife Susan, owns Mr. Handyman Tri-County, Wayne, part of the national Mr. Handyman franchise. His father was a builder and Palmarozza worked for him from age five, doing little jobs on construction sites. After college, he spent some time in the food service industry and learned that he liked franchising.
"I thought there was a real need to professionalize getting things done in your home," he said. "This way, I can maintain a corporate overview but still get my hands dirty."
He notes that Mr. Handyman has its own strict guidelines for its franchisees. "We don’t do any licensed electrical or plumbing work," he said. "And we also don’t do roofing, because that’s a different category in terms of insurance."
Palmarozza explained that job applicants must be multi-skilled, with a minimum of 15 years paid experience in the construction trades. Mr. Handyman, which has more than 350 franchises nationwide, also runs background checks to screen out past arrests or drug use. The company won’t even take an applicant with more than two points on his driver’s license, because he’ll be driving a leased vehicle.
The handymen wear company uniforms so they can be easily identified by homeowners. Palmarozza said that while there currently are no "handywomen" in his office, he knows of some working in the franchise’s other locations.
"We schedule the (employees’) work and make sure they show up on time," Palmarozza said. "We run a full-time office, so people know they can call and anyone who answers the phone can deal with the issue."
Anthony Matos belongs to another national franchise, Andy OnCall, and has been operating for three years out of Hackensack. "My father owned properties in the city, and I spent summers and after school working in his buildings, (then later) as a super," he recalled.
Matos eventually found himself swamped with requests from family and friends to do work around their houses, and decided there was a niche market for such services. He spent a year researching the market in North Jersey before opening his business.
Odd jobs
Matos said the strangest call he ever received was to remove a raccoon from someone’s basement. "I referred her to animal control," he said.
Palmarossa’s most unusual request involved wild life of another kind — "A gentleman who taught pole dancing hired us to install several poles in his basement." He also gets a lot of calls to do cleanups, "like a junk room that’s accumulated stuff for 30 or 40 years."
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Electricians Key for Solar Wiring
Arizona is pushing for a bevy of solar companies to produce a new industry base in the state. The only drag may be where to find the workers.
Despite Chinese manufacturer Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd. announcing it will build a facility in Goodyear and numerous commercial and utility projects coming online in the area, the Valley has just one nationally certified school training solar installers. It has nothing yet in terms of manufacturing the panels.
With a worker pool brimming with unemployed electricians, plumbers, engineers, construction contractors and more, some believe there is room to meet the solar industry’s ambitious plans here. Still, it will take time.
“There’s interest across the board,” said Donna Marie Bertault, CEO of eRenewable Resource Group, the only licensed solar trade school in the state. “I see roofers and electricians, but I also see architects and engineers who need training, and home inspectors who have no idea how to evaluate a solar system.”
Despite Chinese manufacturer Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd. announcing it will build a facility in Goodyear and numerous commercial and utility projects coming online in the area, the Valley has just one nationally certified school training solar installers. It has nothing yet in terms of manufacturing the panels.
With a worker pool brimming with unemployed electricians, plumbers, engineers, construction contractors and more, some believe there is room to meet the solar industry’s ambitious plans here. Still, it will take time.
“There’s interest across the board,” said Donna Marie Bertault, CEO of eRenewable Resource Group, the only licensed solar trade school in the state. “I see roofers and electricians, but I also see architects and engineers who need training, and home inspectors who have no idea how to evaluate a solar system.”
Friday, February 5, 2010
Australian Electricians Dying on the Roof
By Ken Orr
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/02/04/2810481.htm?section=business
Posted Thu Feb 4, 2010 4:06pm AEDT
Updated 43 minutes ago
Guidelines for the work may not have been followed: MEA
Guidelines for the work may not have been followed: MEA (Matt Peacock)
* Video: Worker killed installing insulation (7pm TV News QLD)
* Map: Millaa Millaa 4886
The peak group representing Australian electricians says four people have now died installing roof insulation since the introduction of a Federal Government subsidy scheme.
A 25-year-old contractor was electrocuted in the roof of a home at Millaa Millaa in far north Queensland today.
Master Electricians Australia (MEA) executive officer Malcolm Richards says it is the third death in Queensland since October, with a fourth in New South Wales.
Mr Richards says it appears guidelines for the work may not have been followed.
"We have implemented some new training regimes which involve training all workers in the risk assessment process which should in normal circumstances result in the power being turned off to do any of these sorts of jobs," he said.
The Queensland Council of Unions (QCU) is calling for a further review of safety standards in the roof insulation industry.
QCU assistant general secretary Amanda Richards says the Government has responded to calls for tougher controls but too many inexperienced operators are still entering the industry.
"We've got a proliferation of people coming into the industry to make a quick buck and the safety issues the safety program leaves a little bit to be desired because you know people are still being killed," she said.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/02/04/2810481.htm?section=business
Posted Thu Feb 4, 2010 4:06pm AEDT
Updated 43 minutes ago
Guidelines for the work may not have been followed: MEA
Guidelines for the work may not have been followed: MEA (Matt Peacock)
* Video: Worker killed installing insulation (7pm TV News QLD)
* Map: Millaa Millaa 4886
The peak group representing Australian electricians says four people have now died installing roof insulation since the introduction of a Federal Government subsidy scheme.
A 25-year-old contractor was electrocuted in the roof of a home at Millaa Millaa in far north Queensland today.
Master Electricians Australia (MEA) executive officer Malcolm Richards says it is the third death in Queensland since October, with a fourth in New South Wales.
Mr Richards says it appears guidelines for the work may not have been followed.
"We have implemented some new training regimes which involve training all workers in the risk assessment process which should in normal circumstances result in the power being turned off to do any of these sorts of jobs," he said.
The Queensland Council of Unions (QCU) is calling for a further review of safety standards in the roof insulation industry.
QCU assistant general secretary Amanda Richards says the Government has responded to calls for tougher controls but too many inexperienced operators are still entering the industry.
"We've got a proliferation of people coming into the industry to make a quick buck and the safety issues the safety program leaves a little bit to be desired because you know people are still being killed," she said.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Electricians Working Solar Project
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Contributors
Doug Chandler
Jim Lucy
Independent Electrical Contractors’ Chesapeake Chapter Partners with GroSolar for PV Training
Jim Lucy February 3rd, 2010
GroSolar, the nation’s largest domestically-owned solar distributor and the fourth-largest residential installer in North America, is partnering with the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Chesapeaketo provide electricians with training in the installation of solar systems.
On Feb. 10, groSolar, based in White River Junction, Vt., and IEC Chesapeake will offer a new course entitled “Trouble Shooting PV (Solar) Systems.” The course provides an overview of the basic processes necessary for installing PV (Solar) systems, and is offered to both IEC members and non-members. The course will cover typical system design errors and performance problems; comparing actual system power output to expected output; typical locations for electrical/mechanical failure.
“Maryland is an important distribution market for groSolar, and our partnership with IEC offers a great chance for electricians to advance their careers and benefit from groSolar’s leading presence in the renewable energy marketplace,” said groSolar’s Jeff Gilbert, the course instructor. “Given the federal and state tax incentives available today, not to mention the energy savings that solar systems provide, homeowners and businesses are more interested in solar than ever before. Electricians looking to take advantage of this opportunity should seriously consider taking this course.”
Gilbert is training manager for groSolar’s comprehensive dealer-training program, and is the co-founder of Chesapeake Solar, now a groSolar company. The course will take place in IEC Chesapeake’s Training Center in Odenton, Md. Registration
Contributors
Doug Chandler
Jim Lucy
Independent Electrical Contractors’ Chesapeake Chapter Partners with GroSolar for PV Training
Jim Lucy February 3rd, 2010
GroSolar, the nation’s largest domestically-owned solar distributor and the fourth-largest residential installer in North America, is partnering with the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Chesapeaketo provide electricians with training in the installation of solar systems.
On Feb. 10, groSolar, based in White River Junction, Vt., and IEC Chesapeake will offer a new course entitled “Trouble Shooting PV (Solar) Systems.” The course provides an overview of the basic processes necessary for installing PV (Solar) systems, and is offered to both IEC members and non-members. The course will cover typical system design errors and performance problems; comparing actual system power output to expected output; typical locations for electrical/mechanical failure.
“Maryland is an important distribution market for groSolar, and our partnership with IEC offers a great chance for electricians to advance their careers and benefit from groSolar’s leading presence in the renewable energy marketplace,” said groSolar’s Jeff Gilbert, the course instructor. “Given the federal and state tax incentives available today, not to mention the energy savings that solar systems provide, homeowners and businesses are more interested in solar than ever before. Electricians looking to take advantage of this opportunity should seriously consider taking this course.”
Gilbert is training manager for groSolar’s comprehensive dealer-training program, and is the co-founder of Chesapeake Solar, now a groSolar company. The course will take place in IEC Chesapeake’s Training Center in Odenton, Md. Registration
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Free Rides on the Train Until Electricians Arrived
A power failure affected some lighting and passenger indicator boards at Town Hall Station between 8.30am and 9.30am this morning (Tuesday February 1).
One lift and one escalator were also affected, however access to all platforms was maintained.
Some station ticket gates were affected and station staff were alerted to monitor the situation.
Electricians arrived quickly on site and fully restored power at 9.30am.
Some commuters enjoyed a free ride as ticket barriers stuck in the open position.
Others endured a long walk up stationary escalators.
One lift and one escalator were also affected, however access to all platforms was maintained.
Some station ticket gates were affected and station staff were alerted to monitor the situation.
Electricians arrived quickly on site and fully restored power at 9.30am.
Some commuters enjoyed a free ride as ticket barriers stuck in the open position.
Others endured a long walk up stationary escalators.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Green Projects Get Red Tape Hurting Electricians
MARK HAWTHORNE
February 2, 2010
Comments 3
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LIKE so many government initiatives, there's little doubt the people behind the Green Start program had their hearts in the right place.
In November, federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett announced Green Start to ''improve the energy and water efficiency of low-income and disadvantaged Australian households''.
The rationale behind the $130 million scheme was noble. Low-income households can't afford to buy efficient new devices, so Garrett's department promised ''intensive hands-on assistance to overcome barriers and implement affordable energy and water-efficiency measures''.
The minister was effusive when launching Green Start. ''Low-income earners spend a higher proportion of their weekly household budget on energy and water, making these Australians particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change,'' he said. ''This program will arm people and households with greater knowledge and a range of resources to help them reduce energy and water costs.''
Green Start's core promises included ''free supply and installation of energy and water-efficiency products such as tap aerators, pipe insulation, efficient light bulbs, low-flow showerheads, draught proofing, seals for fridges, doors and windows, grey water hoses and compost bins''.
The devil is, of course, in the detail, and it appears the government's definition of ''hands-on assistance'' doesn't extend to someone getting their hands dirty.
The tender deadline for Green Smart expired on January 14. According to several involved in that process, none of the $130 million is slated to reach licensed electricians and plumbers, as the government is gun shy after rorting of its free insulation scheme.
The nation's disadvantaged households will instead have to deal with a ''Green Start program broker'', who will then put them in touch with a ''Green Start household assessor'', who will then ''open the door to a range of practical steps householders can take to reduce their energy and water bills''.
Sadly, they won't be opening the door to a plumber or a sparky. ''It is our understanding that qualified tradespeople will not be used as part of the Green Start program,'' said Stu Norman, Victorian manager of EcoSmart Electricians.
Non-profit EcoSmart is run by the National Electrical and Communications Association.
''We would welcome the use of electricians, especially those trained in energy efficiency, to provide sustainable solutions as part of this or other government programs,'' Norman said.
Another that would have benefited from Green Smart is Collins Street-based Green Invest. Listed Green Invest operates the nationally accredited Green Plumbers program, as well as a company called Green Professionals, but it didn't even respond to the Green Start tender.
''While Green Invest did not directly respond to the tender, it has offered its auditing services to a number of program brokers who answered the Green Start tender,'' said executive director Ron Lunt.
''Green Invest is well positioned to provide home sustainability assessors for the sustainability sector, as well as trained electricians and plumbers where retrofit to environmentally friendly products is required.''
But, in the words of one disgruntled tenderer, Green Start amounts to ''free light bulbs and a showerhead''. Even if all 250,000 low-income households apply to the $130 million scheme, that's $520 per household.
A price check with Bunnings revealed that a WELS three-star-rated showerhead costs $21.90, while energy-efficient light bulbs cost $9 for a pack of three. ''If you get a letter from Yarra Water, and bring along your old showerhead, we will swap it for free,'' a staff member told Collins & Spencer.
The tradies are fuming, but at least we get a new joke for all that taxpayer money: How many Green Smart program brokers does it take to change a light bulb?
February 2, 2010
Comments 3
Ads by Google
Electrical Contractors
Enter Your Zip Code & Connect ToLocal Electricians. Free Estimates!
www.ServiceMagic.com
LIKE so many government initiatives, there's little doubt the people behind the Green Start program had their hearts in the right place.
In November, federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett announced Green Start to ''improve the energy and water efficiency of low-income and disadvantaged Australian households''.
The rationale behind the $130 million scheme was noble. Low-income households can't afford to buy efficient new devices, so Garrett's department promised ''intensive hands-on assistance to overcome barriers and implement affordable energy and water-efficiency measures''.
The minister was effusive when launching Green Start. ''Low-income earners spend a higher proportion of their weekly household budget on energy and water, making these Australians particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change,'' he said. ''This program will arm people and households with greater knowledge and a range of resources to help them reduce energy and water costs.''
Green Start's core promises included ''free supply and installation of energy and water-efficiency products such as tap aerators, pipe insulation, efficient light bulbs, low-flow showerheads, draught proofing, seals for fridges, doors and windows, grey water hoses and compost bins''.
The devil is, of course, in the detail, and it appears the government's definition of ''hands-on assistance'' doesn't extend to someone getting their hands dirty.
The tender deadline for Green Smart expired on January 14. According to several involved in that process, none of the $130 million is slated to reach licensed electricians and plumbers, as the government is gun shy after rorting of its free insulation scheme.
The nation's disadvantaged households will instead have to deal with a ''Green Start program broker'', who will then put them in touch with a ''Green Start household assessor'', who will then ''open the door to a range of practical steps householders can take to reduce their energy and water bills''.
Sadly, they won't be opening the door to a plumber or a sparky. ''It is our understanding that qualified tradespeople will not be used as part of the Green Start program,'' said Stu Norman, Victorian manager of EcoSmart Electricians.
Non-profit EcoSmart is run by the National Electrical and Communications Association.
''We would welcome the use of electricians, especially those trained in energy efficiency, to provide sustainable solutions as part of this or other government programs,'' Norman said.
Another that would have benefited from Green Smart is Collins Street-based Green Invest. Listed Green Invest operates the nationally accredited Green Plumbers program, as well as a company called Green Professionals, but it didn't even respond to the Green Start tender.
''While Green Invest did not directly respond to the tender, it has offered its auditing services to a number of program brokers who answered the Green Start tender,'' said executive director Ron Lunt.
''Green Invest is well positioned to provide home sustainability assessors for the sustainability sector, as well as trained electricians and plumbers where retrofit to environmentally friendly products is required.''
But, in the words of one disgruntled tenderer, Green Start amounts to ''free light bulbs and a showerhead''. Even if all 250,000 low-income households apply to the $130 million scheme, that's $520 per household.
A price check with Bunnings revealed that a WELS three-star-rated showerhead costs $21.90, while energy-efficient light bulbs cost $9 for a pack of three. ''If you get a letter from Yarra Water, and bring along your old showerhead, we will swap it for free,'' a staff member told Collins & Spencer.
The tradies are fuming, but at least we get a new joke for all that taxpayer money: How many Green Smart program brokers does it take to change a light bulb?
Monday, February 1, 2010
Electricians Working on Navy Submarine
GROTON, Conn.
A unit of General Dynamics Corp. has received a $23.7 million contract to perform maintenance work on a U.S. Navy submarine, the defense contractor said Friday.
General Dynamics Electric Boat will perform the work on the nuclear submarine New Hampshire starting next month. The work will take place through September and will involve up to 800 people, General Dynamics said.
Shares of General Dynamics fell 75 cents to close at $66.85, but added 9 cents in aftermarket trading.
A unit of General Dynamics Corp. has received a $23.7 million contract to perform maintenance work on a U.S. Navy submarine, the defense contractor said Friday.
General Dynamics Electric Boat will perform the work on the nuclear submarine New Hampshire starting next month. The work will take place through September and will involve up to 800 people, General Dynamics said.
Shares of General Dynamics fell 75 cents to close at $66.85, but added 9 cents in aftermarket trading.
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