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Do you want a fix or a complete repair?

By
Home Builder with Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 CSL#642819

 

Do you want a fix or a complete repair?

 

Do you know what you are getting when you call for a repair? You call a plumber to come fix a drainage problem, it’s an emergency and it must be repaired right away. The plumber comes out and cuts a hole in the wall to get toilet wall repairto the problem. It may be a bit complicated and takes several hours to complete the repair, but the drain is put back together and is working like new. The plumber’s job is complete, he’s heading for home. But there’s a problem.

The plumber is just that – a plumber. There is often a lot more work to do to bring things back to normal for the homeowner or tenant. Who is going to patch the sheetrock? Or the texture? Or the painting? Maybe a general contractor should have been called to do the repairs. There are general contractors who can do the whole job, and leave the repair area as if it were never damaged.

A general contractor who specializes in this sort of repair can handle all the trades without the need for additional help. Instead of having to find someone else to wrap things up, a general contractor can be a big help in making your life easier. Ask around maybe your friends or neighbors know of one that can help in the future.


Looking for a General Contractor in Sacramento?

 

Sharon Parisi
United Real Estate Dallas - Dallas, TX
Dallas Homes

Tom, as I have said many times before, too bad you do not work in the Dallas area.  It is difficult to find people who can do a complete repair.  One repair always leads to another repair. 

Jan 06, 2013 06:20 PM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

If it's a spot that might have the same problem again, some plumbers will recommend, and even install, an access panel, with molding and the ability to remove it.

Then again, some won't...

Jan 06, 2013 06:38 PM
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

Yes, great point.  Sometimes having a general contractor is a big advantage as they can help do the repair work afterwards.  Also, with small jobs like this, it will sometimes save you money vs. paying 2 people for small 2 small jobs.

Jan 06, 2013 06:47 PM
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

That is why some people are plumbers, electricians and the like.  As for me I just call someone before I make a bigger mess out of the issue.

Jan 06, 2013 07:12 PM
Wallace S. Gibson, CPM
Gibson Management Group, Ltd. - Charlottesville, VA
LandlordWhisperer

I would have placed a nice, ATTRACTIVE, REMOVABLE cover panel so that access to the plumbing can be gained easily for THE NEXT TIME!

Jan 06, 2013 07:19 PM
Roger D. Mucci
Shaken...with a Twist 216.633.2092 - Euclid, OH
Lets shake things up at your home today!

Hard to believe that some pipes are so hard to reach and no one thought about access.  You make an excellent point Tom, per usual sir.

Jan 06, 2013 08:06 PM
Clint Mckie
Desert Sun Home, commercial Inspections - Carlsbad, NM
Desert Sun Home, Comm. Inspection 1-575-706-5586

Hi Tom,

I see this all the time. When the contractors cut a 12 inch hole for a two inch pipe. And then never close it up after they are done.

Sad but true.

Have a great day in Sacramento my friend.

Best, Clint McKie

Jan 06, 2013 08:50 PM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Tom. This is a really good post. Until recently, I wouldn't have thought about this until recently. My plumber in NJ can do it all and has. Enjoy the day.

Jan 06, 2013 10:06 PM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

If you say it one more time Sharon, I may have to move to Dallas.  :)

Thanks for the kind words.

 
Jan 07, 2013 10:59 AM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

I have been to areas that have had three separate repairs to the same drain fitting over a period of years; an access panel would have been a great solution Jay.

Jan 07, 2013 10:59 AM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

You are so right, it is less expensive to have one guy out there doing the work; rather then two or more different guys scheduling and driving out Debbie.

Jan 07, 2013 10:59 AM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

I hope you are calling someone who can get the entire job done James.

Jan 07, 2013 10:59 AM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

This particular job was just a random drain location, it's not likely to happen again Wallace. But I know of others where it would be a good idea.

Jan 07, 2013 11:03 AM
Pacita Dimacali
Alain Pinel - Oakland, CA
Alameda/Contra Costa Counties CA

Tom

You always give such good advice.

Unfortunately, when it comes to selling a property, most seller would rather go for the quick fix and leave the rest to the buyer. I had a buyer who bought a house...... everything looked so clean. Unbeknownst to us, the tub was "painted" with an enamel type paint. After a months of use, the truth came out. It was a rusty old tub. Wish the seller had chosen a better method of finishing the tub. But to him it was a quick fix.

Jan 07, 2013 12:00 PM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

Pacita - Sounds like a good example of how not to do a complete repair. You are right, many sellers look for the quick and inexpensive way out.

 

Jan 07, 2013 12:34 PM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

Well, bummer some people should think ahead!  I notice access panels are not placed in new construction anywhere.  They sometimes should be!

Jan 08, 2013 12:31 AM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

It sure would come in handy, and save the customer money if a leak is found Jay.

Jan 08, 2013 02:10 PM