Nate’s longterm tiny shop build

1969honda

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
Location
Cache
I didn't notice mention of a 14 bolt, you've gotta be rich if your not willing to rock a 14 bolt from what I've read on the interwebs.
 

anderson750

I'm working on it Rose
Location
Price, Utah
Good timing for this comment. I just got an estimate back from another stucco referral. The dude came around 6 and checked it out, took some measurements etc.

$10,250. So he’s higher than the one from yesterday. I should’ve been a freakin’ stucco guy.
that seems kind of high. When I had the stucco done on my garage……28x50 with roughly 12 foot walls above the foundation and big gable ends since I have an 8/12 pitch if I remember correctly , I also had my 12x14 shed stuccoed and then underside of my deck patio done and I paid 22k for all of that.
 

N-Smooth

Smooth Gang Founding Member
Location
UT
I did everything myself and just RMP do the connect and disconnect at the meter base? This was a few years before I started working for them as a mechanic. The inspector only cared to see appropriate wire gauge from the main panel to each sub panel (existing 100 amp and garage 100 amp), correct grounding of the main panel, and that the garage had a GFCI outlet first in any outlet circuits. Worst part of the whole thing was crawling around in the attic in May/June time frame to get everything prepped for the power company. I had them come Friday morning to disconnect, inspector appointment for noon and RMP set to return around 4PM that afternoon so I wasn't out of power all weekend. The only references I used was an older version of the book I linked , that @jpndave shared with me, and blowing up his phone with questions before hand.

It's time consuming for sure, but it's not rocket science if you work thru it one circuit at a time. By no means am I discrediting journeyman electricians, 3 and 4 way switches are voodoo magic to install to code and work properly. only wanting to imply anyone can do anything once....
I thought I queued your comment up in replies but apparently not, my bad. Good info on what the inspector actually wanted to check and the inspection process. I don’t think I even have a need for a 3-way switch and it all seems pretty simple but I’ll draw it all out tomorrow and review it with my friend.
 

N-Smooth

Smooth Gang Founding Member
Location
UT
that seems kind of high. When I had the stucco done on my garage……28x50 with roughly 12 foot walls above the foundation and big gable ends since I have an 8/12 pitch if I remember correctly , I also had my 12x14 shed stuccoed and then underside of my deck patio done and I paid 22k for all of that.
It sure seems freaking expensive, right?!?! I could have millions and I’m pretty sure $10k for stucco will always seem like a lot of money to me. It honestly has me wondering if I want to engage the HOA about this tidbit in the CC&R’s:
“The colors and materials for an Accessory Structure must be substantially similar to the colors and materials of the primary residence.”
So can we do stucco and thin brick on the front of the shop but then hardy board on the sides and back? My next-door neighbor’s house (the same model as mine) has hardy board on it. The problem is I got kind of a broad “Your request has been approved” response for the shop when the HOA was just formed and I don’t know if I want to kick the hornets nest.
 

1969honda

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
Location
Cache
On a serious note though, in my Ag AC electrical lab at USU, the 3 way switch was the most failed/frustrating practical exercise. There are a ton of "wrong" ways to wire that circuit. Almost all of them however will turn on and off the light/fan/ whatever. I hated that week, Dr. Miller loved every minute of it. After he checked out circuit and crushed our souls, he would walk around the lab laughing at us. Everyone was scrambling, trying to figure out what we did wrong on our practice circuits and self drawn schematics. If a team (2 people), took more than two attempts he'd drop a hint or point at a connection, smile, then walk away again.
 

N-Smooth

Smooth Gang Founding Member
Location
UT
On a serious note though, in my Ag AC electrical lab at USU, the 3 way switch was the most failed/frustrating practical exercise. There are a ton of "wrong" ways to wire that circuit. Almost all of them however will turn on and off the light/fan/ whatever. I hated that week, Dr. Miller loved every minute of it. After he checked out circuit and crushed our souls, he would walk around the lab laughing at us. Everyone was scrambling, trying to figure out what we did wrong on our practice circuits and self drawn schematics. If a team (2 people), took more than two attempts he'd drop a hint or point at a connection, smile, then walk away again.
My house has like 4 different circuits with 3-way switches and I can confirm, they’re magic. The times when I’ve been unlucky enough to mess with them I’ve literally just sat and stared at everything and even drawn it out on paper. My modifications have always worked though and no fires, yet.
 

glockman

I hate Jeep trucks
Location
Pleasant Grove
I definitely have no issue with paying, as mentioned and I really do appreciate skilled trades. I don’t want to come across as the guy who’s like “why do mechanics charge so much for X when it’s such an easy job?” because I understand… but this one seems a little extreme. I guess we’ll see though, if I end up having my buddy help and that works out I’ll keep track of all the costs.
I didn't think you were being that guy. I'm super cheap, when you posted that your shop bids I choked. I built my 25x40 almost entirely by myself and I'm about $25k into it.
My guess is you'll be $1500ish for just materials depending on how many lights and outlets you do.
 

Pike2350

Registered User
Location
Salt Lake City
You aren't alone in your feeling of being taken advantage of and that pricing is ridiculous. With the add-on and kitchen I have seriously questioned all trades. I get an hourly rate based on their experience and education but 8/10 times they send a grunt that barely knows what they are doing and don't seem to have the precaution or care for anything outside their own job.

Since I went through a GC I didn't have much say but the contract was set up that I pay the "invoice" from the sub with a small markup. Drywall costed over $1k over the bid because we had them drywall 1 section of wall they didn't originally quote. 4.sheets of drywall on a newly framed wall that they already would have had to mud the ceiling corner on because the ceiling was pulled down on that section. They came to the house 6 times all for the longest stint of 6 hours....most were 2-3. So they already were mudding the hardest part of the wall (corner) the jov added 2 seams and another vertical corner and that raised the cost by 25%....so I do believe they fully take advantage of people.

Our plumbing rough in which was super easy was $1500. It took him less then 2 hours and all materials would've cost less than $200. Then he charged another $750 for finish. I feel a little more comfortable with that but again basically 1.5 hours and material was $100. The only u known variable was that he supplied a disposal because we forget to mention we saved our old one.

Electrical ended up around $5k. He did an overall decent job and seemed the most responsible....but even his guys drilled holes incorrectly, ran things to the wrong location, etc.

It is very frustrating seeing some of the small jobs cost what equates to almost $400/hour for labor.
 

Pike2350

Registered User
Location
Salt Lake City
The contractor also charged me $1500 for gravel back fill that 3/4 of didn't get used. I asked for a credit and he said $600. So $900 for what amounted to less then a yd of backfill. I wouldn't think much of it except I had just had 4yds of backfill gravel (unwashed 3/4+ or whatever) delivered for the retaining wall for $260.
 

rholbrook

Well-Known Member
Location
Kaysville, Ut
Wire price is really expensive, especially the big stuff feeding the box and any 220 runs. I paid a ME that works on the side $30/hr plus materials. He did a great job and was in and out. I live in kaysville and likes to stay close to home so I highly doubt he will head by out to you
 

nnnnnate

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
Location
WVC, UT
I had to stop asking my neighbor about his tile work because it was driving me crazy. Same thing you guys are all mentioning. Just a ridiculous amount of money for stuff as simple as a backsplash or a little more work with a bathroom. My brother is refreshing his kitchen and asked for this guys number because he didn't necessarily want to do the splash himself. I gave it to him but figured the $ was going to be way too high to not make it worth doing himself.

My parents got a 9k quote to paint an entry, small living room, and an okay size great room and kitchen. Nine thousand dollars! I told them I'd do it in a weekend for dinner while I was there.
 

glockman

I hate Jeep trucks
Location
Pleasant Grove
I think there are a few things driving this market. A every gen X and millennial decided that manual labor was below them. Then the 2008 crash happened and a large number of contractors got out and refused to get back into such a volatile industry. I think a lot of this is make as much as you can, while you can, because the end is near. The shortage of skilled trades also leads to people giving stupid high bids on jobs they don't want. I don't get that but I hear it from a lot of people I know who work trades, so it seems like a common thing.
 

N-Smooth

Smooth Gang Founding Member
Location
UT
This is exactly the stuff I was hoping to hear from you guys. It’s a strange world out there right now with contractors just throwing out numbers and seeing if people will bite. The worst thing we can say is no, right?

As far as the wire goes, a few sparkies I’ve talked to said #2 AL would be great from the house to the shop. Isn’t that just this wire that’s $.58 a foot?

IMG_3389.jpeg
 

N-Smooth

Smooth Gang Founding Member
Location
UT

N-Smooth

Smooth Gang Founding Member
Location
UT
My RMP sparky friend came over today and went through my plans with me. I guess he used to do from the “street” to houses so it’s a little different but he still has a great knowledge base. He called another residential sparky friend for advice on a couple things and got me some good direction.

I got the 6th light up last night and ordered 2 more because I definitely want one over where the bench will be but I’m pleased. My wife took the second pic from our room lol it looks cool. IMG_3392.jpeg
IMG_2373.jpeg
 

nnnnnate

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
Location
WVC, UT
Are you doing something like a shut off panel outside that then ties into a sub panel inside the garage or are you going straight to the sub panel? Where is the box on the house that you have to run that line from? How far will that run have to go?
 
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