r/Construction

looking for an emotional support group for when the blue water from the shitters splashes on me

I’m a small exterior contractor in Ontario and I’m at a bit of a crossroads and wanted some opinions from people who’ve been in the trades longer than me.

Right now my business is mostly:

- Siding

- Soffit & fascia

- Eavestrough (I sub out the machine and then install)

- Steel roofing

- Some shingles, but I’m trying to move away from shingling long-term

I usually do a mix of:

- Big siding jobs (2–3 weeks)

- Soffit/fascia jobs (a few days)

- Steel roofs (2–4 days)

- Eavestrough jobs in between (1 day jobs)

I actually really like doing trough because it’s quick, good money, and a nice break between big siding jobs. I usually charge around $12/ft and pay a guy about $4.50/ft for machine + material, then I install it.

Here’s my dilemma:

I have the opportunity to buy a New Tech Mach II 5”/6” combo gutter machine with a single axle trailer for about $6,500 CAD total. New they’re worth way more than that, so it seems like a great deal. Part of me wants it for the flexibility (being able to just buy coil and go to a job without scheduling another guy), but I’m not sure if it actually makes sense for my business.

I probably only do around 1,500–2,000 ft of trough per year right now, and I’ve noticed a lot of bigger siding companies don’t even own machines – they just get chop & drop from gutter companies and focus on siding/soffit/fascia which is higher ticket work.

The other option is to forget the machine for now and invest in:

- A brand new brake (~$3,200)

- Getting my tandem axle trailer set up properly

- Better trailer organization

- Basically double down on siding/soffit/fascia and use trough as an add-on service

Long-term I don’t want to be a “roofer forever.” I’m trying to build more of an exterior company that does siding, soffit, fascia, steel roofing, and eavestrough packages.

So I guess my question for guys who’ve been doing this 10–20+ years:

If you were in my position, would you:

A) Buy the gutter machine because it’s a good deal and adds another service

B) Stick with subbing out the machine work and focus on growing the siding/exterior side

C) Try to buy the machine and flip it for profit

D) Something else I’m not thinking of

I’m trying to think about this like a business owner, not just a guy who wants more tools.

Appreciate any advice from guys running siding/exterior companies.

Hey all. I am currently finishing my masters in civil engineering and about to start my career. I have offers from Kimley horn as a civil analyst in the USA and from Arcadis in construction management in the UK. I really want to work in the commercial and management side of construction and not a technical role, but really want to make the move to the USA. How easy would it be for me to work at KH and then move to commercial or would you start at Arcadis and then move to the US?

Any and all guidance would be appreciated! Thank you!

I haves few pairs like Carhartt, dickies and cargos for more pockets for pencils markers etc but looking for a cheap tough pair of pants/jeans with those extra side pockets

I’ve seen our Mexican roofers wear these jeans that look like the dickies carpenter jeans with the extra pockets but idk what brand they are they have a tiny brown leather tab on the top edge of the back pocket I’ve never got a chance to ask any about them what would you guys recommend?

I’m fresh out of college, looking to gain any advice into what I’m jumping into 😆😆

Hello Everyone,

I am wondering if someone can give me some helpful wisdom, information or tips about the UA290 Apprenticeship and Local 740 Glaziers programs. Here's the story:

I currently work a dead end job. I've tried for 4 years to make it into the IBEW 48 apprenticeship program. Even after gaining 5000 on the job experience hours as a materials handler, they still want nothing to do with me, so I decided to go a different direction. Back in February, I applied to Local 740 Glaziers Union and the UA290 HVAC programs. I interviewed and currently am number 17 out of nearly 100 on the list for Local 740 and I just scheduled my UA290 testing assessment for May 4th. Can anyone give any suggestions or tips on how to prepare for the testing assessment? I have already found a mathematics tutor to help rebuild my math skills. Is there any sample testing online that accurately reflects the UA290 assessment test? Any helpful suggestions would be appreciated. I am fully aware of the employment outlook with most of UA290, which is not good. I have not committed to either UA290 or Local 740 at this time.

I am on the cusp of accepting a materials handler/laborer HVAC job for a non union company in Oregon City. Assuming I get an interview with UA290, will they look favorably upon the experience I gain with a non-union company? I know its probably a long shot, but would the experience of working with a non-union HVAC company benefit me if I decided to go with the Local 740?

Any wisdom, information, or tips you can give would be most appreciated.

Thanks.

I work for a GC and I’m a supervisor I have some basic power tools and hand tools. I’m looking for storage ideas for my truck It’s my personal truck so I need to have room for people and items to haul but also keep work stuff in like tools,harness etc I was looking at maybe a toolbox for my bed I have a 2017 f150 I also thought of Milwaukee pack outs easy to unload if I need to haul stuff but it’s on the pricy side for a plastic box that might not even hold everything I’d like all recommendations.

Has anyone made the move? Just curious on how things are compaired to living out here in the GTA. Currently a concrete foreman. Possibly thinking about relocating