Fiberglass repair annapolis

[Snyper]

Looking for an estimate and some work to be done on hull around the deck joint any recommendations thanks

[ramblinrod]

Originally Posted by Snyper

Looking for an estimate and some work to be done on hull around the deck joint any recommendations thanks

Are you seeking a reference to a professional marine service provider, or a guess as to possible cost?

If the former:

1. Speak to locals for references. Be careful, ask specifically what they had done, by whom, how, and if they are willing to divulge, for how much.

Do not assume that because somebody is happy they got a scratch buffed out for fifty bucks, that the service provider is competent glass and gelcoat man.

2. This is a circumstance where it is very wise NOT to shop for lowest price.

That works for a commodity good where no pre or post customer service is required.

For a pro trade service, it can be disasterous.

The 3 things to consider are Reputation, reputation, and reputation.

3. Always ask who will be performing the actual work.

If hiring an individual, this is easy, the guy hired.

For a yard full of employees, you need to dig deeper.

What are the qualifications, experience, and rep of the person performing the work?

If they have less than professional accreditation by a recognized association (meaning some form of professional license or certificate) ask who the master technician who will oversee and sign off on the work is, and ask to speak to them personally.

Query the qualifications and reputation of the actual worker and the overseer.

It is OK to ask for a more experienced worker, or to advise that due to the lack of qualifications of the person assigned, you will seek another service provider. It's your boat; you decide who works on it.

4. Ask to see their marine commercial liability insurance certificate.

It costs a lot of money.

They should be happy to show you this and their valid certification license.

This differentiates pros from schmos.

Adopt the policy. "No license or no insurance or no verifiable reputation, no working on my boat."

5. Ask for a written itemized work order that includes the functional labour steps, materials, and costs of each.

6. Ask for a guarantee of structural and aesthetic quality.

7. Ask about any ongoing service or maintenance that may be required.

I know it sounds like a lot of work, but this will help you avoid being one of those "I hired a pro, and they botched it" future posters.

Just because someone accepts money for performing work, does not make them a pro; they may be merely a temporarily employed bum willing to take your money.

A pro will have no trouble responding professionally to the 7 items above, and will gladly do so to set themselves above the din of mediocrity or poor service.

A schmo will attempt to avoid responding to these 7 items at all costs because they simply can't clear the bar (or perhaps even drag themselves out of it).

If you query was about approx. costs, likely somewhere in the neighbourhood of $100 to $135/ hr in Annapolis.

Don't even worry about the hourly rate. I assure you, you will be much happier with a $100 /hr job, than a $20 / hr job.

Additionally a pro, doing it right the first time for $100 / hr x 10 hrs, ready next week, is far better than $20 / hr x 50 hrs, ready next year.

Anybody any good at all will not work for $20 / hr, because they have a healthy customer back log at $100 / hr or more.

Don't be in a rush. If it is a fairly significant job and everything else checks out and they say they can fit you in in 3 weeks, that is far better than someone who says, we can start tomorrow. (Why do they not have any customers they have already committed their time and resources to?)

Lastly, the most important thing is bottom line, how much is this gonna cost, and how sure are you?

Every business is different, but our policy is, "Exceed customer expectations if possible." That means do a better job for less money than promised.

Never-the-less every work order we issue declares that the job will be invoices based on time and materials consumed.

Why?

If there is something going on with the job, that can't possibly predict with our original inspection, and it is definitely going to take more time and materials, who should it cost? Answer the boat owner, it is their boat and they will benefit from the more extensive than anticipated repair. The service provider will just make the same rate, as if the job went as expected and they moved on to the next in the queue as anticipated.

Ask what the policy is, if an over-run should occur?

Our policy is to contact the customer, the instant an over-run is predicted, with an explanation why, and various solutions to still come in on original estimate (if possible) or for the customer to approve the over-run before we proceed.

Again, I can't speak for any other business, but I would estimate that for any job over $1000, we invoice less than estimate 50% of the time, estimate 40% of the time, over original estimate 10% of the time.

We strive to ensure that our customer is NEVER surprised by the invoice amount.

Last thing, I have had some individuals ask for a hard quote.

I advise that anyone who issues a hard quote, will reserve the right if the job goes south to call and advise they can't so it, mid-stream. Why? IT is not their boat and it shouldn't cost them to repair it properly.

If the customer won't accept that, one of the following will happen:

1. Decline to quote (lots of jobs lined up at full rate, don't need to take this risk).

2. Pad the quote by about 50 - 100% just in case the project goes south and charge this amount, even if it goes faster and cheaper than expected.

3. Issue an equal quote to a time and materials estimate, and if the job goes south, cut every possible corner to come in on estimate.

4. Issue an equal quote to a time and materials estimate, and eat it if the job goes south. (Prolly haven't and won't be in business very long.)

Lastly, if you would rather do it yourself than pay a pro rate, do so.

Do not ask for pro quotes to get free consultations and do it yourself.

(You will get a bad reputation; anybody pulls this stunt with us, and they get a "do not serve" black mark in our customer database.)

If you need a pro consultation, ask for one; you will still be better off than hiring a schmo.

If it's a big job, it may tack an hour, or they may have a min charge.

Sometimes, you will save at least the cost of the consultation based on their advice, or you will be able to perform the job far better, or learn that you do not have adequate tools or skills. Either way, it is very very rare that the consultation is not an excellent value.

(PS, the consulation on your boat is excellent way to bring up and discuss the 7 items above.)

(If already in the area and we spend 15 minutes or less on the consultation, it isn't worth our time to prepare the consultation invoice. If there is travel involved, you will be charged.

This post is not to solicit your business as I am no where near your geo area, just meant as sound advice from one boater (who has insight into the marine service business) to another.