Quote:
Originally posted by fintstone
I suspect that the market is saturated. There are so many in that business..at least here in Albuquerque...and newer homes often come with pretty darn good windows to start with.
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The physical demographics here in Long Beach assure that there will always be repair and home improvement. 80% of the homes were built before the 70's. Roofers and plumbers are busy, but they do work that is not optional. Windows in our mild climate are basically a visual improvement. So, it becomes a matter of a discretionary income expenditure. And that's where the economy comes in. People don't like water coming in the house or a cold shower, but they can put off windows.
I have always said if you want to know how the economy is going, go talk to the shoe salesperson. People can always wear a pair of shoes a while longer. Funny, shoe salespeople are getting hard to find.
If my wife weren't working, I'd have quit this business a long time ago. In the long run, I'd make more money as a floor manager at Home Depot. I hate that place, though.
Home improvement contracting is all I've ever done since leaving the race car industry as a very young man. When I get done with contracting, I will never look back. Not particularly a good career, IMO, unless you are a crook. Hard work (which I don't mind), fickle clients (which I do mind) and seasonal ups and downs (which I have learned to forecast and live with). I'm looking forward to real estate speculation in the next wave, say about 5-8 years from now. I'll start when I think we've hit the bottom.
BTW, I picked 2 more jobs yesterday, so now it's a bit of a rush. I wrapped the 911 in a cover and put it away.