New member w/question

[energy star]

I was curious of the cost for the Minneapolis Duct Blaster software. I see on the site they have a free 30-day download, interested in the cost after the 30 day's have past.

Thanks

[randynavarro]

What exactly is the question again Energy Star?

[energy star]

I have been in the HVAC industry for over twenty years. I purchased the duct blaster, took in a visit at the site (web site) and noticed they had a software package that allows you to prepare a packet for the client. I have purchased software form vendors in the past and it's either costly and/or has a maintenance fee attached. I was simply looking for another contractor that has purchased the package.

Thanks for the warm welcome.

[randynavarro]

Bill, why don't you just call Minneapolis folks directly? Every time I've spoken with them, I've gotten the impression they're pretty straight shooters. Their software may be worth it. Unfortunately, I don't have any experience with it.

[energy star]

Thanks Randy. I intend to on Monday, I'm just a bit impatient.

[energy star]

$175.00

I called today.

[Darren]

Bill,

I'm interested to find a good HVAC contractor to help my clients solve their 'issues'.

The biggest problem I'm finding is sizing of vent connectors or, like one I did Sunday, someone added a fan assisted furnace to an exterior masonry chimney.

Do you handle these problems; how do you size a vent connector?

Thanks

Darren

[energy star]

Busy? Working on Sunday? I will help if I can.

[hausdok]

Originally posted by energy star

Busy? Working on Sunday?

You're in the trades, we're not. People go out and shop for houses 7 days of the week and their contingency windows are short. Inspectors have to work when the work comes; there's plenty of time for kicking back between jobs.

OT - OF!!!

M.

[energy star]

I think we all take work when we can get it.

[Jeremy]

Originally posted by hausdok

Originally posted by energy star

Busy? Working on Sunday?

You're in the trades, we're not. People go out and shop for houses 7 days of the week and their contingency windows are short. Inspectors have to work when the work comes; there's plenty of time for kicking back between jobs.

OT - OF!!!

M.

This may be where the "industry" is having a hard time as a profession. My doctor, dentist, lawyer, etc., etc., doesn't work that way. Only my Real Estate "professional". And I know what the general thoughts are there.

Is everyone out there doing emergency inspections or are some of you keeping more professional hours? I'm curious.

[Bill Kibbel]

Originally posted by Jeremy

This may be where the "industry" is having a hard time as a profession. My doctor, dentist, lawyer, etc., etc., doesn't work that way. Only my Real Estate "professional". And I know what the general thoughts are there.

Is everyone out there doing emergency inspections or are some of you keeping more professional hours? I'm curious.

I stopped working Saturdays after 6 years. That was 16 years ago. Never on Sunday or a holiday.

[Richard Moore]

Jeremy, if you break your leg on a Friday evening, do you wait until Monday morning in order to get a "professional" doctor?

Because of the snow and Christmas, I have inspections booked for Saturday and Sunday this weekend. I prefer to work during the week but, as long as the wife didn't have other plans, I make myself available any time. So far, it doesn't seem to be affecting my own sense of professionalism or the way the clients perceive me.

[qhinspect]

Originally posted by Jeremy

Originally posted by hausdok

Originally posted by energy star

Busy? Working on Sunday?

You're in the trades, we're not. People go out and shop for houses 7 days of the week and their contingency windows are short. Inspectors have to work when the work comes; there's plenty of time for kicking back between jobs.

OT - OF!!!

M.

This may be where the "industry" is having a hard time as a profession. My doctor, dentist, lawyer, etc., etc., doesn't work that way. Only my Real Estate "professional". And I know what the general thoughts are there.

Is everyone out there doing emergency inspections or are some of you keeping more professional hours? I'm curious.

Many doctors work weekends and I know many lawyers that have to go into the office and work on Saturday and likely working at the house on Sundays.

My professional hours are 9am or 2pm Monday - Saturday and 12 noon on Sundays. When I get employees, they will have Sundays and Mondays off unless they want to work those days.

[Chad Fabry]

Unlike Bill, I'll work around the clients' schedules. A Saturday or Sunday is just another day of the week.

[Darren]

Like Chad, I will work 7 days a week if the work is there. I consider my company to be a 'service' company.

About 7 years ago, I had a buyer, seller and buyer's realtor who were all from India. I conducted an inspection on Easter Sunday morning. Got home in time for dinner and everyone was happy.

If you consider me a 'non professional' so be it; I feel I keep my clients happy. I've also got 2 college bills to pay off.

[Phillip]

I like having my weekends off; but I will not turn down an inspection that needs to be done on the weekend.

[SonOfSwamp]

Co-inspector Rick and I didn't work on weekends. No particular reason, other than we wanted to get the grass cut and watch ballgames like everybody else. I hired Rick because I had no life other than eyeballing houses, talking until I was hoarse, then writing reports until 1AM. Hardly got to see my own family.

During our last five years or so, we cut back to three days a week -- six jobs maximum.

It's that old thing about not wanting to be on your deathbed and thinking, "Dang! I wish I'd spent more time in turdy crawl spaces."

FWIW, I did offer $1000 weekend inspections. I think we picked up two of those. People were in a hurry.

WJ