Dune Dad Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 I am a contractor in the So-Cal Mtn area. The last 5ish years have been good but this year has really slowed down. My business has dropped off below 50%. I have always lived simple but some of my other friends that are contractors are really feeling it. I was just putting this out to see if any other DDR members that are in the construction fields may also be feeling the slow down also... I know its not the end, but we are seeing a lot of people loosing a lot of things...houses, toys and what ever else. Anybody else?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kens Colors Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 Hey if it is any consolation, every sector has been hit, even in Fabulous Las Vegas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EY3BA11 Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 we have taken a small hit here at work but since we deal nationwide its not "AS" noticeable for us.. however this past summer was a big slump in the pocketbook.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deuce Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 Being a Real Estate Appraiser here in So. Cal we are definitley feeling the pinch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
britincali Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 (edited) Im a finance manager at a new car dealership, I was making BANK until about mid october then the market tanked, I went from making 11k+ a month to..... well...... in december I took home $260.......... Its picking up for us a little due to tax time but I get charged back on any reposessions and they are absolutly killing me, I made over $4k last month and only took home $900 Im lucky in that my mortgage is only $520 and I dont have any toys financed, so others aren't in the same boat tho Its gonna be bad for the next 9 mos at least. Im bracing for the worst Edited February 18, 2008 by britincali Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dumontdude10 Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 I know how u feel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
high octane junkie Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 i'm a marble mason in the vegas area, and it seems i can't work enough. until last week i had been working overtime since late summer, and for the past three months we were workig 80-90+ hours per week. i grossed $17,000 in january alone on check, not including my pension. i was working the residential market from 2001 - 2006, it was booming here and work was always constant or better. i caught wind of a major commercial boom and re-joined the union in '06. the residential market fell off and casino's are going up everywhere. the work is projected to be bountiful until 2011 or greater. before 2001 i worked union and work was just as it is now, and i worked 80+ hours per week from mid '97 through mid '99. there's alot of guys on these jobsites that don't know their a*holes from their elbows but they've made the transition from their former career (i've ran into all kinds.. loan officers, RE agents, etc.) and they're employed and making a good living. with all these new casino's we're building, they need staffed as well. thousands of positions are being created. it's the only reason i choose to reside in las vegas. i'm on the palazzo currently, which is almost done. where should i go next? city center for atleast a couple years? fountaine blue? aliante station? eschelon? project m? panorama? monte carlo remodel? wynn tower? they're also talking about a new hotel/casino on the old frontier site, and another trump tower. i can understand the frustrations of those outside southern nevada, like the man who posted this thread, Bill. i'm employed in the construction industry but it's a bit different out here. if it's any consolation there'a always the alternative to come out here and work until your area picks up again. you may not even have to pick up on your tools if you're qualified extensively enough in your field, you can apply with one of the general contractors as a building superintendant. good luck, be strong, and true to your roots brothers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Cheese Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 the market in CA is gonna get WAAAAAAY worse before it gets any better. the cost of fuel isnt helping matters any either Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raptor661 Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 I work for the city so I always know how much im going to make (which isnt that much). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aceisback Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 (edited) I only make around $21 an hour repairing equipment for the Marine Corps and the wife is a Special Ed teacher so I won't say that we're poor but we're definitely not "rolling in it". Roof over the head and food on the table. Between 12 to 20 dune/riding trips a year so no complaints I don't suppose. I just don't get why people finance everything that they own. I can see a house, but trucks, toys, and haulers? Is it that hard to save and have patience? Paying cash will get you alot better deal in the long run and you actually own your stuff, not the bank. Seems that a bunch of folks were trying to keep up with the Jonses and refinanced their houses to buy toys. Got caught with their pants down, but it's good for the second hand market. TONS of great deals on the net right now for all of your duning needs. Not a rant, just an observation. Edited February 18, 2008 by aceisback Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raptor661 Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 Me and the wife are about same income bracket as you guys but I pay child support for two kids. That takes a dent out of the quad money. The way things are going looks like im going to have another one to pay for soon too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
indasand Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 In the same boat as everyone else... My wife just started a new job and we are paying cobra until her insurance kicks in and on top of that I just found out my company has been taking AZ state taxes out of my check since October, my W2 is all fugged up!!!! What a fuggin mess!!!! HR--- Where do you live? Me--- Las vegas NV HR--- Have you always lived there? Me--- No I wasn't freeking born here but this is where you hired me!!!!! But wait!!!! 2006 taxes were just as fun... That's when I found out they typoed (sp) my social security # and they didn't have a W2 for me I need a beer!!!!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desertskyz Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 Me and the wife are about same income bracket as you guys but I pay child support for two kids. That takes a dent out of the quad money. The way things are going looks like im going to have another one to pay for soon too Take a close look at your signature. Maybe if you tried that you'd stop having kids. Just kidding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ltr450rider Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 Tell me about it! :angry2: It just plain sucks here in LA. I've been certified to work for local 12 special inspection since april and I applied over 2 years ago. I don't foresee work to pick up for at least another year or two. Everyone I talk to in my classes are in the same boat. Luckily I got my new job which is giving me breathing room and play money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dune Dad Posted February 19, 2008 Author Share Posted February 19, 2008 (edited) I only make around $21 an hour repairing equipment for the Marine Corps and the wife is a Special Ed teacher so I won't say that we're poor but we're definitely not "rolling in it". Roof over the head and food on the table. Between 12 to 20 dune/riding trips a year so no complaints I don't suppose. I just don't get why people finance everything that they own. I can see a house, but trucks, toys, and haulers? Is it that hard to save and have patience? Paying cash will get you alot better deal in the long run and you actually own your stuff, not the bank. Seems that a bunch of folks were trying to keep up with the Jonses and refinanced their houses to buy toys. Got caught with their pants down, but it's good for the second hand market. TONS of great deals on the net right now for all of your duning needs. Not a rant, just an observation. Well put!! All of our toys are paid for. I have always kept our life style within our means. The Cars and trucks are also paid off. We make the dunes 1-2 times a year. "Would like to go more" We rent RV's and tow the toys out. Im glad now that we didnt buy an R.V. Its easy to enjoy it for a couple of days than turn it back in. All I was doing by putting in this topic was trying to see how the over all trades are holding up... It looks like california has been hit real hard so far. I am a Painting and Drywall contractor. We do everything from Residential & Commercial work, Custom Faux, custom Lacquer, wall paperand so on....I get as dirty as any of my workers do on our jobs. During the winter months I work for the county Doing the Snow Plow thing with heavy Equipment. Its steady work when the snow is flying. . . Im still in amazement on how many Repos & Foreclosures that Im seeing!! :angry2: WOW!! Edited February 19, 2008 by Dune Family Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EY3BA11 Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 you would think being in the mtn communities of so cal your buisness would be booming from people trying to rebuild after the fires this past season... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barefoot bob Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 you would think being in the mtn communities of so cal your buisness would be booming from people trying to rebuild after the fires this past season... no there are so many trades that were housing that are crossing over there throwing lowball bids and making it worse. election year, really iffy which way the econemy is gonna go imo. really iffy................... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D W Posted February 23, 2008 Share Posted February 23, 2008 Yeah, Im feeling it too! A couple years ago, I didnt even have time to breathe, let alone hang out with the family. Now I have no family and all the time in the world to hang out with them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warrior07 Posted February 23, 2008 Share Posted February 23, 2008 no there are so many trades that were housing that are crossing over there throwing lowball bids and making it worse. election year, really iffy which way the econemy is gonna go imo. really iffy................... not to make this a political thing but vote for someone in past history that has kept the buss. alive in the us not china (hint clinton ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sincity_blondie Posted February 23, 2008 Share Posted February 23, 2008 I can definately relate to this. Ive been in banking and real estate (mostly real estate) the last 10 years. Unfortunately in Nov 06 lost my job. Was unemployed for 3 months, which was fine, was actually much needed time off. Went back to work for another mortgage company, bout the same time my last company went out of business. Was only with the new company for 6 months when they to went out of business. Except this one went out of business without giving approx 6000 employees final paychecks. Because they filed BK, not alot anyone can do about it. Both companies were nation wide companies that just shut the doors. Unfortunately the housing market isnt going to get better anytime soon. I give it probably at least a yr and a half to even start to rebound. Well so for the last 6 months, yes 6, Ive been seeking employment. I would never of thought with my professional exp that I would have a hard time finding even a damn office job. Unfortunately, I was one of those people trying to keep up with the jones's I guess. Everything financed. Housing market dropped, owe more on my condo than its worth. About to loose it. Also on my toyhauler, did a long term to keep pymts low, now owe more than its worth, so cant sell that either. Fortunatley for me, I did manage to get some large back child support pymts out of the ex to keep me afloat, as unemployment just ran out today!!! Even with tough times, we cant give up. I still try to think positive that something good is right around the corner. I have even made a few dune trips when I probably shouldnt of. But sometimes just need some stress relief and escape from reality for a minute. So, still hoping a decent job will come around real soon!!! The economy is in the shitter unfortunately, and probably going to get worse before it gets better. Ill definately be saving my pennies!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warrior07 Posted February 23, 2008 Share Posted February 23, 2008 I can definately relate to this. Ive been in banking and real estate (mostly real estate) the last 10 years. Unfortunately in Nov 06 lost my job. Was unemployed for 3 months, which was fine, was actually much needed time off. Went back to work for another mortgage company, bout the same time my last company went out of business. Was only with the new company for 6 months when they to went out of business. Except this one went out of business without giving approx 6000 employees final paychecks. Because they filed BK, not alot anyone can do about it. Both companies were nation wide companies that just shut the doors. Unfortunately the housing market isnt going to get better anytime soon. I give it probably at least a yr and a half to even start to rebound. Well so for the last 6 months, yes 6, Ive been seeking employment. I would never of thought with my professional exp that I would have a hard time finding even a damn office job. Unfortunately, I was one of those people trying to keep up with the jones's I guess. Everything financed. Housing market dropped, owe more on my condo than its worth. About to loose it. Also on my toyhauler, did a long term to keep pymts low, now owe more than its worth, so cant sell that either. Fortunatley for me, I did manage to get some large back child support pymts out of the ex to keep me afloat, as unemployment just ran out today!!! Even with tough times, we cant give up. I still try to think positive that something good is right around the corner. I have even made a few dune trips when I probably shouldnt of. But sometimes just need some stress relief and escape from reality for a minute. So, still hoping a decent job will come around real soon!!! The economy is in the shitter unfortunately, and probably going to get worse before it gets better. Ill definately be saving my pennies!! blondie with your fin. experience hit up some of the automotive dealerships they pay good . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sincity_blondie Posted February 23, 2008 Share Posted February 23, 2008 blondie with your fin. experience hit up some of the automotive dealerships they pay good . I never honestly thought of applying at a dealership. But worth a shot. Ill look into it. But I think even the dealerships arent hiring to much right now. Ill see what I can find out though. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dinicolady Posted February 23, 2008 Share Posted February 23, 2008 All I was doing by putting in this topic was trying to see how the over all trades are holding up... It looks like california has been hit real hard so far. Im still in amazement on how many Repos & Foreclosures that Im seeing!! WOW!! Nevada has been hard hit also, made the top of the national list for foreclosures. It trickles down and affects virtually everyone....gas prices, interest rates, unemployment, you name it. I work part time and with a 34 mile a day commute, I'm not sure I CAN afford to work there anymore. I drive a Burb (paid-in-full, BTW ) and sometimes I feel I have more equity in the gas tank than I do in my house! not to make this a political thing but vote for someone in past history that has kept the buss. alive in the us not china (hint clinton ) Ditto, howEVER, what dream world is Bush living in that makes him think the economy is so damn strong!?! Must be some really good chit he's 'cause most of the world disagrees with him. Oh, duh!! He's in the oil business, my bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SandBox_Kid Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 I'm glad I got outta construction and into a nice Govt job. All my toys are paid for also....however having the toyhauler payments, with a bathroom and kitchen, makes it a nice tax write off every year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barefoot bob Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 not to make this a political thing but vote for someone in past history that has kept the buss. alive in the us not china (hint clinton ) :mischevious: if the democrats get in were going full bore into a recession. clinton was good timing off the reserves of the republican party ( i/e reagan) bush just kept the reagenomics policy going. clinton just cruise controled through his term. there is no reserves for the democrats to sponge up. there liberal policies are very expensive. just my opinion of course............................. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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