[tizadu]

Hi everyone - not sure if this message is ok here - go ahead & delet if not?

I'm in Europe & have advertised on internet for short-term/casual help with some renovation work.
Got an email today from a guy travelling through - he's from the States (walla walla). He's 24 and says he's got '6 years experience as foreman, carpenter, leading crew, framing, finish work, concrete, masonry, drainage, landscaping, roofing, drywall, painting, operating heavy machinery'.

My question: is it possible to have been a foreman at 24??

I'm going to ask for references but wanted to check with some pros if possible first.

Thanks in advance

 

[Simon66621]

My guess is no but he probaly knows a little of every trade. Let us know how it goes if u hire him.

 

[kwikfishron]

Hi everyone - not sure if this message is ok here - go ahead & delet if not?

I'm in Europe & have advertised on internet for short-term/casual help with some renovation work.
Got an email today from a guy travelling through - he's from the States (walla walla). He's 24 and says he's got '6 years experience as foreman, carpenter, leading crew, framing, finish work, concrete, masonry, drainage, landscaping, roofing, drywall, painting, operating heavy machinery'.

My question: is it possible to have been a foreman at 24??

I'm going to ask for references but wanted to check with some pros if possible first.

Thanks in advance

Well according to your post that would have made him a lead man at 18. :laughing: I doubt it, most of the trades you mention you can’t even be hired for until your 18.

 

[thomasjmarino]

Check out his creds.
He may have been the queen too. :laughing:

 

[user1007]

Just make sure you have it within you to fire the guy should you give him a shot. He sounds like the type that would heap on the BS if you decided to rid yourself of him.

You may get some good skills you need out of this guy. Just make sure you have a contract between you both stating your expectations. Hire him on in some capacity other than employee.

I do not know many senior level tradesman that would have much respect for a 24 year old, traveling Europe, and claiming to have 6 years experience as a foreman on complex projects. Maybe the guy was a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity or something though.

Instictively, this makes me twitch a bit but talk to the guy. If he leaves a slime trail as he slithers in an out, find someone else.

Just curious. Is he traveling with tools? You were planning to buy him all he needs. Be careful!!!!

 

[cgoll]

Did he specifically say 6 years as a foreman, or did he say 6 years experience including being a foreman as well as doing the other stuff listed?

He could have been a foreman on, say, a 3 month project.

 

[tpolk]

I want to go to europe what do you need, i do have experience. I would need to bring my wire, she is supervisor, you would like her

 

[user1007]

I would need to bring my wire, she is supervisor, you would like her

The OP needs help with building renovation, not a CIA operative!

Your post raised an issue and a possibility. Why not bring someone over from the States for a couple of months to help out if you don't like or cannot communicate with the local labor pool or skill levels? Unless you are really clandestine the person will need a work visa I suspect. And as for tools? Power tools for US are probably not going to work well or for long even with industrial strength voltage converters.

My concern? News of anything travels fast in European villages and towns so plan on everybody knowing you are using US labor on your project. This may cause you problems and delays you do not need? Why don't you want to use local labor?

It would concern me not to be able to go look at work done if this is to be a quality renovation/restoration.

 

[tizadu]

thanks everyone for the useful advice

cgoll - he specifically said in his email 6 years experience as foreman, but in some other info he said 6 years as foreman & other stuff

the crazy thing is I didn't even mention I required high-level experience, just some basic skills for this year, because this is phase one of the renovation & I have to see if the place is viable as a summer holiday cottage before I invest major funds.

so this year is just a trial run, me doing some stuff & advertised for some help with knocking back some plaster, refilling, painting, and mainly carpentry

I posted this because something seems dodgy, you know. I've asked him for a reference but no reply yet.

BTW - it's from a working holiday exchange site - you provide accommodation & meals in return for 5hours work, but the people aren't vetted - anyone can join
which is why I have to be careful as the place is quite isolated

anyway, thanks again!

 

[kwikfishron]

thanks everyone for the useful advice

cgoll - he specifically said in his email 6 years experience as foreman, but in some other info he said 6 years as foreman & other stuff

the crazy thing is I didn't even mention I required high-level experience, just some basic skills for this year, because this is phase one of the renovation & I have to see if the place is viable as a summer holiday cottage before I invest major funds.

so this year is just a trial run, me doing some stuff & advertised for some help with knocking back some plaster, refilling, painting, and mainly carpentry

I posted this because something seems dodgy, you know. I've asked him for a reference but no reply yet.

BTW - it's from a working holiday exchange site - you provide accommodation & meals in return for 5hours work, but the people aren't vetted - anyone can join
which is why I have to be careful as the place is quite isolated

anyway, thanks again!

Shopping online for foreigners to work on your home. Sounds like your just setting yourself up to get screwed.

Why aren’t you talking to local contractors?

 

[Ron6519]

If it's Italy, shoot me an email. I loved Italy.

 

[tizadu]

thanks a million ron, it's actually Greece!

kwikfishron - I will have to hire some local contractors, especially for the carpentry, but as I said budget very tight so am trying to do what I can to keep costs down until I know its viable as a holiday let

also i know I'm going to get ripped off until I make some good contacts because I don't know anything about skilled trades or construction...

 

[cgoll]

I'll do 6 hrs a day if it's on Santorini, Mykonos or the like!

And if he sticks to his claim of 6 years as a foreman, run the other way. Fast.

 

[tizadu]

Haha!! It's not on one of those islands - its Peloponnese - near the coast but not that sparkling crystal sea & nightlife. Sorreee!

not sure if i'm i allowed to post a link to my advert so you can see pics? rules said can post own website but not sell to contractors/homeowners -
so here it is
http://www.holiday-home-rentals.co.uk/rentals/6120.html
(management - please delete if needed!)

i spent A LOT of time making look a lot nicer than it really is, for instance behind the curtain the wooden window has fallen apart, front door going the same way etc! But i got a holiday let for August 5th!

BTW i asked him for a reference and no response!!
So yeah, think he's a no go

thanks for all advice

 

[Tizzer]

<Got an email today from a guy travelling through - he's from the States (walla walla). He's 24 and says he's got '6 years experience as foreman, carpenter, leading crew, framing, finish work, concrete, masonry, drainage, landscaping, roofing, drywall, painting, operating heavy machinery'.>
.......................

All this experience at 24 and just happened to be travelling though......:whistling2:
Have you checked the local Post Offices for Wanted mugshots?

 

[user1007]

In fairness I think the idea of paying for travel by providing trade skills in return for basic room and board kind of a cool concept. Since my career in the trades has been brought to an abrupt halt due to medical stuff beyond my control I was thinking of doing international house/pet sitting. There is supposedly quite a demand.

The agencies I am exploring have extremely rigid appplication, review, reference and background checking and bonding requirements though. They screen those wanting services as diligently.

There are similar services with almost as much due diligence that help young ones travel in return for harvesting grapes (or planting them depending on the time of year).

I just don't see hiring a 24 yo passing through with only increasing suspicious looking credentials in the same category. And I would not trust the international equivalent of Craig's List for help. I would never use it for such purpose here!

An American taking work from Greeks, if that is where this property is located, just doesn't sound like it can end up nicely when the experiment is over. Too much a cynic I suppose. And nothing against Greeks or most others. We have a well earned reputation for being particularly disrespectful of cultures much older than we are as a country and this makes it hard to navigate extended stays, and especially those where you need something done. I just don't see taking work from the locals as viable. Ironically, a foreman level person might be better accepted but his kid isn't one yet.

 

[tizadu]

Well, I'm Greek/English, this property has been handed down to me from my grandfather who planted all the trees, and my father, who extended it, so i'm aware of the gift, and responsibility, that such an inheritance can carry.

It's not a question of taking work away from anyone - the concept behind the sites i'm using is exchanging work for showing someone an aspect of that country, and i think it's a great concept too.
I also don't think that the work of someone who has no real experience (or even none at all) can compete with the work of someone whose skills you're paying for...

anyway, guy in question never responded (!), so once more, thanks for all the input
- you may well find me posting for actual DIY advice before long!

have a good weekend!!