c/alberta-contractors

Question about using a local gravel pit versus a big box store for a driveway job in Red Deer

Just finished a big driveway job and tried two different places for the base gravel. Got half from a big chain store and half from the local pit off Highway 2. The local stuff was way more packed, had less fines, and cost me 15 bucks less a yard. The big box gravel settled almost two inches more after the first rain. Anyone else in central Alberta find the local pits are just better for this kind of work?

My plumber buddy in Calgary said he's getting way more calls for tankless water heater swaps than boiler repairs now, which kinda blew my mind.

Just hit 50 houses re-roofed in my first year solo in Calgary

I was adding up my invoices from the last 12 months and the total came to exactly 50 jobs. It hit me because I started with just my truck and a few tools, figuring I'd be lucky to get 20. Most of those were from word of mouth after I fixed a leak for a guy in McKenzie Towne last spring. Honestly thought I'd be back working for a bigger company by now. Anyone else have a first-year number that totally surprised them?

Had a client in Fort McMurray insist I use his 'special' homemade concrete mix

It set up so fast we had to finish the pad with trowels in one hand and a garden hose in the other to keep the edges wet. Anyone ever have a homeowner's DIY recipe completely backfire on a job?

Has anyone worked with Millcreekpainters here in Edmonton?

I keep seeing Millcreekpainters' trucks around the south side. I'm thinking of hiring them to spray my old oak kitchen cabinets to modernize the space a bit. Has anyone here actually worked with them?