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Topic starter
I'll introduce myself first to this forum.
My name is Greg and I have plans to relocate to the islands and I am trying to get a feel for the construction scene. I've sold off my business stateside and want to get back into carpentry and building. I was a carpenter for 10 years prior to opening my business in a totally different field. I would like to get licensed there if required and start writing contracts again but would work for a company or with a small crew if the pay was decent. Thanks in advance for tips and or jobs in construction.
Warm regards,
Greg
Posted : November 9, 2007 12:15 am
Hi, Greg. Which island are you thinking of?
Posted : November 9, 2007 1:21 pm
Topic starter
STT...and I'm experienced in many phases of construction.
Posted : November 9, 2007 4:52 pm
Welcome, Greg. I don't have any information on construction jobs for you (other than there's a lot of construction and it seems that there aren't enough people to do it all), but c'mon down!
Posted : November 9, 2007 7:52 pm
Topic starter
Thanks Jules....Just hope everyone is as cordial as you!!
Posted : November 10, 2007 12:10 am
the main difference here is that most construction is concrete, rather than wood framing with siding. Floors are tiled rather than carpeted, there is very little use of drywall, etc. Experienced contractors usually catch on quickly. Those moving from areas where concrete/stucco is the norm have it easy.
Posted : November 10, 2007 2:12 pm
i have a friend on st.thomas that does contracting work, most housing construction is cement BUT most business construction is cement and then studs insulation and drywall, another friend over there has worked full time for about 10 years hanging drywall
Posted : November 10, 2007 2:49 pm
Topic starter
So a tile contractor might do very well in STT?? I won't touch drywall and concrete work will make an old man of you fast. I would also imagine there is no such thing as a basement so everything is on a slab. That means no tile prep work just nice smooth slabs to tile?
Posted : November 10, 2007 5:07 pm
Welcome to de forum GNT,
They may not call them basements here but our steep topography means that it is common for one level to be below grade on three sides... back on the mainland they were called walk-out basements. They don't ever use the word "basement" here- tabu. Fannie Mae defines basement as "any portion of a home that is below grade" but what do they know!
Posted : November 10, 2007 9:16 pm
we also call them cisterns
Posted : November 10, 2007 9:33 pm
Nice smooth slab to tile? I wish!
It should be smooth, but that all depends on the contractor! Just a little extra thin-set here and there usually will do it, tho I know of some floors that had to be re-leveled before tiling! 🙂
Posted : November 14, 2007 9:44 pm
