Contractors Grade (by Roy [AL]) Aug 18, 2017 5:21 AM
Contractors Grade (by David [MI]) Aug 18, 2017 5:32 AM
Contractors Grade (by Roy [AL]) Aug 18, 2017 5:40 AM
Contractors Grade (by Smokowna [MD]) Aug 18, 2017 5:57 AM
Contractors Grade (by LindaJ [NY]) Aug 18, 2017 5:59 AM
Contractors Grade (by Andrew, Canada [ON]) Aug 18, 2017 6:57 AM
Contractors Grade (by S i d [MO]) Aug 18, 2017 8:52 AM
Contractors Grade (by S i d [MO]) Aug 18, 2017 9:01 AM
Contractors Grade (by NE [PA]) Aug 18, 2017 9:53 AM
Contractors Grade (by Vee [OH]) Aug 18, 2017 11:13 AM
Contractors Grade (by Blue [IL]) Aug 18, 2017 2:44 PM
Contractors Grade (by razorback_tim [AR]) Aug 18, 2017 3:36 PM
Contractors Grade (by Robert J [CA]) Aug 18, 2017 4:48 PM
Contractors Grade (by David [MI]) Aug 18, 2017 5:47 PM
Contractors Grade (by MikeA [TX]) Aug 18, 2017 6:05 PM
Contractors Grade (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Aug 20, 2017 6:59 PM
Contractors Grade (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Aug 18, 2017 5:21 AM Message:
What do the two words "Contractor's Grade" mean to you whenever you shop for materials for a rental property? I hear these two words whenever I am buying paint from either from Lowes or Sherwin Williams. Sometimes the label on a product will say 'Contractors Grade'
And is 'Contractor's Grade' (paint, flooring, faucets, etc.) good enough for your rental units?
--68.63.xxx.xxx |
Contractors Grade (by David [MI]) Posted on: Aug 18, 2017 5:32 AM Message:
contractor grade paint can take more labor (and possibly more paint) to roll on the walls to achieve the same result as more expensive paint. So I try to buy the more expensive paint during the rebate times (HD during labor day and memorial day)
OTOH, contractor grade fixtures take the same labor to install (in fact sometimes less labor as its less complicated with less parts)). --12.156.xxx.xx |
Contractors Grade (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Aug 18, 2017 5:40 AM Message:
David,
I am looking for a working definition of Contractors Grade.
Does GC mean the cheapest Chinese made garbage on the market or is it one or two grades above that?
--68.63.xxx.xxx |
Contractors Grade (by Smokowna [MD]) Posted on: Aug 18, 2017 5:57 AM Message:
It means junk --74.96.xxx.xxx |
Contractors Grade (by LindaJ [NY]) Posted on: Aug 18, 2017 5:59 AM Message:
I don't consider contractor's grade to be the cheapest Chinese made. I don't thing it is the best either. To me it means basic, not too fancy or with lots of bell and whistles because contractor's get to charge more for that. But not ready to fall apart, because they don't want to get called back to fix it.
Contractor grade paint is more a basic coat, get everything done (house is empty) because people will want to change to their colors anyway, and paint wear ability isn't an issue. People don't change toilets, so that is something that will need to last a bit, but doesn't need to be the fancy one with all the gimmicks, just as long as it works. Light fixtures are of a basic design, nothing fancy looking because you don't want to turn someone off with a look they don't like. That is how I judge contractor grade --96.236.xx.xx |
Contractors Grade (by Andrew, Canada [ON]) Posted on: Aug 18, 2017 6:57 AM Message:
Not all contractor grades are inferior.
I have been using Benjamin Moore super spec paint for years. Its considered contractor grade and is cheaper than most other similiar paints at homedepot, lowes ect but is excellent paint. --99.225.xx.xxx |
Contractors Grade (by S i d [MO]) Posted on: Aug 18, 2017 8:52 AM Message:
Like LindaJ, I also consider "basic" is the expectation, not necessarily cheap junk. It's rare to find something that literally says, "Contractor's Grade" in my area. So I have to guess a bit.
I generally use basic materials for my Class C. However, for certain items like plumbing fixtures I used Delta (faucets) and American Standard (toilets). Even within those brand names, there is a "basic" model ($40 faucet, $100 toilet) vs. the ornate ($150 faucet, $300 toilet). I try to balance economy with durability and functionality.
For paint, I used Wal-Mart Color Place semi-gloss. Coverage is good on all but bare walls or when the color is bright red or blue. Even if I have to do two coats, later cleanup and touch up is much easier.
I don't buy carpet any more, which is the one area I do often see "contractor's grade."
Sometimes I guess wrong, but in general I am pleased with this system. --173.19.xx.xxx |
Contractors Grade (by S i d [MO]) Posted on: Aug 18, 2017 9:01 AM Message:
Btw, when my personal residence was built in 2001, we got a lot of "contractor's grade" stuff included: carpet, windows, etc. Our house is what many would consider a "starter" home. Ranch, 3 bed, 2 bath, 2 car garage, but with a few nice perks: back deck with stairs, gas log fireplace, basement (unfinished, we finished it later).
Most of the contractor grade stuff is still in good shape, because we take care of it. This is one reason why I reject the notion that carpets and paint must be depreciated. Contractor grade carpet in my house still LOOKS GOOD after 16 years. We use a vacuum and we don't pour Kool-Aid on the floor. Go figure. (wink) --173.19.xx.xxx |
Contractors Grade (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Aug 18, 2017 9:53 AM Message:
Usually means bottom of the barrel junks, junk above seconds and rejects. I buy it at times. I don't buy contractor grade paint though --174.201.x.xxx |
Contractors Grade (by Vee [OH]) Posted on: Aug 18, 2017 11:13 AM Message:
To me it means you will not find repair parts but the whole thing can be changed under warranty in 60 days or until we run out, they went out of business (quality? civil war in country or origin?) and we got the whole shipping dock in the store till further notice. --76.188.xxx.xx |
Contractors Grade (by Blue [IL]) Posted on: Aug 18, 2017 2:44 PM Message:
I agree with said contractors grade is wet your basic new home will contain. Other than paint contractor grade is been good enough and all the flips I ever done
For a rental, I buy better paint and better faucets. But cheap carpet (forgive me Brad) and contractor grade cabinets and counters have been fine. --75.132.xxx.xx |
Contractors Grade (by razorback_tim [AR]) Posted on: Aug 18, 2017 3:36 PM Message:
As said above I equate it with what would be in new homes in the lowest 10-20% of price range for new homes. It is not the cheapest fall-apart stuff you can find at the big box stores. What I consider to be contractor grade would be good enough for the majority of rentals. --166.137.xxx.xx |
Contractors Grade (by Robert J [CA]) Posted on: Aug 18, 2017 4:48 PM Message:
I am a Licensed Contractor and can define the term "contractors grade". It is broken up into several categories.
When it comes to building materials, it means "the cheapest quality that will get the job done".
When it comes to tools, it means "of high rugged quality".
So the term is good and both bad! --47.156.xx.xx |
Contractors Grade (by David [MI]) Posted on: Aug 18, 2017 5:47 PM Message:
robert j comes thru again --50.4.xxx.x |
Contractors Grade (by MikeA [TX]) Posted on: Aug 18, 2017 6:05 PM Message:
I think builders grade has seen some blurring the last few years. As Sid said, builders grade used to be the basic $40 Delta faucet instead of the $150 one. But I'm seeing more and more cheap Chinese knock off's being sold as builders grade, IE: project source. So it is hard to know what you are really getting without some experience with the products. --74.196.xx.xxx |
Contractors Grade (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Posted on: Aug 20, 2017 6:59 PM Message:
Roy,
What Robert J said.
I'll add that some stuff is called GC because it is basic, without the whistles and bells.
BRAD --68.50.xx.xxx |
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