Work for a free stay

dpg · 05-05-2014, 11:16 AM

Has anyone ever had work done to their home/camp at the lake in return for a free week or two stay there? How did it work out for you, any issues? Wondering if there's any market for this type of bartering. I'm thinking maybe labor (I'd buy materials) in return for the stay. Maybe a week or two at a (non-lake front) Suissevale home for say a couple rooms of hardwood floor put down or re-do a bathroom, etc. I know someone doing it in Maine this summer and giving the person two weeks use in July. Any thoughts, suggestions, personal experiences? Thanks..

Pine Island Guy · 05-05-2014, 03:51 PM

a neighbor did this to get their roof done, i think it worked out great for both the owner and the roofer. He got two weeks there and did all the labor, but had enough spare time to enjoy the lake/water as well... and the owner was happy with the workmanship.

Seems like a great idea! -PIG

Happy Gourmand · 05-05-2014, 04:05 PM

We did it to have a bathroom redone last year. Working on some plumbing upgrades and replacement windows this year.

RLW · 05-05-2014, 05:38 PM

What happens if the work project is predicted to take a longer time frame than what you want to give??? I believe to have a quality job done, either one of those 2 projects just might more than the 2 weeks you are suggesting and that is no time off for enjoying the sun and the water. His bride/girlfriend would be making out like crazy.

pcmc · 05-05-2014, 09:57 PM

I would suggest knowing the workers, supervise all of the work, and know how many people will show up when they have rein of the place. Permits would be very wise to assure the work isn't skimped on.

HellRaZoR004 · 05-06-2014, 01:32 AM

Do you need to worry about things like insurance? Just a thought, sounds like a really neat idea though.

dpg · 05-06-2014, 06:01 AM

Hmmm..interesting thanks for the replies. I'm actually surprised to hear the number of folks that have done this already. I'm sure local contractors are reading this thread grinding their teeth...

Kamper · 05-06-2014, 11:07 AM

I had a sweet deal with my ex-girlfriend's mother. I'd park my camper at their lake house and do self-directed chores and yard-work. When the lady and I split up, Mom told me to keep my set of keys because I was up there more than anyone else! This ended when they sold the place.

You may never get this lucky but offer your services on Craigslist and see what develops.

Good luck!

05-05-2014, 11:16 AM	#1
dpg Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 2,560 Thanks: 149 Thanked 229 Times in 166 Posts	Work for a free stay Has anyone ever had work done to their home/camp at the lake in return for a free week or two stay there? How did it work out for you, any issues? Wondering if there's any market for this type of bartering. I'm thinking maybe labor (I'd buy materials) in return for the stay. Maybe a week or two at a (non-lake front) Suissevale home for say a couple rooms of hardwood floor put down or re-do a bathroom, etc. I know someone doing it in Maine this summer and giving the person two weeks use in July. Any thoughts, suggestions, personal experiences? Thanks..

05-05-2014, 03:51 PM	#2
Pine Island Guy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: pine island of course! Posts: 405 Thanks: 236 Thanked 233 Times in 111 Posts	have seen it being done a neighbor did this to get their roof done, i think it worked out great for both the owner and the roofer. He got two weeks there and did all the labor, but had enough spare time to enjoy the lake/water as well... and the owner was happy with the workmanship. Seems like a great idea! -PIG

05-05-2014, 05:38 PM	#4
RLW Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Alton Bay on the mountain by a lake Posts: 2,023 Thanks: 563 Thanked 444 Times in 311 Posts	What happens if the work project is predicted to take a longer time frame than what you want to give??? I believe to have a quality job done, either one of those 2 projects just might more than the 2 weeks you are suggesting and that is no time off for enjoying the sun and the water. His bride/girlfriend would be making out like crazy. __________________ There is nothing better than living on Alton Mountain & our grand kids visits.

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05-05-2014, 04:05 PM	#3
Happy Gourmand Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ruskin FL Posts: 1,025 Thanks: 187 Thanked 322 Times in 179 Posts	We did it to have a bathroom redone last year. Working on some plumbing upgrades and replacement windows this year.

05-05-2014, 09:57 PM	#5
pcmc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 412 Thanks: 211 Thanked 106 Times in 73 Posts	I would suggest knowing the workers, supervise all of the work, and know how many people will show up when they have rein of the place. Permits would be very wise to assure the work isn't skimped on.

05-06-2014, 01:32 AM	#6
HellRaZoR004 Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Litchfield/Gilford Posts: 828 Thanks: 233 Thanked 224 Times in 131 Posts	Do you need to worry about things like insurance? Just a thought, sounds like a really neat idea though.

05-06-2014, 06:01 AM	#7
dpg Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 2,560 Thanks: 149 Thanked 229 Times in 166 Posts	Hmmm..interesting thanks for the replies. I'm actually surprised to hear the number of folks that have done this already. I'm sure local contractors are reading this thread grinding their teeth...

05-06-2014, 11:07 AM	#8
Kamper Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Thornton's Ferry Posts: 1,296 Thanks: 67 Thanked 166 Times in 126 Posts	I had a sweet deal with my ex-girlfriend's mother. I'd park my camper at their lake house and do self-directed chores and yard-work. When the lady and I split up, Mom told me to keep my set of keys because I was up there more than anyone else! This ended when they sold the place. You may never get this lucky but offer your services on Craigslist and see what develops. Good luck!