FAQs
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
I worked with my father when I was as young as 10 and worked my way through college working during the summer and winter breaks in construction. I taught high school for a while but it was less satisfying than working on houses. I am better at remodel than at teaching high school.
- Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
One of the things which makes me both proud and satisified is when I take a house which has great potential and has been neglected for years. The personality of a house becomes compromised with neglect. I was called in to do some minor repairs and painting on a very nice house with a lot of character but had been neglected as the couple put their children through college. We worked together to do some major repairs on the trim and other woodwork, chimney repair, roof tile repair and painted the house. The new look of the house was drastic. Many people who walked by the house and the home owners designer were very pleased with the new look. The home owner put a lot of money into the house and with that they got a home which became more pleasing and restored to it's original glory. It cost more than they had originally planned but were very pleased with the results. But the real kicker is that the house was now protected from the weather and from additional damage which could lead to additional costs.
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Talk to them about anything they want to achieve and spend some up front money knowing what can be done. Know your provider. Know his or her skill set. Understand the intellect and willingness to work with you on your project. Have more money than you think you will need and be realistic about your costs. Upgrades cost money and it must be added to the cost of the project rather than removed from another part.