Home Remodeling & Repair

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Get multiple bids. Get references. Check licenses. This is your home and there are MANY less-than-reputable "contractors" there.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. Materials matter when it comes to not having to do things again in a few years. Buy premium paints, caulks, woods, etc. I always do.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. I'll come to you and get any information I need if that's what you prefer. If not, then an appromiate calculation of dimensions is my best tool for giving you a ballpark estimate.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. I deliver exacting quality at a price lower than most. Also, I show up when I say I'm going to show up.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. What I most enjoy about my job is the sense of accomplishment that accompanies every completed project. I rarely felt that in the business world.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. They ask the typical questions of people looking to protect their investment in their home: How much money, how long will it take, how long have you been doing this kind of work, etc.? I answer honestly and get everything in writing for them.

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. I really do offer excellent quality for a much lower rate than other contractors I've worked for. The difference is that I don't expect to live like a king for driving around a few hours a day to different job sites. I do my own work and make an honest living.

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. I was tired of working for contractors that I didn't respect and decided to go through the lengthy process of licensing myself.

Q. What are your most common types of jobs?

A. Bathroom and kitchen remodels. It's surprising how much you can update the look of your home on a small budget.

Q. Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.

A. I'm proud of all of my work, whether it's replacing a faucet or building a master bedroom/master bath room addition.

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. I do A LOT of internet research as well as having subscriptions to various periodicals.

Q. What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?

A. PEX for plumbing has been around as a copper replacement for decades but is just now starting to find acceptance here in the US. It's easy enough for anyone to use and I think that scares plumbers.

Q. Describe your most recent project, what it involved, how much it cost, and how long it took.

A. My most recent project was a $9500 bathroom remodel that involved removing all of the existing fixtures, refinishing the large vanity, putting in all new oiled bronze fixtures and creating a giant walk-in tile shower with a 7-foot by 7-foot glass wall. In an upstairs bathroom. It was a challenge but ended up looking FANTASTIC.

Q. If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.

A. Not at all. I look, I bid, I work. Unlike most contractors, I don't come to you during the project with every little hiccup asking for more money.

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. Apprentice yourself to someone who has the patience to teach you what he or she knows. Make sure you show up every day and on time. That's pretty rare in construction.