Basement Finishing

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. Anything from electrical, sheetrock, HVAC, plumbing, insulation, trim work and painting.

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

A. Do your homework. If the contractor isn't willing to meet with you at a set time on a set day each week to discuss the project, go over the work completed, monies owed, projected costs ect, get someone else. You should not have to ask the contractor to do this.....it should be part of his everyday business practice

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

A. Beware of people who just started. Get references!!

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

A. Just have a good idea of what you want. Talk to the contractor and explain what you want. Let him tell you what and how to do it. If they have the experience they say they have they will be able to make suggestions and should be making those suggestions to save you money. If it seems the contractor has no concern of the costs......they are probably not for you. The contractor should be protective of your checkbook and explain clearly your options

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

A. My work stands out from others because I except nothing but perfection

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I like being my own Boss, being able to come as go as needed.

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

A. How much is this going to cost?? My answer typically is I will let you know how much each level of the job is going to cost and how long it is going to take before I do the work. This sets realistic expectation levels.

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

A. That there are a lot of rip off artists out there and guys who do crappy work. It is important to trust your instincts and to get references. talk to the contractor ....feel them out.

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

A. I decided to get in this line of work when I was 12 years old. It was thru a vocational/technical school that came to my school promoting their school. I took 4 buses and rode for 1 1/2 hours to go to this school.

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

A. I am currently finishing up a basement in Alpharetta that a customer had gotten prices on of $22,000 - $37,000 to complete. I did the job for $16,500.

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

A. Yes I am licensed by the State of Georgia and required to take continuing education classes every year

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. Yes. Energy conservation. Super insulated homes, energy saving light bulbs and super efficient heating and Air systems. All are designed with the intent of lowering energy consumption and energy bills

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

A. Finished another basement in Alpharetta. Saved the customer $8000 over the next closet price they had. the job took 6 months to complete

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

A. Only simplification here. No surprises.

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

A. Go to work with a reputable contractor. You will know inside of 1 week if they are legitimate. Mirror what they do. Integrity is everything. Be where you say you will be and do what you say. Even if it means you screwed up and it costs you money.