Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.
A. Real cooking Kitchens! People are not going out as much, and after a long wait, the housing market is now stabalizing. Functional (and stylish) kitchens are now being recognized as the one investment that really pays off! Also, expanded family rooms (not complete additions) , master bedrooms with full baths and sitting areas (think computer desk and overstuffed reading chair) , first floor guest /in-law bedrooms . Functional is very big right now. A mudroom area off the kitchen with 1/2 bath, laundry room, and walk -in closet with a bench seat completely changes how you "live" in your house.
Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A. Having some basic ideas about what your looking to do.Many times people feel they would need"more space" to accomplish thier goals,when renovating and utilizing what currently exists quite often delivers the results they were hoping for. So take some time and see if you can define what you really need and want. Are you looking to "pretty up" that kitchen or bath? Or make serious changes to solve the problems you have accomodated for years?Once you know what this is..it may be time to talk to a professional. Remember..getting exactly what you -want & need- will prove to be the most economical project to do. And the one you will be most happy with!
Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?
A. As a Design-Builder with 29 years experience and over 80 major clients, each with their individual tastes and styles, I have had the opportunity to construct a wide range of projects, each different than the last. I have had the opportunity to work with some of the finest Architects in both Fairfield,Conn. and Boston Mass.This is evident in my picture gallery. I have built for young families starting out, middle aged "empty nesters", single moms, business people, retireries.The list is as diverse as the projects. So when I work with a new client, this wealth of knowledge is an invaluable resource. And being a "HANDS-ON" BUILDER, the quality of work is always consistant.
Q. What do you like most about your job?
A. Working with the customers. Whether with young , growing families needing more space,or established professionals looking to take their lifestyle to that next level. Every design is a challenge to utilize every inch of new space the client needs while staying within their given budgets. It's that design goal which keeps each project exciting.And when the project is finally complete, knowing you helped your client in realizing a better living environment while helping them achieve a better economic foundation for their future as well. Over my 30 years, I have seen the financial rewards of many a well thought out, planned, and executed project!
Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A. "what is your square foot price"
This is answer I recently sent to a new client-----------
Good morning Jane..
Seeing what you have in mind for your project would be the way to get things started. Saturday mornings work for me, ( as early as is convenient for you). Once i have an understanding of your ideas, it is fairly easy to give a "ball park figure" . One nice thing about Design/Build is that once you have that "ball park" , you can set a budget that will be designed into.. . As for square footage costs.. every project is different in some way..and the cost per sq. ft will vary. A good example .. a 12ft by 14 ft simple room with just a doorway from an existing wall might cost less over all than an 8 ft by 10 bathroom bump out. In this case..the "square foot" cost of the two projects may be different by almost double .Price per square foot works best for new house construction where there is more an "apples to apples"situation. When it comes to highly individual and unique addition projects such as yours,it's best to take a look first, then see if a basic budget amount meets your goals.
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. Real Cooking Kitchens now available throughout New England! Utilizing designs that are as functional as they are elegant. A common sense approach to kitchen renovations that stress actually COOKING in a fun and pleasing enviorment, not just another showroom stage.Being a cook myself, nothing gets the creativity going like an easy-to-work-in kitchen. And being a Builder and General Contractor allows for greater flexability in those designs. No longer is the need for a separate designer, general contractor and builder, each with their associated costs. The farther your budget travels, so does your imagination!
Q. What is your greatest strength?
A. Experience, Experience,Experience. Being a Connecticut Yankee with 20 years design-building along the "Gold Coast", and now, 10 years in the greater Boston Area (This Old House's backyard), the wealth of knowledge gained working in the different parts of New England - I believe- far exceeds any I could have gained staying in one location.
