Carpentry & Remodeling

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

A. Our most common types of work are general remodeling, changing a kitchen, or bathroom kind of thing. We also build quite a few decks, or fix them up. Replacement windows are pretty big in the last couple of years.

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

A. Don't go with the cheapest bid, I've done so much rework for people because they wanted to save some money. It's usually the "middle bids" that are best. The cheapest are normally not able to do quality work, and the most expensive have a lot of overhead, salesmen, office workers and the like. With the higher bids also, who is doing the actual work?

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

A. The biggest concern to people seems to be about structure. " Can we take this wall out" kind of thing. There are usually different ways to do it, and I can show them their options.

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

A. There are usually things that have to be done that people don't take into account. One thing leads to another. If you want a wall tore out, what about the electric, ceiling, floor, different types of wall textures in the two rooms, and such. I have to look at what it is and what you want, before I know as much as I can, to determine how much is going to be involved.

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

A. We do our work so it looks proffesional. I only employ people who feel the same way. It's a tough market, so you have to do better than others. Of course, I've always felt that way, as then people will call you back on future projects, and will tell others, with confidence.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. The best thing about this kind of work is helping people accomplish the changes that they wish for. It's a great feeling to help someone who is nervous about getting what they want done. When their families and friends come over and say how nice it is, is truely rewarding.

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

A. The most popular question is probably " Can this be done"? When I tell them how, they show a great sense of relief, and renewed excitement about their project. It's great to bring them from some insecurity to a confidence, in their ideas and projects.

Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?

A. A situation I like is when people have been told that they can't do something. Usually this is told them by friends or someone that doesn't have the experience to do it, and they become overwhelmed. I had a lady that was told that she couldn't put an apartment in her attic. It's been 4 years since I've done it, and she still tells me how much she loves it. The pictures of it are on this site.

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

A. I take my work seriously, as we are helping people remodel their homes, or properties, and that is Very personal to them. I believe you have to be flexible and work with these people to acheive their aspirations.

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

A. I helped my Dad remodel our house as I was growing up and really enjoyed making changes to buildings, or building them. I went to Texas in 1980 and started building homes and just loved it. Here I thought I would wind up in an office. I'm glad for how it has turned out.

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

A. We just repaired a house that a tree had fallen on. It had knocked the chimney through the roof too. We rebuilt the roof, and since the furnace was not using the chimney, we put in a direct vent water heater. We tore the chimney completely down and now had some added space in their house. We had work to do in the bathroom too, so we moved a wall and the toilet, to make the room much more comfortable. They love it , and are happy for that tree crashing into their home. Not only did they finally get rid of that old tree, but their home became better for it.

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

A. I am currently taking the course for lead abatement. It seems that there are quite a few people that are worried about it and I'd like to help them with that. I am always talking to other contracters, stores and such for all the information I can learn.