FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I try to bill by the hour rather than the job. I have been stung hard by quotes given to me in the past that with no communication at all come in double on final invoice. This is not a good way to do business. I charge between $30 and $50 an hour depending on the level of skill required. I charge exactly what I pay for any materials, and in giving rough "estimates" for a job I make sure to discuss with potential clients what surprises may lurk under a project, that way the client can decide if they want to go down the rabbit hole, and I am perfectly happy to talk someone out of having work done if they want to spend $300 and a "surprise" could easily make it $3000.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
First we must meet and look over the project. A client is in the process of opening their home to strangers and eventually planning on choosing one to traipse in out for an approximate length of time and do any number of life/routine altering things. Therefore it is key that they feel comfortable with each other and that the client feels confident in expressing what they do and do not want and what sort of hours/habits/noises etc they can and cannot abide. Only a face to face meeting can establish whether or not an acceptable rapport can be achieved and no harm no foul we move forward (or don't) from there.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I was an executive chef for many years, a profession most would think is predominantly about food, wrong. It is as much HVAC training and problem solving on the fly as it is keeping people happy and busy and yes, ultimately cooking food. I have always been "handy" (it was actually a real middle school nickname) and have been doing carpentry professionally for several years. I am a college graduate and own a 170 year old 2 family with a pool (plumbing, nailed it) that I am and will be restoring for many happy years to come.