FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
For cabinetry, I have a formula that is based on the number of large and small doors, and large and small drawer fronts. I use this, along with the number of product applications needed to get the desired finish, to calculate the final price. There may be price changes that arise based on relocation/replacement of hardware, etc. Standard painting is assessed by the square foot, by the room, or by how much time I anticipate it will take, depending on which is most appropriate too the particular job. If I am mistaken in my estimate and the painting takes less time, or in some other way is less expensive, I will adjust my bid and charge less. If it takes longer, or costs more however, that is on me. If the job remains unchanged, I NEVER adjust my bids up.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
First, meet to look at job, then take measurements, notes, and pictures as necessary. Then for all cabinet refinishing, custom finishing, and furniture refinishing, a sample is produced for the customer to approve the style and colors. Finally, after all has been approved, a final bid is submitted. If the bid is accepted, I then schedule the job. For cabinets, I typically pull all the doors and drawer fronts off and take them back to my shop. While these are in process, I will come back and refinish all face frames and non-removable cabinet pieces. Upon completion, all cabinets are re-assembled, and everything is cleaned. Once I am done painting or finishing, I take the customer on a walk through of everything that I finished. If there are any problems, I schedule a time to remedy the problem, if I cant fit it right then. My customers are always welcome to contact me after the job with any problems that might arise. I have come back 4 years after I painted some cabinets to fix a scratched door, that someone else scratched.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I originally apprenticed under a painter/fine finisher in the Reno, NV area. I then partnered with him in a be business, 2 years later. I have taken, and later taught my own classes and seminars in various finishing and painting techniques, including custom and faux finishing, and have since gone on to teach these classes myself. most of what I know of painting comes from a wide breadth of experience. Hands on experience is the best educator for painting, and I have tried to take on jobs of all types to the point that I am an expert in almost all paints, styles, finishes, and techniques I have been doing standard and custom finishing on my own for 15 years now, and I have had only 2 unhappy customers in all that time. I wish I could say that there had been none, but if you work a career long enough, problems will arise. In neither case was the problem quality related. 100% of my customers have been happy with the quality of my work.