What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Since we do so many types of work, we have many ways of pricing it. Some stuff is quoted by the square foot (like painting), or by the square foot with a percentage per square foot increase (like painting a difficult stairway). Many things estimated by figuring how long it will take, and how much the materials will cost, plus the cost of doing business associated with that job. Other things are charged as time and material.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
I have been pounding nails since I was a little kid. I feel I was more or less born into it. I've always found something enjoyable about my line of work, and I get satisfaction from that.
What types of customers have you worked with?
That kind of varies from season to season. We seem to do more flooring, trim, and interior work in the winter. In the summer it's more decks, gazebos, fences, and that type of thing. We do it all, so there isn't really one thing that we do a ton of.
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
We built a really cool pavilion for this out door living room. Its a solid roof with shingles, but no walls. It's on posts. There's a fire place in it, and a flat screen T.V. There's a cool grill with a natural stone surround, and tile top. It's all wrapped in cedar all nicey nice. That one turned out pretty cool.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
The bottom line should not necessarily be the cost of the project. I always suggest multiple quotes from different contractors. If one guys quote is a little more than the last, but you like him more than the cheaper guy, who do you choose? Think about that. These guys may be in your house while you're gone at work for days or even weeks. No one wants to be gouged, but cheapest isn't always best. Also, I suggest checking out referrals. If a contractor has a list of customers who are willing to talk to a stranger about work they had done at their house, that says a lot about someone.
What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
HA HA..... Papa always said wish in one hand and spit in the other, and see which one fills up faster.
