FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Pricing a project is probably the most difficult part of my job. I need to be aware of the market costs around me. It takes quite a while determining the costs of every little thing, which is the way I do it. Just sending out a simple square foot cost just to get in the door means you're still going to need the item costs if you get the job anyways. Also, you need to have a number of national costs books so you can look up any number of standard costs. Finally, I have an extensive array of costs to use from past jobs .
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
My father was a builder and whenever he would let me, I would go to work with him. Maybe it was to sweep or to pick up shingles. Being around 8 yrs old, it was the greatest thing to be one of the "crew".
- What types of customers have you worked with?
Most commonly I do additions, remodeling, and some repair work. I have also built a few custom homes. On the side I draw CAD architectural plans and designs. When things slow down I might subcontract myself out to do finish work, stairways, built-in cabinetry and entertainment centers, for other contractors.