FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My first objective is to get clear on what it is that you want. Often this is not specified right away. I will work with you, until we have a design you are comfortable with. Once we agree on the design, I will give you an exact proposal for the work we discussed. People do not like surprises. But we know things can change along the way. I will communicate with you early and often, and align on any work changes — and resulting price changes — beforehand, so that there are no surprises.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Often customers come to me with an idea of what they want and what they like, but they have difficulty explaining it to me. My suggestion is to send me photos from Pinterest or elsewhere, and I can respond with my thoughts, as well as provide my own reference photos. Often the design is co-created between my clients and myself. I work extensively with customers by providing sketches and reworking them until we are aligned on a plan forward… often before they commit to the project. I have been advised to charge customers for this service, however I feel it builds credibility and trust, and shows potential customers that I am willing to put in the time to get them clear and confident in what they are getting, so that we can execute the project with little doubt or risk, and ultimately deliver the value they are hoping for.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have 15+ years of professional experience in my field, and have learned from the best in the business. I have a business degree, which has helped me navigate many of the difficulties contractors face when delivering a service or a promise to a customer. My employees have professional training as well as formal education in carpentry and woodworking.