FAQs
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
In 2008, I took the plunge and bought my first home during the recession, hoping to renovate and sell it for a profit. This property, constructed in 1922, was in dire need of repair, and I soon realized that I might have taken on more than I could handle. With the support of friends, I dedicated myself to transforming the house into a livable space. Just as I was settling into my new role as a homeowner, I received the most incredible news: I was going to be a father! At that moment, I understood that “livable” simply wasn’t sufficient for my growing family. Motivated to gain the skills necessary for creating a safe and modern home, I took on a myriad of tasks. I worked on everything from updating the outdated and hazardous electrical systems to replacing old lead pipes, removing lead paint and deteriorating plaster walls, and even dealing with the asbestos-lined ventilation system. The list was extensive! Despite my high school counselor warning me against it, I enrolled in several trade courses, convinced that practical knowledge would prove essential. I didn’t want to leave things to chance, and I definitely lacked the time to return to formal trade school for training. While YouTube existed, it didn’t have the comprehensive resources available today. Fortunately, a wonderful library nearby offered a wealth of information, and I was surrounded by skilled friends who excelled in various trades. Although I didn’t manage to complete every update before my beautiful child arrived, I was proud to say that each major project I finished passed inspections with ease. Now, I approach every task with the same dedication I applied to my first home. My thirst for knowledge remains unquenched, and I embrace each day as a new opportunity to learn something new or enhance something old.
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
I believe that a background check is essential when providing services that necessitate being in customers’ homes and around their families. When hiring someone new, it’s advisable to start with a smaller project if possible. If they handle this initial job with professionalism and care, you can be confident that they will apply the same level of dedication to larger projects.