What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

For smaller jobs which would be most that take between 1-5 days to complete, we charge a flat rate of $100 per hour per man. This would cover most of the services we provide. If a sub is required, we charge more depending on that particular trade. Those rates are posted on our web site. There are some other charges which we are upfront with such as administrative time for planning and obtaining permits when needed. Drawing time for some projects which require detailed plans. Debris removal if a job has a significant amount which needs to be hauled away. And of course, materials, which we do add a percentage to cost but in most cases, we buy less than the average homeowner so the end cost usually retail pricing.

 

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

Typically, I ask the customer some key questions prior to meeting in order to be fully prepared during a project site visit. Once meeting the customer in person viewing and discussing the project, I will send a written estimate which will include all materials and labor. It will also include allowances for fixtures, if relevant, so a customer knows the total cost of the project. For smaller projects, we charge a flat competitive hourly rate, plus material costs. We do not require a contract and we do not require a deposit unless there are special order materials involved or the initial materials need to start are more than $500. At the end of each day, we provide an invoice for the actual hours worked and the materials provided and installed. You only pay for what service you have received. On larger projects, we help the customer come up with a budget which fits their needs and wallet. From there we invoice out weekly for labor and materials for that past week. The customer is always in a position where if they are not satisfied, they can end the project with minimal risk.

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What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I have been in the construction field for over 30 years. I have had my MA supervisors license for 25 years. I am required to complete 12 hours of continuing education each year to refresh myself on the international building codes. I also am proficient in AutoCAD, Chief Architect, 2020 and other architectural software which aids in the planning, communication, visualization, and completion of the project. All of my crew are skilled experienced professionals and my subs are licensed,

insured and most of all dependable.

 

What types of customers have you worked with?

We have worked with all types of personalities. In some cases, this can be good and in others, very difficult in providing good service. Despite what type we deal with it is so important for both parties to have clear communication and expectations on the project. When there is an absence of this, problems are always potential. Customers need to understand that this is a difficult business and the contractor needs to manage multiple aspects of the project including employees, subcontractors, special orders, and even customers. It's also not a perfect world and problems do come up often. Having a contractor who deals with problems in the best interest to the customer while maintaining good business, is most important. My best referral isn't the one that sounds like my mother wrote it and how wonderful I am. The best referral for me is when a customer says everything didn't go as planned, it may have even gone bad at times, but at the end of the day, he delivered on what he said he would and made every effort to make things right. At the end of the day, if you are sitting back and enjoying your project after your contractor has finished, that is what counts most.

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What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

Referrals are the best way to hire a contractor. Knowing someone who has lived through a project and can tell you all the ups and downs and how the contractor dealt with it, speaks volumes. With technology and everyone living through there smartphone and tablets, anonymous referral site can be helpful to put you in the right direction but always follow that up with a few referrals and if possible, visit a project.

 

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

Knowing your budget is the best advice I can give. Before you even think about the specifics of a proposed project, a customer needs to know what they want or can spend. From there figure out what your needs are as opposed to your wants. Make a priority list so that when you do talk with your contractor you can express this. He/she will give you advice on what things you should include to meet those needs and also provide you a good return on your investment.