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FAQs

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

  Whenever I price something, I first will figure a square foot price and then I also figure it with a time and material price. By doing this, I’m able to see how close these two numbers are. If they are not close, then I need to re-figure it because something isn’t working. I won’t be the lowest price. One main reason is, I don’t believe in using cheap products. For instance, some people will use OSB for their wall, sheathing and roof sheathing. I prefer the Zip sheathing for walls and either 5/8” Advantech tongue and groove on the roof or 5/8 zip plywood on the roof. For fasteners on the exterior, I will use Stainless Steel if exposed to the weather. It’s more money, but the nails won’t rust or bleed through the finish. I was told a long time ago if you don’t have time to do it right the first time how will you have time to do it right the second time? I live by that comment that I heard 30 years ago.

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

  The typical process is after the initial call. We set a time so I can come out and look at the project together with the homeowner to either look at the plan or make a plan. Once that is decided, I will make a material list and get that quoted from the lumber company. Depending on the job and the customer’s preferences, I will figure the job as a contract price or a time and materials price. Time and material is based on an hourly labor cost and the materials costs with a percentage figured in. I would then provide the estimate and either get started or make the necessary changes to ensure that both parties are on the same page and happy.

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

  Two years in the building construction program at SMTC tech college. I’ve worked for many larger residential construction companies as a subcontractor on oceanfront properties and new builds. I also flipped houses in my early years of construction. I would buy and sell every two years. A person learns quickly when they’re buying the materials for themselves and they need to make the cuts right the first time along with finding and scheduling the subs to have everything flow well on the project.