FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I price jobs on a per square foot basis depending upon the complexity of the job and the level of finish materials. I use the RS Book of Means for estimating but I have found that homewyse dot com is a great resource for both clients and contractors for estimating construction job cost. Google search what you’re looking to have done and ad the words “Installation Cost Calculator”. For example search “Kitchen remodeling installation cost calculator” and then look for the Homewyse link from the search results. Click on that link, enter zip code, toggle to the appropriate “Size of Room”, Toggle to appropriate level of finish, ranging from High End to Rental property, click recalculate and that will give you a very close range of what your project will cost. Small repair jobs are calculated by the quantity of people needed x number of days estimated to complete a job, + Cost of Materials, + a 15% profit. One guy per day $375, additional carpenters $275 per day and labors are $200 per day.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Working with a new customer usually starts with a telephone call. Figuring out the size and scope and how far someone is in planning process will determine the next step. If someone has architectural drawings, it makes the process very simple, see Q&A about pricing. If a client’s project involves opening up a floor plan/removing walls, or doing a full kitchen or bathroom remodeling project, they all need at least basic drawings for pulling a permit at the local Building Department. If the client doesn’t have that, but does have a good idea on what they want to do, we can provide a design and build service via a collaboration with Tise Design Associates. A family owned Architectural Firm based out of Newton, MA. If the project involves building an addition or even new deck or deck expansion construction, clients will need a surveyors report to make sure all new construction complies with the local setback requirements. We can take this confusing and somewhat complicated process and turn it into a stress free turnkey solution that will have fabulous results.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
In Massachusetts the Department of Public Safety has three different types of Builders licensing. 1st is the HIC or Home Improvement Contractors license. There is not a lot involved in getting an HIC license only that you register with the State and pay a $100 annual fee. 2nd is the restricted Construction Supervisors License, which is good and involved testing, but it restricts the contractor only 1 & 2 family housing and only residential construction. The 3rd and highest level of state credential licensing is the Unrestricted Construction Supervisors license. This license involves extensive testing and it allows contractors to work on both residential projects regardless of size and large scale commercial jobs. Even though I don’t do large scale residential developments or a lot commercial construction, I have both an Unrestricted CSL as well as a HIC license. I have an under graduate bachelor’s degree, a Construction Certificate from Wentworth Institute of Technology as well as 16 credits towards a Construction Management Degree from WIT. Unrestricted Construction Supervisors license # 104291 Home Improvement Contractors License # 168258