FAQs
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a BS in Mechanical Engineering and have designed, qualified, deployed, and supported new product development for construction, agricultural, and material handling applications for large OEMs including Bobcat, Caterpillar, and John Deere. I understand how to run complex and expensive projects and how pieces fit into a larger picture. I also understand how to listen to customers--ultimately, I am successful when the customer is pleased with the work completed. I have been working on homes for more than 20 years including several full guts: new plumbing systems, full rewirings, structural reinforcements, rotten exterior wall rebuilds, siding repairs, drywall installation and patching, painting, bathroom remodels, kitchen makeovers, and many many small projects along the way. I am a fully licensed, bonded, and insured General Contractor in Wisconsin but mostly focus on smaller projects typically within the "handyman" scope.
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
I received my first tools before my 10th birthday and have been watching over my father's shoulder even longer than that. Purchasing my first home gave me the opportunity to learn how a deep remodel should be done and the benefits that come from making systems better, more tightly insulated, more convenient, more modern, and more beautiful. I have an insatiable curiosity and will often find a project in order to practice a new skill such as running a structured cabling network with wireless access points and central switching...just for fun!
- What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
Schedule, budget, and a vision of what the "finished state" should look like are keys to a successful project. Most handyman jobs are short duration, but not necessarily. When tackling a larger project, consider how phases of work can be completed to not overly disrupt your daily life. For instance, is a large disruption preferable for a short duration, or is it better to chip away at a project in smaller chunks? As a homeowner myself, I understand the importance of understanding project costs before starting. It is my goal to clarify costs with you before starting work and explain options along the way. Many times a project can be broken down into smaller chunks or spread out over time to allow to stay within your budget. Note that our quotes are that--quotes. We will not go over a quote and charge you extra without your foreknowledge and approval. Where potential for cost-incurring surprises occur such as opening walls to evaluate water damage, we will inform you and review before proceeding. Lastly, consider what you would like your ideal or "dream" house to look like? How can we help you get as close as possible or hopefully even exceed your expectations?