Without consciously knowing it I have become experienced in-home renovations so people with health problems or are getting older may comfortably age in place. Whether that be an addition that is for an aging or ailing relative that can easily transition into an Airbnb rental or a place for college kids to come and go or it’s renovating a bathroom in a way that is stylish, timeless but also has all the takes care of the potential limitations an aging adult may have. Such as a bench, grab bars, and larger doorways for walkers or a wheelchair. I’ve learned over the years when I was an assistant marketer to an expert in the aging field. While there I learned that the longer someone can stay in place they know and surrounded by people that love them they have a better-quality end of life. That’s not to say that nursing homes aren’t bad, but I like to be able to help people age in place if I can. Do you need an estimate on support to age in place?
It's not my project it's yours
Once upon a time I remodeled a kitchen with aqua cabinets. I built new flat panel doors, installed a back splash and countertop added new hardware and hinges. This particular kitchen often gets a negative response from the masses. But I share it because it is not HGTV approved. It’s a perfect example of my ability as a service provider to put aside my ideas and opinions and do my best to give you your vision as the client. Because really if it isn’t a safety issue and it’s not against code I’m going to do whatever you want as long as it’s in budget.
What’s your unique style or vision that isn’t on HGTV? How can I help? Lets talk Contact me directly at (6150375-6081
Bri
How much does a free estimate really cost?
In my industry it is common practice to provide a free estimate for services requested. This isn’t an unreasonable request. Nevertheless, it does come with a cost. Only it’s not something you pay for as the client.
It’s paid by me.
A free estimate process goes a little something like this.
You have heard about me somehow and you reach out to see what the steps are to get an estimate.
I contact you back and we set up a phone consultation.
On that call I learn about you, your project, and your budget. If we are a good fit, I will then set up the site visit.
During the site appointment I get measurements and take lots of pictures. After that your part is essentially done for the moment.
From that point I will build a project design board or design a floor plan. Then break it down by task and materials necessary to complete. I will communicate with a vendor for each trade (for example the licensed electrician or hvac specialist) and get their projected cost for their skills. I then type up a line itemized estimate
Once I have the estimate I will either send you an email with the total or meet with you personally at my office and go over it line by line. After that if you’d like to work together, I draw up a contract and we set a start date where I have the opportunity to work for you.
While you didn’t have to put anything out at this point. I have spent 8-16 hours on your free estimate. Costing myself anywhere from $800-$2,000 worth of my time and energy. So, when you are considering asking someone for a free estimate consider how close you are to actually being ready to go through with a project. Because it saves the contractor a lot of time and it also protects you. Most estimates are only valid for 30 days because the cost of material fluctuates so much.
I hope this was helpful and resourceful for you. With that said would you like to set up a call to discuss your project?
Bri
I'm Not Interested in Competition
I do not compete with other builders. Here's why I don't compete with other builders. Because I consider us to be on the same team. I don't compete with handyman, because I consider us to be on the same team. Were all members of humanity. A lot of times I am not the right fit as a contractor, builder or remodeler for a client. Whether that be personalities, personal beliefs budgets, timing, or abilities there's lots of reasons why I'm not the best fit or they're not the best fit for me. When that happens, I'm so glad there are other amazing contractors and handymen in the city that would be a better fit.
Because at the end of the day we're in a housing deficit. There's not enough to go around there's not enough affordable to go around and there's not enough of trade licensed people to go around. Recently as of the typing of this blog the age in the US that someone is buying their first home is 38 years old. That’s a staggering fact. As I bought my first house when I was 21.
My oldest child is 30 and they can’t buy a house either. As a builder that makes me so sad and I’m rooting for my kids and your kids to be able to build purchase or renovate the homes that they want to buy.
So even if we don’t end up working together and you choose someone else. I’m still rooting for you. Just cause we don’t share the same jobsite doesn’t mean I don’t want you to have your own.
We all gain when we quit competing and start collaborating.
If you’d like to have a free consolation about a project feel free to shoot me a text or email.
Have a great day
Bri
Unexpected Client Sources creates Lasting Relationships
Once upon a time I wasn’t as busy as I’d like to be as a builder and home renovator. And with my marketing background I was looking for new and exciting ways to connect with clients. I signed up for several of those sites kind of like Angie’s List. I can’t remember what all they were but they are mostly gone now. I can say they didn’t last and I’m not surprised. As a contractor my experience was not at all supportive in fact with the amount of money I paid out to even be on the site I feel like I should have at least been took out for a meal.
But I digress, the one good thing to come out of it was my new clients. They were a couple that literally were my last referral I was entertaining doing any work for from the referral site. By this point I had already deactivated the account. They didn’t even know how close I was to canceling I’d been so jaded by this point. Luckily my gut said keep the appointment.
Lucky for us all.
We ended up doing a bathroom and kitchen renovation to prep their house for selling. Then we had the opportunity to build them a house in the country they moved to after a rather quick sale. The wife had an eye for anticipating what the buyers would want and had enough sense to design for them.
Here are some before and after photos of the kitchen and bath renovation.
