What do you enjoy about the work you do?
Having a passion for building science I enjoy educating homeowners on house the home preforms as a system. From your hvac, to the bath fans everything has a purpose and needs to be maintained. Creating healthier more energy efficient homes is the main focus of the company. Health and safety is always first then energy consumption.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Typical when I am approached by a new customer, I get to understand the client’s needs. Also, I inform the client of things they may have not thought of that need to be done to properly complete the task at hand. We focus on the client’s needs, while keeping health and safety in mind. Once we have a better understanding of the task at hand, I like to meet the client in person and view their scope of work. From there we create a proposal for the client to review and either accept or decline.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have numerous hours logged through the Building Performance Institute (BPI). My specialty is energy conservation. We retrofit homes to be less energy dependent. Along with that comes the nature of the work involving drywall repairs, flooring, basic carpentry, windows and doors, along with many other skilled trades. I currently have a Class D license through the City of Longmont and studying to achieve my ICC W13 license. Once I take the test I will be able to work in more jurisdictions as a licensed General Contractor.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your service? If so, please share the details here.
Since my project vary from; painting, drywall repairs, whole house fan installs, evaporation coolers and efficiency upgrades; my price is per job. I do give discounted rates to returning clients, as all my work comes from word of mouth. I like to give a solid proposal so there is no confusion on the final invoice. If there is a change order it will be discussed and fully understood before the work is performed.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
While I was attending school for my Computer Aided Drafting and Design degree, I meet a local contractor that was notorious for building net zero houses. He showed me the ropes of how to make a property less energy dependent. Working in tight and dusty spaces I soon learned I had a skill for this type of work. I expanded my skill set and the tool bag began to grow. Being a perfectionist has made me very detailed oriented, in return I product great, clean work.
What types of customers have you worked with?
I have dealt with both homeowner and tenant occupied properties. For most the home performance work I do, my clients tend to work from home. A lot of my clients have a conscious about global warming and want to do their part to lower the carbon foot print.
I also work with the typical homeowner who has a list of things they need repaired or serviced in their home. I am your one stop shop for anything construction related.
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
A recent project of mine took two weeks to complete from start to finish. We up graded the performance of a 1200 square foot ranch. Before I arrived, the client was either too hot or too cold depending on the season. We vacuumed out his attic and started from scratch since the property was built in the early 60’s. We then added the appropriate attic ventilation and air sealed the floor of the attic. This redefined the envelope of the house, to keep the conditioned air inside the property longer. We added a whole house fan to cut his cooling cost up to 85% and put in proper mechanical ventilation to insure we meet the building airflow standard. This house now uses less than half the energy it once did and the temperature is consistent throughout the property.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
I recommend a customer getting at least three proposals on their project. This should give them the high, medium and low end of how much the project should cost. Also ask lots of questions, get informed and understand what you are getting for the money you are spending.
What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
Customers should ask themselves if they are shopping around or ready to hire. Also the should create a list of specific questions for the job. Asking for insurance is key, as well as, if the contractor has any references.