What the homeowner didn’t realize was that the job couldn’t possibly be done for 400.00 so after shelling out 1/2 of the 400.00 ( this pricing included the trim by the way )…after just one coat of paint was applied, they contacted my brother to get the job done properly.

Another example. A woman has had a leaking window in her home for a long period of time. Her son had a friend who was down and out, and needed the money. So when he came to her she naturally wanted to help him, and in turn get her window repaired “cheap”. The end result? The window continued to leak, and she was out the money she paid. She found out about S.Colwell Construction through a mutual friend, and contacted me. The water damage was repaired, and the leaking window fixed.

The bottom line here is, it always cost’s more money to have something done by a professional. However, it cost’s even more money to have a professional walk into someone else’s improperly done ( or started ) job.

If your paying 700.00 to have a job done, when you could have had the job done by a professional for 1,200.00 and the 700.00 job is just a temporary fix what are you saving?

Regardless if you are remodeling your kitchen, bath, or building a deck. Adding some crown molding or trim to your home, or simply pressure washing a patio or sidewalk. Hire a professional, get the job done right, the first time.

This couple had just purchased a property with the intentions of renting it, and wanted an extensive remodel. New appliances, new flooring and carpeting throughout the entire first floor including the staircase. New kitchen cabinets and counter top, all new hardware, electrical outlets, switches, and cover plates. Repaint the entire interior and 1 wall of wood siding which was in deplorable condition. New down spouting, removal of asbestos wrapped plumbing pipes in basement..( this was used for insulation long ago )..handrails, and an assortment of other misc. items including exterior doors, railings and more.

After spending many hours on this estimate and meeting with the owners to submit it to them I was at that time handed a scope of work which they wanted adhered too. This scope of work was beyond what I had included in my original estimate and also what was originally discussed. Back to the drawing board…

I now have countless hours in putting together 2 estimates for this job, and as the investment of time on my part increases so does the need to be awarded the job so I am not “working for free”

After recompiling an estimate that included and covered their entire scope of work and resubmitting it to the owners..( my estimate was now 12,000.00 + over there original stated “budget” ) …I was then informed that because I was over budget they would be going with a less expensive estimate.

More recently I was given a lead on two jobs in two separate locations, both an hour away from me one way and an hour away from one another respectively. I informed the potential client that there would be a fee for the estimates which would be deducted from the total pricing from each project should I be awarded the jobs. The prospective client became immediately put off, almost offended, and immediately ended the conversation.

The fee I was going to charge for these estimates? A mere $125.00 and again this would only be charged to them if I wasn’t awarded the projects.

Time is money, this is an issue we all face in our working environments regardless of what your occupation is, or whether or not you are self employed or working for a corporation. We all feel the pressure put on us by our employers, our colleagues, or managerial staff.

No one want’s to go to work and be told ” you might get paid for doing this ” But in the end that’s what it really amounts too for me. While I do not charge for every estimate I give..( based upon overall time needed to complete the estimate and cost of job. These two variables go hand in hand for one another. )… I cannot work for free anymore than anyone reading this. Estimates are work Ladies and Gentlemen.

Deck stains for example, amongst other things as reported by Consumer Reports in their 2010 buying guide states that while the Behr Deck, Fence and Siding 200 line product out performed all others tested it had 2/3rds more VOC..( Volatile Organic Compounds )…than the next closest competitor. Sears Weatherbeater Deck, Fence and Siding nearly performed as well as the Behr product, is “greener” than the Behr product and costs $5.00 less per gallon.

The moral of the story here is, going green doesn’t always cost more. But overall if you want to go green on your next Kitchen remodel, or renovation project it will cost you more at some point. Seems odd doesn’t it, I mean if going green is such a good thing why are the products priced so high? Hopefully as time progresses green remodeling will be a viable option for more and more homeowners. But until that time comes, educate yourself, and prepare to dig deep in your pockets for most “green ” items.

The covered facilities include residential, public or commercial buildings where children under age six are present on a regular basis as well as all rental housing. The rule applies to renovation, repair or painting activities. It does not apply to minor maintenance or repair activities affecting less than six square feet of lead-based paint in a room or less than 20 square feet of lead-based paint on the exterior. Window replacement is not minor maintenance or repair.

For more information straight from the EPA on this matter you may follow this link EPA

Kitchen Remodel: When remodeling a kitchen, it is best to keep everything in moderation. There is certainly money to be made from updating an outdated kitchen. However, when you add in expensive upgrades like restaurant quality appliances and high end custom cabinets, you may not make your money back.

Bathroom Remodel: Bathroom remodels almost always earn a great return on investment, even with high quality upgrades. Bathrooms are one area of the home where buyers really appreciate upgrades and modern conveniences.

Basement Remodel: If yours is unfinished, finishing it can be an easy way to add some additional square footage without the cost of an addition. The space is already existing, which is much more cost effective than starting from scratch.

Keep in mind that adding a deck or patio to your house is one of the most valuable additions you can include in your home. A wood deck is the least expensive addition but increases the selling price of most homes. You’ll probably recoup about 75-90% of the costs for a deck if it is well-designed and well-maintained.

A quick and relatively inexpensive way to get a substantial home value increase with remodel on your home is to replace the flooring in the home with hardwood floors. Hardwood floors significantly add to your home’s beauty and value. Ugly carpet in a home can really turn off prospective buyers. Hardwood floors have a great ROI and are likely to influence prospective buyers to purchase your home.

Check Comparable Homes: See what else is in your area. While master suite and bathroom additions don’t generally make good investments, you may consider them if all the other homes in your area have them. It brings your home up to par and levels the playing field.

Home improvement projects often result in increasing the value of your home, but if you’re not careful, you could go too far with your investment. Make sure you are increasing the value of your home or property without going over the top by taking your deck, or other improvements beyond the limits of the neighborhood, geographic region, or your own home. Additions should be a natural extension of an existing home and should fit in well with the surroundings.

If you are on the fence for deciding to make changes in, or attempting to market your residence, it is essential to reach the best decision. S.Colwell Construction can assist you in determining the renovations to accommodate your lifestyle and be a big help as soon as you decide to sell. Although things may well be a bit constricted financially because of the present situation, interest rates are reasonably low, home remodeling contractors are not as busy as before, so you ought to be able to make the renovations at a reasonable cost all around. Let S.Colwell Construction be your choice. You’ll be very happy you did.

It is trust. Without trust, the contractor will never, ever get his foot in the door. And the homeowner will never get anywhere with the contractor. Trust is earned, valued, and the ultimate reward.

My company is built upon a foundation of integrity, a diligent work ethic, and honesty. It is through this structure that I am able to establish lasting relationships with clients rather than just “transactions”.

Here is just 1 example of what could happen if you don’t research your contractor.

Protect yourself, and your home. Only hire qualified contractors, check their references.

01. Do you enjoy physical work?

02. Are you persistent and patient?

03. Do you have reliable work habits? (This means that once you start, it will get finished in a timely manner)

04. Do you have all the tools needed and the skills required to do the job?

05. What quality level do you need for this project? Are your skills at that level?

06. Do you have the time that will be required to complete the project? (FYI – the first time you do something, it will almost always take 2 to 3 times as long as a “normal” install, then you also have to calculate how tired you will be at the end of your normal workday or work week)

07. Will it matter to you or other family members if the project remains unfinished for an extended period of time?

08. Are you prepared to handle the kind of stress this project will create in your family relationships?

09. Do you know all of the steps involved in the project?

10. Have you gotten and reviewed the installation instructions from the manufacturer to determine whether this product will meet your needs, that you have the abilities to install it, and do you have the tools necessary / ability to rent them? (Most manufacturers installation instructions can be found on the web)

11. Is this a job you can do completely by yourself or will you need assistance? If you do need assistance, what skill level is involved for your assistant and do they have that knowledge and skill level? If you need a professional subcontractor, do you have access to a skilled labor pool?

12. Are you familiar with your local building codes and permit requirements?

13. Do you have a plan for what to do if the project goes awry / location of the main water shutoff?

14. Is it safe for you to do this project? (Everyone’s health and safety should be your primary concern)

15. Will you be able to obtain the materials you need? Who will be your source of supply? Will they deliver?

16. Are you attempting to do-it-yourself for financial reasons? If so, have you looked at all of your costs, including the cost of materials, your time, and the tools you need to purchase or rent? You may also want to look at the cost to correct any mistakes you may make—i.e., the damage factor. Will it still be a cost-saving venture?

17. If you are trying DIY for the satisfaction of a job well done—can you ensure that the job will be “well done”? If it doesn’t come out right, how will you feel? Will you be able to afford to redo any unsatisfactory work?

According to what was posted if you answer yes to 8 or more of these questions, you may be able to tackle the project and succeed. Just remember it always costs more to step into the middle of something someone else has begun, find and correct errors and then finish.

And more importantly, what deciding factors will you use in making that decision? Will overall cost be the deciding factor, or will it be a combination of things that make up the overall big picture? Lets take a minute and look at a possible scenario. Big contractor versus small business owner…

Big contractor has been in business for many years, and is well established. You the homeowner are contacted by a salesman who reaffirms the above by using it as a selling point. You are shown various offers and told about promotions and specials, all of which are geared towards his #1 priority..selling the job. You are assured that quality and service are the big contractors priority, and again reminded of how long they have been in business.

The project begins, and there are any given number of workers at your residence, ( several of which aren’t true professionals at their trade ) all busy doing different tasks and pressing forward with your project. The goal is to get done, at any cost or measure regardless of corners cut or questionable workmanship. Time progress’s and your project is complete, you pay big contractor and enjoy the end result..or do you?

So, what did you really get for your money? Lets look at the above a little closer and point out some things that may not be so obvious to the general consumer or homeowner. Big contractor has big overhead. All those trucks, employees..( including salesmen )..tool’s and equipment. Not to mention the shop, materials and a host of other things to add to the list. Big contractor is big. Will you get the personalized service and attention you the homeowner are paying for? Or will you just be another number…

To all of us time is money, however to big contractor this phrase means everything. It means more than personal service, quality control, more than even you the homeowner. After all, big contractor has been in business for xx years. If one homeowner has a questionable response when asked what they thought of the job and how it was handled, it can always be rationalized by simply stating that you the homeowner is unrealistic. This “one” questionable response won’t hurt big contractor, he and his business will press on without realizing any measurable negative effects.

This is what separates me from big contractor. You, the homeowner are the most important thing to me. Your response to the questions about my work ethic, professionalism, attention to detail, and overall costing are paramount. What other benefits are you going to realize by hiring me? You get an actual professional with 27+ years of experience working in your home, not a 12.00 or 15.00 an hour employee who is disgruntled about his job, and wages before he ever sets foot inside your door.

No cut corners
No gimmicks
No smoke and mirrors
Just professional results.