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Your Preferred Handyman........
THIS PAGE MAY TAKE A WHILE TO DOWNLOAD FOR THE PICS.
I can build, repair or remodel most anything in and around your home. All my work comes from references. "Preferred Handyman" isn't advertised anywhere except here.
This summer we did an EXTREME REMODEL.
We added a second floor for a bedroom and doing a complete kitchen and 2 bathroom makeovers. This is the most extreme makeove of my career. It is quite a challenge and 90% of the work has to be done by July 1st so the owner can move in. This project requires moving most of the existing plumbing and about half the electrical. We are basically doing a 75% redo of the entire house. The master bath on the 2nd floor will have a walk in tile shower with no doors.
The original kitchen was about 150 square feet and it will become nearly 500 square feet! The new master bath and new bedroom are above the kitchen area. Off the kitchen area is a first floor laundry room with a laundry shoot from the master bath. The shoot is designed to drop laundry directly on top of the dryer. We're adding about 1,100 square feet to the home.
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| Photo before the project from the back of the house. This was before the extreme work, but before this, we've already spent a week moving wires and plumbing. May 8th, Day 8 |
Ripped the roof off. May 9th, Day 9 |
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| Same view as the photo above. Day 10 |
View from inside the future kitchen. Notice the utility door to the right which is open. NOTICE THE OPEN DOOR.
During this part it looked like a tornado had hit--the homeowner was a little freaked out at this point. Looking at the left photo, we are inside off the deck looking out. Day 11, May 12th. |
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| View of the future kitchen as seen from the above photo. Notice the utility door. Day 12, May 13th. |
Same wall, next day. Notice the same door with the blue wall.
Day 13.May 14th. |
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| Kitchen area coming along fine, Day 13, May 15th. |
Upper bedroom walls going up. Day 14, May 18th. |
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| May 20th, day 16. Kitchen area cleaned and floor patch |
Same view from the drive as in the 2nd photo. Day 15, May 19th. |
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| View from the side yard, day 16. |
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| A view of the master bedroom ceiling. |
Day 30. Sheetrock in goin in. This is a view out the master bedroom through the French doors. |
BEFORE AND AFTER OF THE PROJECT
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| Remember the open door? |
That's the same door on the right. 7/21/07
This photo is taken from the same view as the left photo. |
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| Master shower before |
Master carpenter Randy Jones, just in front of the shower.
Randy is definately one of the key people I depend on. |
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| Master shower after |
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The Fine Print: Legal Stuff
SCHEDULES, PAYMENTS AND CONTRACTS.
FEES:
My hourly rate averages $60 per hour, unless you want to buy the gas; then it's $50 per hour. If it's a project requiring a helper, the rate can average $70 to $80 an hour. It depends on the project and if I bidded the project. I rarely bid a project unless your willing to sign a contract that you won't change a project in mid stream, unless that clause and extra labor are included in the estimate. If your on the internet, I update you project every afternoon with our progress. I can accept Visa and Mastercard payment via PayPal.
A handyman is the right guy you call through references and word of mouth - like me. A handyman is skilled at most all levels. A good handyman saves you money, shows up on time and saves you money because he works for himself and has to impress only you and not a boss. His bill is cheaper than these guys.
I work six days a week. I prefer to work from 7 or 7:30 AM to 1 to 2 PM. For small repairs or emergencies I can usually be there the next morning and can tell you by phone if it's a water problem and how to temporarily stop it. On repairs that take a couple of days, I usually require material fees up front and payment upon completion. On large remodels requiring more than a week, decks or major repairs, I need material costs up front (or you get the materials). I need 20% up front and get paid when I need it. Usually every 3 days. On bidded contracts, it'll be in the contract. I rarely eat lunch on the job, but when I do it's usually a hot dog.
I get up between 3 and 4 am and it usually takes me about 2 hours to shower, have my coffee, feed the cats and plan my day. I'm usually out the door by 6 AM. I'm at Home Depot or wherever by 6:45. I'm usually there about 20 minutes and get what I need while nobody else is there. I'm at the job by 7:30 and work till noon or 1. It takes me anywhere from 30 to 40 minutes to get home, depending where I'm at. By 1:30, I'm at the computer till around 4:30 or 5, updating my business stuff and planning tomorrow. Although you may only see me for 5 hours or so, I was already working for you probably before you woke up and long afterwards after I make it home. I usually can relax from 4:30 or so in the afternoon and am in bed by 7 PM to wake up and do it all over again. I LOVE IT!!!
PERMITS
You get all the permits if needed. I have current business license and am insured through GENERAL CASUALTY. It is your project, not mine, but I'll help you with the process of a permit, if needed. There a major loop holes for homeowners who need permits. It saves you money and time if I suddenly become your brother in law.
If the home owner gets the permit, he usually only has to provide a simple drawing and pay $25 for a permit. Most Cities and Homeowner Associations are really lax if a homeowner is doing the work themselves or with friends and family. So in this case, I become your relative.
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