Other than “Can you fix it?” the questions people most frequently ask have to do with pricing, materials, and a guarantee. Here are a few frequently asked questions:
How do you charge for your work?
I charge by the job. I will communicate with you first by phone, text, or email. I will then do a survey of the work needing to be done, create a defined scope of work, provided an estimated price range, write up a contract, get a deposit (if needed and typically for larger jobs only), and schedule the work.
How small a project will you take on?
I can take on the smallest projects. That being said, a project like patching a single small hole in a bedroom wall requires an investment of time, labor, travel expenses, insurance, and materials, so there is a minimum charge for me to come to your home. That charge is typically between $100 to $200 dollars. It's better for customers to have a few odd jobs they need to get done to make the services I provide cost effective. Customers always get exactly what they pay for, because there are always at least a few projects worth doing in any home. On the other hand, if I think a project is too large, or not up my alley, I will tell you immediately—probably when you first call.
Can I get an estimate before you begin?
Yes. I’ll be happy to provide my best time estimate once I have a complete understanding of the work involved. Occasionally, there may be unanticipated challenges that come up during the job or customer changes to the scope of work that may require a re-estimate. This is rare. Some projects, like repair to old work, can present many unknowns. I try to be upfront with any issues I think I may encounter, and if I feel that a job may have unknowns, I will discuss this with you and provide an estimate that includes a "range" in terms of pricing. If I feel that the job is "too much" for me or beyond my skill set, I will let you know. I also know a very reliable and professional general contractor who I sometimes work with on larger jobs. He has his CSL (Construction Supervisor License), and is able to perform larger jobs requiring such a license.
How do you charge for materials?
My time spent shopping and delivering materials would be included in my estimate. Large purchases of materials may require an advance payment or deposit. In Massachusetts, deposits cannot legally exceed 1/3 of the total cost of the job. I do not "upcharge" on materials.
Do you take away construction trash?
I clean up the work site at the end of each day and sometimes throughout the day, depending on the job. The trash resulting from most projects can easily be bagged and put out for your regular trash pickup. For jobs with large amounts of demolition or construction trash, I recommend that the customer rent a small disposal bin for the duration of the project. I cannot dispose of hazardous waste, but I may be able to find appropriate resources for you.
Who will come to my house?
Most projects require only one person to complete the job, and that person will be me, Kenneth Sutcliffe. In the rare cases where more hands are needed, I may require a laborer or two to assist me. These are young men and women I have worked with in the past and have my complete trust. If I do not trust a person completely, they do not come on a job with me.
How far will you travel?
My service area includes all of the South Shore of Massachusetts. I am a small independent contractor, so I can make any travel arrangement for any job that serves the customer and makes sense for me to take on. Generally speaking, I work with homeowners in the following towns: Freetown, Lakeville, Taunton, New Bedford, Rochester, Marion, Fall River, Westport, Dartmouth, Mattapoisett, Raynham, Bridgewater, and a few other surrounding towns. If you call me, I'm happy to let you know whether or not I service your area.