Below are frequently asked questions. Should there be a question or answer that isn't below, please send us that question in the Contact Form. We'll try our best to answer it as soon as we can.
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What geographic area do you cover?
We are located in Essex County, Massachusetts (Boston's North shore). We cover the towns and cities within Essex County. Typically our work has been concentrated in towns near or along Route 128 and I-95.
Do you have a Service Agreement?
Yes we do. We refer to it as Client Agreement. We review this with you when we conduct our initial work assessment and estimate. Once this is signed it allows us to perform work on that job and future jobs.
Do you charge for job estimates?
There is no cost for estimates on small or medium size jobs. Small and medium-size jobs normally cost under $500 and $1,000 respectively. We find that most of our jobs fall into the small and medium-size category.
There may be a fee involved for on large job estimates, over $1,000 dollars, that require a more detailed proposal including designs, materials list, level of effort, timeline, hours breakdown, specialized license skills, permits, etc.
Do you charge for drive time to and from each job?
We charge for work-related travel during the job if we must pick up or purchase an item necessary to complete that job. A travel charge for jobs over 15 minutes to arrive is possible and is typically discussed during the job estimate.
What are your regular and non-regular work hours?
Regular business hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. For your convenience, we can schedule jobs earlier or later in the day to match your plans. We are closed on Sundays. Work hours scheduled on Saturdays and Holidays are non-regular business hours and may be subject to a charge of 1.5 times the regular hourly labor rate.
Will you work with other home contractors?
Yes, we will. If your job requires the need for another specialized licensed contractor: electrician, plumber, builder, etc. to help complete work, and who you normally use, we are happy to co-ordinate work with them. We are also happy to introduce you to our own network of specialized licensed contracting professionals to help complete that job. We'll also help co-ordinate job completion efforts on your behalf.
How do your hourly rates work?
Service resources working on your tasks, projects or errands are charged to you at an hourly rate with a two-hour minimum. After the second hour, we charge an hourly rate rounding up work time to the next half hour.
Example #1: We complete 2 work tasks during a job, with one person, which takes 70 minutes. For that job, you would be charged for two (2) hours of labor at the set minimum rate plus any additional cost for materials, travel, and debris disposal.
Example #2: We complete 5 work tasks during a job, with one person, which takes 2 hours and 25 minutes to complete. For that job, you would be charged for the two-hour minimum and thirty (30) minutes of labor at the set hourly rate plus any additional cost for materials, travel, and disposal.
How do you want payments for jobs?
If a job is less than $1,000 dollars we expect final payment on the day of job completion.
If a job is over $1,000 dollars we will follow a payment schedule of 1/3 payment on client signing the job estimate, 1/3 at a scheduled mid-point date of the job and 1/3 at job completion.
When are you available to work?
Regular hours are Monday to Friday from 9:00 pm to 5:00 pm. We can start a job earlier in the morning or extend it later as long as we can schedule that time in advance. With a scheduled appointment we are happy to plan for non-regular work hours: Late-nights, Saturdays and Holidays. We are normally closed for work on Sundays.
Can I be involved in your work?
We welcome and expect your involvement in overseeing and communicating your needs and the efforts of our work. We also want to share information and knowledge with you. That way maybe you'll have time to do-it-yourself the next time. However, we do not engage you to perform work we've been asked to complete.
If I have the materials, tools or equipment can you use them so I can save cost?
Absolutely, provided you have signed our work agreement.
Have you had a CORI & SORI verification in MA?
Yes, I have successfully completed this several times due to my work and volunteer efforts with towns on the North shore. We feel it is important to have the understanding that someone working for you has completed a prior criminal or sexual record check.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Our business is registered as a Home Improvement Contractor in the State of Massachusetts and the business is insured.