Or maybe you can. It really depends on your own definition of value, but this entry in geared towards those of us who value value over pricing.

We all want to keep as much money in our pockets as we can without jeopardizing the value of what we purchase whether it is goods or services. But who wins what when a good contractor takes every job he can get his hands on no matter what the cost? Let's break it down. 

Keeping it short, you want a bookshelf that will not only last, but want all the bells and whistles, trim oil paint, etc. and to pay as little as possible. I come in, determine it will take three days to build and install a solid quality product 100% guaranteed, $350 in top grade materials, give you a bid for $1000 installed. LB Contractor comes in, looks at the project, asks what other bids you've recieved, and gives you a quote of $900. A third drooling street performer gives you a bid for $700. Do you think they are going to save you money on labor or materials or both? Are they comparing apples to apples? Perhaps both, but not very much on labor. LB Contractor may have decent materials left over from another project. Although new materials, you still pay for them. Street performer has stock piles of other peoples' ripped out raggedy old bookshelves they replaced with new ones and used old materials to build your "new" bookshelf...

I can't say much about LB Contractor; he may be another decent professional.

Street performer, however, has no concept of what it takes to run a successful business. In a year you won't be able to contact him because he skipped town.

This is just one made up senario, but I can't say that it doesn't happen. Let your imagination run wild, do someo research about service nightmares or reflect on your own. I can say that when I do a job for you, you get what you pay for: everything brand new! I am not a bottom feeder looking for the crumbs off the table. If you want good, quality service and value for your hard-earned dollar, then you need to hire a professional who will treat you as you are, VALUABLE!

This question is always asked prior to the start on any project. Just like the cost estimate of a project, the time estimate is the same, an estimate. A good professional knows that the only promise he or she can make is to do their absolute best to complete the project by a given deadline, but anything can throw that goal off track. The key is for the professional to make the best use of the time.

Here's an example. I was promised a delivery date for flooring materials on Tuesday afternoon. When I called the supplier, I was informed only then that the manufacturer did not load the product on the truck. Rather than creating an uproar, I made arrangements with the customer and the supplier and all was well. This was all because of my knowledge of the bigger process of getting materials and because I explained how everything is only tentative until all the pieces are in place. Only then can promises be made, but again, only at it's best.

For another customer, this was great! I was able to rearrange my schedule and complete another project while we waited for materials to arrive. Unfortunately, it doesn't always pan out so well. Schedules are very important to keep not only for the professional, but first for the customers.

I do my absolute best to keep my schedules on time, but try not to make promises I just don't know I can keep. I definitely don't make promises based on the suppliers expected dates for materials to arrive. In my experience, even when the materials arrive, they must be inspected before scheduling with the customer.

Today my twin brother and I worked on a kitchen remodel. We removed ancient cabinets, removed a soffit, replaced the drywall, swapped places with the the stove and refrigerator, removed an exterior window and brick wall to open a new passageway. Tomorrow we are finishing the drywall mud work and painting. Finally once the tilesetter finished the floor, we will install new cabinets and have the plumber put the kitchen in its working order. Productive day today. Its April 1st and I don't have a twin brother, but we are doing this project!