Basic Business Practices:
Gordon Morrow Construction

How I Work

Good communication between the Contractor and Client is the number one most important element in remodeling. I try hard to develop and maintain good communication with my clients, and I encourage them to talk with me as soon as there is a problem. Remodeling is a surprisingly complex process often involving several trades—each one trying to run a productive and profitable business. Remodeling is also a very intimate line of work: it is not unlike a marriage. Especially on a longer job, your Contractor may come to know you better than your own physician. I urge you to choose a Contractor you can work and live with!

I take great pride in my work and am pleased when a client likes the results. I operate from the philosophy that “quality is enjoyed long after price is forgotten.” I put a lot of effort into being highly organized and efficient on all my jobs and I work only one job at a time. I stay on a job until it is 100% complete (or has been taken as far as possible at that point in time). I like things clean, in order and on time. I try to get in, get the job done properly and get out.

I like my work, but it is also my profession. Therefore I will bid so that I can pay for health insurance, time off, maintain my work truck and tools, and build a retirement fund. You expect me to do the work I promise and I expect to be paid on time. I know what my costs are and I try to set a fair price based on what I believe it will take to get the job done as contracted. Remember: remodeling means there are plenty of unknowns and complications. It has always been an expensive proposition.

Consultation Fee

Professional results begin with a professional relationship between the Contractor and Customer. Thus I charge an initial consultation fee of $75, which is credited back if I do work for you. I charge for this first visit because I give out a lot of information that requires my professional time, knowledge, experience and opinion. Most on-site consultations are for one hour and are scheduled during normal work hours Monday through Friday.

Remember, “free estimates” aren't really free! Somebody has to pay for that lost productive time and that cost just gets passed on to the next paying customer. It doesn't feel right to take advantage of my paying customers by making them pay extra to cover for those who have no intention of doing business and just want free information. This happens a lot to contractors, especially those dealing directly with homeowners. It is often the real reason why they often don't return your phone messages— the contractor senses that the caller just wants free information and has no intention of hiring them. If you have ever run your own business, you will understand exactly what I am talking about.

Bids

All bids are in writing. On straight-forward jobs, I may write up a bid on the spot. Others I will have to go home and think about it first — what appears simple and straightforward to the layperson may in fact be quite complex to a knowledgeable professional. I will also charge for bids requiring substantial research and design time to prepare. In such cases, the amount will be agreed upon before I start any work.

Contracts

I love a good contract! Details are carefully spelled out in writing and signed by both parties before work begins. This is the single most important step in ensuring a satisfactory outcome of any remodeling project and I urge all homeowners to begin no work without one. A contract does not have to be complex to be effective.

Don't be intimidated by a highly detailed contract! Read it carefully, ask questions, hand-write in any changes, and have both parties initial them. Once this foundation of trust and understanding is established, you can throw it in a drawer. You will only need it if there is a problem.

Advanced payments

For a larger job, I will normally require partial payment before the job begins. This money is used to buy materials, hire labor, rent tools etc. It also cements the fact that we have committed to doing business: you have hired me to perform a job and I have promised to complete it!

Yes, I know that the newspaper articles tell you to never pay out money up front, and you should definitely not unless the Contractor offers proof of valid License. If a Contractor is licensed he is also bonded and insured. Bonded means there is a pot of money (typically $12,000) held in trust. If the Contractor skips town with your check, you can get it back from the Bond company.

Contact

If you have questions or are interested in scheduling a consultation,
please call me during regular work hours
at (206) 605-1645, Monday through Friday.

Or send an email to: