1. What do you suggest for materials?
Most people are baffled by all the window, door and building product choices. Most manufacturers are using less wood partly because the price of lumber has risen exponentially since 1970. The technology of veneering and laminating wood products has improved substantially. Not only has the use of solid wood products declined, but all lumber and lumber by-products used have declined because of developments made with composite materials. Also, vinyl, steel and aluminum-clad products are now commonly found in most homes. This gives you a wider range of choices. Construction material technology is advancing at such a fasts pace that even people in the trades are having trouble keeping up.

2. How long will it take to complete my job?
Repairing glass is a labor intensive process that takes at least two days to complete if done properly. That means removing the sash and repairing the window on a flat surface. I do this as a courtesy for customers only in conjunction with other work.
I do not repair storm windows. Most are old, frail and generally fall apart when removed.
To install a replacement window depending on how much rebuilding of the window casing and sill usually requires a couple hours per window.
Metal casement windows are a problem so I do not repair them. I only replace these windows.
I only replace basement windows.
For epoxy repairs I use Flex-Tec HV. This material is expensive and has little to no shelf life. For thresholds, columns, window sills, window mortis and tendon joins, or anywhere there is stress or seasonal swelling, I insist on using this product. There are less expensive materials that are perfectly acceptable for other applications. This process can take several days because of set up and drying time.
It is not uncommon for an exterior door to take two days to install because of sill and frame problems.
Pre-hung interior doors can be installed rather quickly if it is a simple matter of removing the old door and installing a new pre-hung door.
It takes three to five weeks wait for kitchen cabinets and it generally takes one week for installation. During the wait the original kitchen can be gutted and the plumber and electrician can do their rough work.
Porch enclosure, assemble of the actual enclosure usually takes three to four days.

3. What will it cost?
I believe in time-and-material. With this type of contract my customer is asked to pay for the actual and fair costs of their work. I work with the customer to determine what they want, and we develop a budget as a result. This avoids bids with padding for unknowns. In a few cases, if the work is well defined I will ask for a fixed price. I am willing to co-operate with a customers who choose to do their own shopping and purchasing of products. I do, however, charge customers a fee for time spent shopping and picking up products.

4. What will be done with trash?
Disposal of building materials in a responsible manner is a simple matter of calling a disposal contractor. My customers generally find someone in the yellow pages.

5. How do I choose a contractor?
Only work with licensed contractors, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides you with recourse against shoddy work. And make sure they are fully insured or the consequences of an accident could be extremely costly.
A contract isn’t a contract unless it’s in writing so make sure everything is spelled out and everyone agrees and signs.
Many home improvement companies are in the marketing business. Even though their truck delivers the products, the installation is done by subcontractors. You have the right to select who is going to be in your home so ask questions.

6. What can I do to help?
The type of work contractors do is tool and material intensive. They must have convenient parking, electricity and access to bathroom. And remember, a contractor is not a mover. Create an easy access and safe environment for the work to be done.
It is not unreasonable to ask for your home to be left clean after the days work is complete.

It’s your home. Why not work with an independent contractor who sells you the product and installs it. You’ll save yourself the 7 to 10 percent sales commission.