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Cheap, Good, Fast - PICK TWO 

I saw a sign in a business that had the above phrase on it. While I don't believe in doing any job poorly, I feel this message illustrates to potential customers the challenges for doing something well, for a reasonable price and in a timely manner.

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Working on someone's home or property is extremely personal. That is why I think it's so important that the people you hire in that capacity be qualified and well suited for the job. Here are the things I feel are worth considering when striking up a relationship and project together.

QUALITY

The most important part of our work is the quality. We use well-made tools, draw on years of experience, take time and care to insure things are built and installed at a high level of workmanship. Our hassle-free warranty (see My Pledge page) and quick-response service compliment our work ethic that causes customers to hire us again and again to work on their homes. 

COMMUNICATION

The ability to communicate in a world that has the most high-tech devices to help us, is still challenging. Maybe it's even harder because the world is moving so fast. I use varioius technologies: voice mail, texting, email, cell phone to stay on top of all aspects of a project and to let the customer know what's going on at all times.

SCHEDULING

Generally I do not put job completion deadlines in my proposals, though I am asked frequently how long a job will take. That is a most valid question that a customer should ask. I will volunteer that regardless. I am not a contractor who starts a job, to hook someone into a contract, and then goes off to another job because I have failed to schedule things well. But, as a contractor I often have other things going on, which are necessary to make sure work continues, one job after another, so I have a pay check week after week, not one week, then three weeks later. Generally, when a potential customer has decided to take on a project, and funds are available and set aside, they are ready to begin. Sometimes this is a problem for me. If they call I am often engaged, and may be scheduled out a few weeks or more, a contractor's goal. I am open with people if I can't 'take on a job right away, and hope that person is willing to wait. Sometimes it's not possible and I understand that. Keep in mind that companies that do good work are typically in demand, but these are extraordinary times, so a lot of those rules do not apply. When it comes to kitchens, I pride myself in having a no-lag progression of this type of project. I do everything in my power to get a kitchen functioning again, and then finished up. It is a major undertaking in the simplest of kitchen makeovers. I will never start a kitchen until cabinets have arrived and have been inspected. If you need a deadline, don't hesitate to ask. I will do what I can to accomodate it, and let you know if I can't. I don't ususally plan Saturdays as a regular work day, but things can be done on that day, especially if a deadline is looming.

APPOINTMENTS

I always keep appointments. I am not fickle in this area or any other. I will call if I'm late, or if an emergency arises. Occasionally a conflict may arise. I try to be flexible if a customer needs to re-schedule. I expect similar consideration from people I work with including trades, showrooms, etc.

JOB SITE

Neatness, site safety, protection of homeowner's property are all critical to me in doing our job well. There are phases of a job where there will be lots of mess, like when things are being demolished. But, rest assured that we will take all measures necessary to minimize the spread of dust and debris, protect areas not being worked on, and clean up after ourselves so as not to leave a mess for you to look at or deal with between our visits. It's also extremely important to protect the project as we put things back together. New cabinets, counters, appliances, flooring can be easily damaged by workers still on the job. I am one of those workers. I try to keep the level of consciousness in this area as high as possible to make sure no one is risking damage to our new project components. I have a very good record and have never had to replace any major item because of someone's negligence or reckless behavior.

STRANGERS IN YOUR HOME

I don't hire anyone who I wouldn't feel comfortable working in my own home. I once had an electrician who had his wife as his partner. He had only worked for me for a year and I hadn't been on the job with him to notice that he was constantly yelling at his asssistant, his wife. But one of my customers brought it to my attention. Upon calmly confronting him about it, he became filled with rage and told me to mind my own business. Our relationship ended with that project. I strive for a calm and respectful relationship among all those I work with, especially customers. I don't want to work around someone I don't trust, or someone who doesn't take responsibility for the mess they make. So, I encourage my customers to communicate with me their concerns and grievances. It's a juggling act every day. These are my goals: pleasant relatonships, timely progress, exciting results, and satisfied customers. It is equally important for me to be satisfied with the results from all the people that put a project together and make it a reality. Those I work with feel the same about their jobs.

ACCESS TO YOUR HOME

I have many repeat customers. I am frequently given keys to their homes so that I can come and go as needed. I also put a lock box on the door at times, so the key is there for other trades to come and go, while leaving the key on site. There are also times when customers want to be home while we are there working. It's a very personal thing: inviting others into one's home, whether to work or as a guest. We are guests in your home, and will behave accordingly. Let us know what is comfortable for you regarding access and entry. 

     
 ABOVE: This  is a picture of my first official construction project.  I won the contract to landscape 27 townhouses, in the city of Keego Harbor in the summer of 1971. I was sixteen, naive, and inexperienced. By the end of the summer, I was less of each. The truck at left, is my first vehicle: a 1960 Ford F-100, with a round radio, and holes in the floorboard. I did a lot of landscaping when starting out.

ABOVE: I built this book case for the rector's office at All Saint's Episcopal Church, in Pontiac. The church is one hundred years older than the building this office is in which dates to the 1920s.

BELOW: This mound with broken concrete and steps leading to the top is a bomb shelter right out of the early 1960s. My father was contracted to install a couple of these in our neighborhood. The man that owned the shopping center at the front of our subdivision had one on display, for sale, in front of the drug store. Different times.

GIVE Us A CALL

I was raised in the old school of ethics, business principles and southern courtesy. Be assured that your call will be returned, our appointment kept, communication valued, schedules prioritized. All the people that work with me share these values. When having workers in your home, it's important to know you can trust them, feel comfortable around them, and know that they treat your home with respect and care.

TO SCHEDULE AN APPT.:

Ron    248 762 3511       

info@gthree.net

Ronald K. Gay

146 W. Lawrence St.

Pontiac, MI  48341-1725

Please contact us anytime. We look forward to hearing from you.