I ran into a previous client at the library. We had remodeled their kitchen about 10 years ago, so I wondered if, after so long, they were still pleased with the results.
"It's still the best room in the house," she said.
I thanked her, and then, always curious about our competition, asked about their sunroom addition. We had bid the addition, but they decided to go with a less expensive plan from another builder. I remembered they had a difficult site, with limited access and a back yard on a steep slope. To do the sunroom properly with a basement or crawl space would have been difficult, but in my opinion, worth the time and expense. The sunroom builder they chose had offered to keep the costs down by making it more like a 3 season room, on posts, and using less expensive brands of materials.
At my questions, her face changed to a look of regret. "The kitchen is definitely my favorite room!"
We chatted a bit more, and then I was on my way. But the conversation was a reminder of why I will never be that contractor who is willing to do half a job in order to sell a job.
We live and work in the same community. When I run into previous customers at the library, or the grocery store, or a Cub Scouts meeting, I want to know I delivered a product I can be proud of, and one they will enjoy for years to come. ~Abe
