CZK Renovations, LLC

When I get a lead from a new potential client I ask them some simple questions about their percieved scope of the project in order to easier help them understand the process involved. After the initial phone correspondence, I'll set up an appointment to visit the home, meet them and walk through the measuring or material options so I can prepare an initial estimate and give them time to consider different options to save time or money. From there, I also try to make as many recommendations as possible about prioritizing their projects. If I can see that the windows are terrible but they need a new heating system as well, I will tell them to spend the money on the basics first, rather than getting a fancy new countertop or home theater. Sometimes that means I may lose a job, but most people are very grateful for the advice and highly likely to call me when they have the money to spend on their upgrades. 

I started working on houses at 14 years old with a friend's father who owned a contracting business. I studied Engineering and Business at UCONN, and managed two different mechanical businesses, and taught at a technical college, prior to, and after opening my own construction business when I was 24. I completely remodeled an investment property for myself right after college, and I enjoyed the work so much that I decided to do it for a living. I am also an ASE certified auto/truck technician and manager, which has added considerably to my problem solving skills with houses. I have also received training in my field from manufacturers such as Harvey Building Products, Drexel Metals, Huber, BuildBlock, Andersen, Certainteed, Tamko, Azek and Trex. We try to attend industry seminars as often as possible to stay up to date on products and methods, as well as staying abrest of the newest building codes and standards for our industry.

No pricing can truly be standardized, as every house and every project takes on a life of its own, however, we try to be as competetive as possible and offer price matching for like, kind and quality jobs offered from other qualified contractors. We're always happy to provide clear and concise estimates free of charge for almost all projects. The exception is when planning and architectural/engineering services are needed in order to provide a quote. I have also always been forthcoming in encouraging clients to seek additional bids and compare them for like, kind and quality. I offer price matching guarantees for anyone recieving a line for line comparable bid from another qualified contractor. 

From my earliest memory, I've always been drawn to working with my hands and designing architectural pieces and structures. I enjoy the utilization of materials in an efficient way as to create something sustainable well into to future. My background in engineering and economics, as well as my early influences from family members in various technical and social fields has fueled my desire to achieve function and form in its utmost sychrony. My end goal for the industry is to achieve a net zero building standard that draws upon all available resources for the accomplishment of that goal, and to do so within reasonable budgetary constraints. 

This almost sounds like a trick question! All types. Each person is as unique as their home and their projects. Of course there can be some tough cookies that are wholly unreasonable, but most people are happy to have us there as they see their homes or work environments changing for the better.

Any recent adoption of high energy efficient building techniques developed in other countries, namely European ones, by the ASTM. In the United States, we fall dismally behind other countries in many progressive construction technology ideas, not the least of which is progressive and sustainable building practices. Many of the exellent materials we use now were available in Europe over 30 years ago, but only came to our shores within the last decade or so due to an outdated testing system we use to prove the materials' sufficiency to our random standard. Whether it's politics, or if you really believe it, high standards of conformity, we as Americans are losing out on technologies that can better ours standard of living through efficient and sustainable building practices; and this is simply happening due to abject bureaucracy and ignorance amongst political influencers.  

Don't always hire someone because they have an answer right now, hire them because they have the right answer. Remember the three 'C's': Confidence, Competence and Courtesy. If the people working for you don't have those, don't hire them. On top of that, It's nice to see a license and insurance, but don't necessarily trust references. Anyone offering a reference is highly unlikely to give you the info for a dissatisfied client. 

Think about the contractors' schedule. We're pretty busy people, so if you're planning an addition, kitchen or bath remodel, deck, patio or other large undertakings, make sure you start the process at least 6 months in advance. Custom materials should also be considered and researched well in advance as to avoid delays on finishing. Other projects like flooring, windows and doors, painting etc, may only need a month or less to get ready, but still account for the time it takes to plan properly. Ask about warranties and all product information before you make a decision. Many items can't be returned at all unless defective, and many others will incur a steep restocking fee if you change your mind after the contract is binding. It's out of our hands because the wholesalers make the rules about these things, not the contractors. Make sure you don't ever mention your budget to anyone until the estimate is given. I've seen dishonest contractors take advantage of homeowners who blurt out a higher number than what the appropriate one would have been. Also, make sure you express your expectations up front. If you absolutely have to have something done immediately, that means to us that it constitutes an emergency, costs more, and often puts an unnessecary strain on the relationship. Many contractors will walk away from projects like these simply because they are not actually "emergencies", like a hole in a roof, fire repair, or a flooded basement. In other words, new kitchen cabinets are not an "emergency" unless the old ones are on fire. In all fairness, most people are understanding when you have to delay painting their bedroom for a few days when you feel morally obligated to fix the leaking roof on their neighbors house first.