Let me just say that for 15 years, I've been the highest-rated representative in my company and in several other companies I've worked at previously, I've always been recognized for superlative customer service. So to say that I'm high-maintenance in my expectations from those who provide me service would be accurate.
I've been working on remodeling my condo for the last 9 months. It took 9 months plus because I'm good at reading people and the construction world is one you have to enter with serious caution.
I have very particular preferences that some might consider odd (ex: radiant bathroom flooring in sunny Los Angeles, seriously?!?...paid $400 extra for delivery so I can get a specific flooring that was discontinued and no longer available locally, etc.). I'm just one of those people who knows what she wants and isn't comfortable compromising.
One of the things I pay attention to is responsiveness. The second is trustworthiness. It's hard to explain my people reading skill (it's sort of a pre-requisite and a talent when you've been in sales for almost 30 years). I can only give you an analogy so you'll understand. When you go on a first date, pay as much attention to how your date treat the staff (servers, busboys, etc.) as you do on how he/she treats you. That's when you see the true character of a person vs. what they want to present you.
I do the same thing with these contractors. I ask them questions and based on their answers and what they recommends, I have a better sense of their motivations. Are they recommending things because it's beneficial to the client or are they recommending things because it's more beneficial to them. Being a solo female and a novice, a lot of these contractors think they can pull the wool over your eyes (and I must say, I've learned a lot since 9 months ago). Just because I'm new to something, it doesn't mean I'm incapable of doing my own research however.
That being said, I'm posting this recommendation for Barry because he passed the test on both...responsiveness and trustworthiness. I elected to use another contractor because Mereekh Construction does not have extensive experience with radiant flooring installation, but I would definitely consider Barry down the road for other possible projects. He seems like an honest business man who takes pride in the work he provides to his clients and that goes a long way in my world. read more