John did the job I asked and did exactly as we agreed. That’s a simple summary and probably enough to know. I mean, that’s what we all crave, yes?
Of course, it’s not always simple to get an “as agreed” result. Naturally there are important details, and these make John’s execution stand out.
Our job: Remove the old, install the new… Replace two ancient AC units and two ancient gas furnaces with new…Two outdoor heat-pumps, two furnaces in the attic to replace existing, thermostats, fittings, drainage, pans, surge protectors, and so forth, using existing ducting and coolant lines, thus allowing future use of either fuel (NG or electricity) as power prices, our opinions, our solar panels, regulation or the world around us require in the future.
RESPONSE: Initially, not only did John call right away, but he spent considerable phone time that evening walking through the topics I raised. While I think this is part of landing the work, you can hear through the phone when a tradesperson has low tolerance for a homeowner coming up the education curve. Or, when you reach an appointment setter, that is the limit of what they can give you…an appointment for a tech to visit you. In contrast, John was engaged and generous with his time, providing meaningful responses so I could decide he was a pro I wanted to visit and assess the job.
DIFFERENT than the big guys: Large HVAC/plumbing companies in San Diego have become out-of-hand with their business models and exorbitant pricing. This includes virtually no information without a service visit / estimate, and this takes your time, not to mention giving them a platform on your turf to “win” while you lose. We all make choices and, for me, the right choice is that I’m simply not going to participate. This means that many of my requests of John were to avoid the practices of the big-guys. Do I sound pessimistic? Yup, I begin very guarded.
EXPERTISE: John is a long-experienced expert and craftsman, so he’s able to move you past common errors and your install will be done correctly. He’ll be transparent about what’s needed and not needed. He was willing to discuss various install choices and I spent weeks analyzing equipment choices with an occasional ping to him for guidance.
CLEAN/OCD: John listened to my demands around a clean install based in a need for orderly, attractive, OCD-level visuals that are the result of a well conceived and executed installation. He understood and delivered, even in the attic where liberties are sometimes taken but order is important. This differentiates John from all those who don’t want your input or don’t hear it, since they are more efficient when you stay out of the details. Understandable, but not for me.
COMMUNICATION: John is a straightforward communicator. I don’t want a glossy yes-man when digging into important install details but, rather, a transparent and even blunt partner. My idea is misguided or would result in a poor outcome? I want to be told exactly that, as bluntly as possible. John is authentically himself. He isn’t “smooth” or “slick” or a silver-tongued snake but, rather, he’s straightforward the way I need and value in someone working at my home.
PRICING and VALUE: This kind of work and equipment is expensive. John engaged on my pricing topics and we found the best solutions from my perspective that allow him to be happy with the job as well. For me, costs still matter and I do want a chance to discuss the finances respectfully with pros I hire, largely to evaluate the best path to a win-win, respecting their work and need to earn a good living while not wasting my hard-earned dough. There’s an education process and good pros are willing to provide this, while pricing mystery tends to accompany gouging. My job was costly, but John definitely saved me over the big guys and was a far, far better value. I’ll repeat that key element - The result John provided was not cheap but was excellent value.
RECOMMENDING JOHN: John and I have discussed other work ranging from a hose bib to a full replumb, and I recommend giving John a strong look. Whether or not your approach is like my own, you’ll certainly get a knowledgeable pro who does what he says he’ll do.
