The Indoor Enthusiast

Just got word that the Reno Gay Pride Festival is cancelled this year, what the heck. They must have lost a large sponsor because that was the best festival Reno has, irregardless of your orientation. I guess I’m going to try to make it out to the Nevada Pride Festival on super short notice. The hotels usually fill up a few weeks before. Nevada state loves pride festivals and the revenue that follows.

The older I get the less tolerance I have for incompetence and the more I am willing to pay a premium for high quality services with good communication. Over the past few years I’ve done many upgrades to my home including a kitchen remodel, build a swimming pool with spa and patio, redesigned landscaping, planted several trees, and repainted the exterior siding. Since it can be a time consuming process getting a half dozen quotes and checking reviews, I have developed my our list of questions that helps me steer clear of the types of companies that I don’t want to do business with. Some of the questions I developed through personal bad experiences and others I found in online guides like words of caution when hiring a pool builder and How to Hire a Contractor (ThisOldHouse). Below are of few of my deal breakers, if the company can’t answer these questions promptly with a clear demeanor, then that’s a red flag.

1. Who are your parts and material suppliers?
2. Have you ever done business under a different company name than your present one?
3. Can you send me references of three happy customers you have serviced in the past 6 months?
4. Will I be writing my checks to your business name or a personal name? (you want a business name)