Being a counter top installation contractor demands a keen eye and a great sense of style. Your clients believe that you have what it takes to ensure they get classy, durable, and stylish counter tops.
From the multiple counter top materials available in the market today, your customers believe that you know which the best is for them.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Counter top for Your Clients
Here is what you should consider if a client asks you to choose the best counter top for him:
The client’s needs
Seek to know where the client will be installing the counter top. This could be in the kitchen, bathroom, a restaurant, bar or even an office. This will aid in knowing the best materials based on the conditions the counter top will be subjected to after installation.
Ask your client how the counter top will be used as this will also determine your choice.
Visual appearance
To help your client choose the most appealing material for his counter top, you can provide some samples. You also need to look at the place that the counter top will be installed so that you look for a material that will complement it.
Durability
Enlighten your clients how durable each material is so that together, you can make an informed decision. Allowing your clients to know the pros and cons of each material will help in avoiding problems in the future.
For instance, if you will be installing a kitchen counter top, granite is the best as it is durable and it’s also resistant to heat and water.
Budget
You need to work within the budget that your client has set aside for the counter top installation. However, do not forget to enlighten your client about the implications of every choice. He will decide whether to adjust his budget to get a better counter top or stick to the initial budget.
When considering the cost, think long-term. There are some materials that will cost less but within a short duration, they will be worn out. Consider a material that will last longer as this will amount to a huge saving
Your client’s lifestyle
You need to know how often your client will be using the counter top. Whether he will have time to carry our regular cleaning will also be a vital consideration. In most cases, advising the client to choose a material that is easy to clean is a great option.
Maintenance
In most cases, counter tops are in constant use. Some of the materials used such as granite and marble require sealing so that they can resist bacteria and stains.
A stainless steel or a quartz counter top will be a better choice as these are non-porous and easy to clean.
Health
If the counter top will be installed in the kitchen, you need to consider the health of your clients. There are high chances of bacteria or fungal growth in the kitchen. Help your client to choose a material that will be easier to clean for the sake of his health.
Pros and Cons of Different Counter top Materials
As a professional counter top installation contractor, you need to let your client know the pros and cons of the available counter tops. To help you with this, here are the pros and cons of some of them:
Quartz
Pros

• Requires less maintenance
• It can withstand scratches, and stains which mean it will maintain its natural look for longer.
• It is available in different colors and patterns and the choice will depend on the taste.
• It can be custom made into different sizes and shapes

Cons

• The counter top edges are likely to chip and only a professional will be able to repair them. This can be avoided by using rounded edges.
• Expensive

Granite
Pros

• It has a unique color combination
• It is resistant to heat and scratches
• When properly sealed it will be resistant to stains, making it look good

Cons

• Requires periodic resealing to prevent it from staining
• The edges are likely to chip and only a profession can carry out the repairs
• Very expensive
• The knives will dull if you cut directly on the granite
• Wrong installation can lead to cracking

Laminate
Pros

• Affordable
• Ease of installation
• Has a beautiful look
• Resistant to stains and heat

Cons

• If you cut directly on laminate, you will cause permanent damage to the surface. You need to use a chopping board for your cutting.

Recycled Glass
Pros

• It gives your counter top a fun and contemporary look
• Most brands are resistant to scratches, stains, and heat.

Cons

• Some recycled glass brands will crack if subjected to heat

Soapstone
Pros

• It is resistant to heat damage
• If small scratches appear on the surface, sanding and mineral oil application will get rid of them
• Your kitchen will have a historic look
• It is available in rich and deep colors

Cons

• It can easily nick, cut or scratch.
• It is difficult to remove stains on the surface
• It is likely to darken with time
• Requires mineral oil treatment

Limestone
Pros

• Resistant to heat
• Has a natural stone look

Cons

• It can easily nick, cut, and scratch
• It is difficult to remove stains on the surface

Marble
Pros

• Has a very beautiful appearance
• Waterproof
• Heatproof

Cons

• Pricey
• The counter top will easily stain unless it is sealed
• It scratched, it will be difficult to repair

Once you go through this list with your client, she will be able to make an informed decision. He will be aware of the good and the bad of the counter top he has chosen. With this, he will not blame you of misleading him if any of the cons happen.
The secret to having a lasting relationship with your clients is telling them the truth. Let them know you as a counter top installation contractor who is reliable and truthful. During the installation, give it your best.
Your high-quality installation is what will maintain your existing clients and push them to refer others to you. It is also important to keep learning so that you can perfect your skills. If there is a new installation technology, be the first to know as this will win the trust of your client. The more you perfect your skills, the more you will earn as most clients will pay anything as long as the quality is exceptional.


Majestic Handyman Ogden

Is it time to build your next deck? Or you want to repair your existing deck?  You are afraid of choosing the wrong deck builder… and you don’t know how to go about it.
Well, this guide will answer all your questions and enable you to choose the right handyman for the job.
The choice you make in regards to a deck builder will greatly determine the outcome of the construction. You need a person who has the skills and enough experience in deck building. One that has a good reputation from his past clients is the best option as you’ll have a guarantee that he’ll do a great job.
To help you choose a reputable deck builder, here are great tips to guide you
Plan your deck
Before you contact a handyman to build your deck, you need to have a plan. A rough idea of the kind of deck you want for your home is a must have before searching for a deck builder. You also need to have an idea of the materials you’d want for your deck as well as the design you’d prefer for your deck.
It is also important to also have an estimate of the amount you’d want to spend on your deck. With this in place, you’ll be ready to go in search of a deck builder.
Check online reviews or ask for recommendations
Once you’ve prepared everything that the deck builder will use for your deck, you can begin the search. To start with, you’ll check out online reviews for various deck builders to know what their customers think of them.
You can also ask for recommendations from the people who have already constructed a deck. Based on your research, you’ll be able to know the deck builder who will be the best fit for the job.
Come up with a list
From the reviews and the recommendations you accessed, you will write down a list of potential candidates for the job. Since you’ll only hire one, you’ll need to call the companies and ask relevant questions. It will be as if you are conducting an interview where you’ll settle for the best.
Some of the questions you can ask the deck builders

• How long have you been building decks?

You will settle for a deck builder who has enough experience in building decks.

• Is there a warranty for your services?

The handyman should give a warranty for the deck once he completes building it. In case anything happens to the deck when the warranty still holds; he will carry out the repairs free of charge.

• Do you have a license and a liability insurance cover?

If he gives ‘no’ as the answer, move to the next one. The right man for the job should have valid insurance and a license.

• How much time do you need to complete building the deck?
• Will there be a supervisor on site when the deck construction will be going on?
• When will you start the job if I hire you?
• Do you have contacts of some of your past clients I can talk to?

Check the reference
Once the handyman has given you the contact details of some of his past clients, you can call them. In your conversation, here are some of the questions you can ask them:

• Were you satisfied with the completed deck?
• Were you asked to pay an extra fee in addition to what you’d agreed?
• Would you hire the deck builder for another project?
• Did the handyman finish the job on time?
• Would you recommend this handyman to anyone looking for a deck builder?

As you talk about references, you can also ask for photos of the previous decks the handyman has built. This will help you to gauge the quality of his work and know if he is the right man for the job. if the handyman is not willing to share his photos, it means he is not confident in his work and you should look elsewhere.
If he is a local handyman, you can ask to physically view some of his projects. This by far is the best idea as you will inspect his work and also have a conversation with his past client. A handyman who is willing to go to this extent is worth hiring.
Request for written estimates
You will be safer if you are able to get a written estimate from the deck builder. Relying on a word of mouth would not be the best idea as you will not be able to prove that this is what you had agreed.
Once you go through the estimates, you’ll make a choice and settle for the best.
Hire your deck builder
As we said earlier, you’ll only hire one deck builder. You’ll contact him and ask him to start the job. Remember to go through the written estimate to ensure that you are on one page. From the budgetary allocation, the time he will start and complete the project and any other important aspect of your project.
The bottom line
Your deck is an extension of your home and should complement its beauty. From the design to the materials used in the construction, do not overlook anything. Build a deck that will last long and one that will withstand the harsh climatic conditions in your area.
A professional deck builder will charge a higher price for his work but the quality will be very good. Do not take pleasure in hiring the handyman who will charge the lowest price for his services. The much you are willing to spend is what you will get value for.
Your deck should be a source of pride, whether it is in your front yard, back yard or even by the pool. It should make you proud and should serve the purpose for which you built it. The greatest advantage of hiring a professional handyman is that the quality of his work is really good. He wants your project to bring more business for him and will be willing to go to any length to give it his all.

Majestic Handyman Ogden

​As a door installation contractor, you have the responsibility of ensuring that your clients choose the right doors. You also have a duty to make sure that the installation is of the highest quality.
Having said this, you need to think of how much you are making from your job. There is a need to grow both in the number of clients and in the amount you are making.
Here are some ways you will be able to earn more from your door installation services             
Contact clients directly
If you have been sourcing clients from agencies, look for ways to get direct clients. They may pay the same amount but this will give you a chance to earn more from them in the future. If the agency was deducting a fee from your pay, you will be able to save on that fee which will increase your earnings.
Set up your door installation contractor business
If you already won the trust of your clients when working under another contractor, you can choose to establish your own business. You will be able to earn more and offer personalized services.
In addition, you will be able to plan your working schedule instead of following set rules and regulations.
Bid for better-paying jobs
At times, opportunities may arise where companies or government agencies will have high-paying jobs. Do not delay in placing your bid and who knows, you may be chosen for the job.
Diversify
In addition to providing door installation services, you can provide other services to substitute your income. For instance, you can provide window installation and countertop installation at the same time.
A client who needs all the three services will not have to look for another contractor to do the job as you will be a good fit for everything.
Provide training to upcoming door installation contractors
In addition to serving your customers, you can also train upcoming contractors on how they can perfect their skills. You will charge a fee for the training which will be an additional income.
The trainees will be quite useful when carrying out a door installation as they will work with you as they learn.
Reduce operation costs
If you are able to reduce the amount of money you spend to install a door, you will get a higher profit. For instance, you can buy the items you need for the installation in bulk which means you will be spending less.
You should also avoid wastage of installation materials whenever you are undertaking a job. If any of the materials remain, keep them well and use them for the next project.
Hold your team in high esteem
If you treat your employees well, they will reciprocate by providing exceptional services to your clients. Whenever you can, buy them lunch and if they get injured while working, foot their medical bills.
With this, you can be assured that they will have your interest at heart. Even when you are unavailable to personally attend to your clients, the employees will do an excellent job.
Factors that Affects the Quality of Your Door Installation
To retain existing customers and to ensure that they refer more clients to you, you need to provide high-quality services. Give every customer value for their money and they will remain loyal to your business.
Here are some of the factors that will affect the quality of your door installation services:
The measurements
Before embarking on the door installation, ensure that you have accurate measurements. It is important to take the measurements before the day of installation so that you can get a door that fits perfectly in the available space.
 Do not give your clients the implication that you are not good at your job by having a door that is either too small or too large. If you will be replacing an old door, take the measurements before removing the old one.
Positioning
If you are able to get the right size of the door, it will not be difficult to position it. Though the sides do not have to be perfect, they have to allow the door installation.
You should also ensure that you level the floor if this was not done before the day of the installation. If necessary, you will cut one side of the jamb to ensure that the door fits properly.
Usability
The door you install should serve the purpose for which the clients wanted. It should correspond with the style and provide security to the client. You are responsible for advising your clients to choose the best type of door based on where you will be installing it.
Your installation should be unmatched and by doing this, the client will keep coming back whenever he needs a door installation job done.
Finishing
Once you finish installing the door, it is important to carry out the proper finishing to make it appealing Cleaning up once you finish installing the door is also your responsibility.
You should ensure that your working place is as clean as it was before you started installing the door or even better. It is also important to wait for the client to inspect the door and give his feedback.
There are different types of doors in the market today such as flush doors, panel door, frameless glass doors, and framed glass doors. You will also find louvered doors, louvered vision doors, vision doors, and door and sidelight.
You need to consider the location of the client’s house when assisting him to choose a door. The door should be able to provide security, and the aesthetic appeal the client is looking for.
If the client intends to live in the home for a long time, suggest a durable door that will not need replacing in the recent past.
Aluminum doors are among the strongest doors and will fit in different house styles. You should be able to provide the right advice as this will also make your job easier.
As a door installation contractor, your clients are your responsibility and you have a duty to help them choose the right doors. On the day of the door installation, get all your requirements ready before going to the client’s premises.
How you present yourself and the quality of the job you deliver will determine if the client will call you back when other jobs are available or not. It will make the client spread your good reputation to his friends or have nothing to do with you in the future. Your clients are your assets and your guarantee for the future and you have to do what works for them.

​Majestic Handyman Ogden

​Building a deck is a great option to enhance the beauty of your home and enlarge your living area outdoors. To achieve this, you need to have proper plans in place and make the right choices in regards to your deck. From the location, the materials you’ll use in the construction, and even the design, you have to ensure that you are getting the best.
Here are some wonderful tips to help you make the most of your deck
Lighting
A good lighting system will ensure that your deck will remain useful, at night and during the day.  It should be a place where you will have some moments of quiet at any time. You need proper lighting to make this happen and make your deck beautiful as well.
A soft ambiance lighting which will create a romantic atmosphere is the perfect lighting for your dinner date.
You can also install some ground lights on the staircase for ease of movement at night. To make it easier for you when choosing your lighting, here are some of the factors you need to consider:

• Purpose of your lighting: for most people, a lighting system is meant to illuminate the deck area. For others, however, it is a way of adding beauty to the deck. For you, choosing to have both is the best option.

There are some beautiful lighting systems that will add value to your deck. It will make the deck look classy and functional.

• Durable: your lighting system should withstand the harsh climatic weather outside. Whether it gets too hot or too cold, the lighting should stand the test of time.
• Placement: this means a lot especially if you want the lighting to make your deck beautiful. The handyman installing the deck should help you to come up with a beautiful lighting system to complement the beautiful design of your deck.

Fireplace
Do you love sitting outside even when it is too cold? Installing a fireplace on your deck is a great option. It will make the deck area warm and more beautiful. It will be a great place to catch up after a long day’s work or even spend your weekend with your loved ones.
Pergola
Adding a pergola to your deck will not only make it beautiful but will also make it more functional. You’ll not have to worry about the scorching sun during summer as you’ll have a shade over your head.
To turn your deck area into a more personal space, you can use the pergola to hang curtains around the deck. With this, you’ll have a time of your life without the fear that your neighbors are peeping at you.
Water features
Nothing makes an outdoor area than incorporating some water features.  Your deck contractor will install a fountain or a pool that will bring a beach-like atmosphere to your deck. Water features will bring a natural and a modern look to your deck and you’ll definitely love the experience.
Curtains
In addition to having a pergola to provide shade to your deck, installing curtains will also make the deck more functional. Look for beautifully designed curtains that will add style to your deck and give you some personal space.
The curtains should be able to:

• Block the sun’s rays: choose curtains that will prevent the sun’s rays from reaching your deck especially when it is very hot. A dark and heavier curtain will be the right option to serve this purpose. It will not be possible for the wind to blow off a heavy curtain and this means you’ll be secure from the sun’s rays.
• Make the deck area private: if there are some annoying neighbors who are always checking what you are doing, get some good curtains.

You can also use the curtains to subdivide your deck where you will create a private space within the deck. Ensure that the material is not transparent if you need privacy.

• Enhance your mood: there are times when you need some romantic mood in an outdoor setting and having curtains is one way to make this possible.

The right curtain will allow you to express your feelings without the fear of having someone invade your privacy.
Gazebo
Do you need some outdoor space where you will be able to have dinner with your loved ones? A gazebo will provide the covering that will make you feel more secure. You will not have to rush inside the house when it rains as the gazebo will provide the right covering.
Flower pots
 Adding some flower pots to your deck will make your deck more homely and beautiful. You can use pots of different sizes with colors that match your deck’s color scheme.
When choosing the right flowers, ensure that they are of low maintenance to avoid spending too much time keeping them in great shape. Flowers that will not need plenty of water, are not easily infested by pests, and look beautiful always are a great option.
You can also look for flowers that will provide some privacy to your deck area such as lantana, hibiscus, arborvitae plant or cypress tree.
Rugs
If you want to make your deck homely and elegant, get some beautiful rugs. Choose a design that complements your beautiful deck and one that will give your deck a classy look. If you are not sure about the right rugs for your deck, you can ask for help from an interior designer.
The handyman may also have some photos of decks endowed with rugs that will help you make the right choice.
There is no limit to what you can do to make your deck serve the purpose for which you created it. Whatever your heart desires, go for it with all your heart. Remember it is your little paradise within your home. A space where you’ll be at peace when you need time to reflect as you enjoy the beautiful view outside. Whether it is daytime or nighttime, summer season or winter season, your deck should remain useful.
The cost of these additions may be high but the final result is what matters. You will feel proud when visitors compliment the great look of your deck.

​Majestic Handyman Ogden