Fred Newton Builder Carpenter P/L

How do you normally charge for your service?

Normally - renovation / restoration work is quoted from visual inspection and or from designed drafted drawings. With variations on any changes - either quoted or hourly rate as agreed by both parties. Small projects generally less than a days work - charged at hourly rate + Materials + 20% + GST

What makes your pricing competitive?

Fair and Honest days work for fair pay. Experience tells me the quickest and simplest way to achieve the completed task. Using the appropriate products to the best advantage in the most efficient way

How can a customer save money before you start the work? Please give 3 tips

1. Have a clear view of what you are after and be able to communicate that with the trades person. 2. Drafted drawings of specific details required or suppliers recommendations for installation of products Eg (copy of existing house plans etc) 3. Avoid changes to job once project starts

What are the typical things that you need to know before you can provide a quote to a customer?

1. An accurate scope of work required 2. Type of materials or products preferred with the appropriate fixing instructions in some cases 3. Too what standard of quality other than high. eg state if lesser quality required 4. To what degree of completion. eg. doors or timberwork - painted

Are you an insured business and do you guarantee your work?

All my work is of a high quality using the most appropriate materials for the price given. Our workmanship is garranteed and assured to be of a high standard. My building insurances are being reviewed and will be in place shortly

What makes you the most reliable and trustworthy person for the job?

I have a working history of over 35 business years. Therefore I believe, that, speaks for itself. I am totally reliable, prompt and punctual. On Occasions I have been known to cancel or postpone appointments with notice. Service to my clients has paved the way for most of my business life. Therefore I've had little reason to either advertise or obtain a website. Word of mouth has seen me through. A website will be on the cards shortly

What questions do customers commonly ask and how would you answer them?

1. Will you turn up when you say you will? Answer - Yes, every time, on time. 2. How much will it cost, just roughly? Answer - Sorry, I can't guess a quote, I'll put it in writing ASAP. Thought needs to be put into every job and an accurate assessment made, to be fair to both parties. 3. When can I start? Answer - According to work load obviously, large jobs generally within two weeks. Small jobs sooner. I'll try to squeeze in smaller jobs if possible. I'll always let you know in advance of changes

What questions should a customer ask to hire the right service professional?

1. Are you experienced enough to do the task efficiently? 2. Will I get a good quality job for my money? 3. Will you be on time? 4. Will you clean up after you have finished?

What do you like most about your job?

Still after a huge number of year dealing with and playing/working with timber. It's the most versatile and unique furniture and building product in the world. I'm still learning my trade today. Good timber is becoming rare to find nowadays. So other people allow me to be creative with their project to a degree, using their money.

How did you decide to get into your line of work?

My father when in his early years as a young man, (apprentised as a gun smith) making stocks for rifles etc. It became part of my early childhood watching dad patiently carving this masterpiece in the lounge next to the log fire. The love of wood/timber came from there, i'm sure. i've been involved in all types of timber products since, esspecially WA hardwoods

Do you have a favourite customer story you would like to share?

I have numerous over a number of years. One stands out that I am very proud of :- In NEPAL - a village near Pocchara (at the foot of the Himalayan Mountains) I spent 2 months building accommodation units for travellers (7 units). The young family were on the bones of their bum. They were living very poorly and with only one room ready for rent (cheap). They could not survive. The building materials were there but the father had to take on other work to provide for the wife and two children. Every evening he was trying to build an extra room by candlelight. I'm sure he would only get a few hours sleep each night. I decided to pitch in and help. I built the seven rooms for them in the two months in Nepal (only had a one month visa at the time) thats another story. Hassals getting out. I kept in touch for many years after that. They were going well. It was a great experience. One of many

Are there any special offers you would like to offer to Oneflare customers?

For Pensioners a 10% discount on half day jobs and bigger. Client offers a cup of tea in return. Jobs over a thousand in value - Free 1 hour meeting for advise and design ideas (available if required). Free quotes prior

Is there a particular aspect of your trade or industry that you specialise in?

I can put my hand to anything and everything to do with timber and wooden products. Over the years from building huge timber roof structures over churches and pools etc. To joinery doors and frames - window and door frames (including arched) - Standard wall and roof frames, decks and patio/verandahs, gazebos etc. All internal fixing - even making timber components. Solid timber furniture maker using all WA natural hardwoods - staircases of all types etc. Many other items