Frequently asked questions.

1. Do you clean windows?

We sometimes clean hard to reach windows as an accommodation and as an adjunct to other services. We can refer you to window services that we know to be reliable, and we can coordinate with all window cleaning companies. You do not want to have your roof or gutters cleaned after you have had your windows cleaned.

2. Do you install gutters?

Not quite yet. Watch this space.!

3. Do you repair gutters?

We tighten gutter spikes and straps, attempt to caulk and perform other maintenance services as part of our regular gutter service. We do not perform "unusual and heroic" repairs on gutters and downspouts that are past their service lives.

4. While you're up there, would you...?

We just might! We have our crews stick to the things we have trained them to do, the things we are insured to do, and the things we have the tools to do. One of the things we train the crew to do is to be accommodating so if we can do a good job on an extra task we are usually willing to try. However, for example, we are not arborists. We definitely do not work on chimneys, antennas, anything where dry rot or mold is an issue and other items that are beyond the scope of our knowledge and competence.

5. What info do you need to do an estimate?

We need to know your name, the property location, day time phone number, what services you want, and any other info that you may wish to include. We can usually provide an estimate in one to three business days depending on location. We normally break down our estimates for different services, although we may quote them for a "package" price. You do not usually need to be home for us to do an estimate unless there is a locked gate or pet in the yard. We almost always leave a written estimate under your door mat, in your mail slot or other place you specify. We can set up fixed time appointments, although the lead time for these will be a little longer in most cases.

6. Do we need to be home when the crew does the job?

Generally, no. There are rare instances in which we need to arrange having a crew member enter your house to gain access to, for example, a rear deck. They wear booties for this and never carry equipment through the house, so you would need to be home for a situation such as this. Normally, we just mail the invoice, so that part is easy as well.

7. What does "No Bid" mean?

Sometimes, for safety, quality, or liability reasons we need to decline all or part of a job. Usually the estimator will call you, but if we can do part of a job, then you may receive a written estimate showing a "No Bid" for a portion of the work. We do not make a decision to turn away business lightly. Sometimes another established company will accept a job that we decline, or visa versa. If you have an unusually dangerous or liability fraught situation, it is in your interest to make sure the company that accepts the work is comfortable and knows what it is getting into.

8. Do you quote jobs over the phone or via email?

We do not quote jobs to prospective new clients this way. We have a fairly high profile in the local industry here and a surprising number of these calls are from competitors. Otherwise, the call is an invitation to "lowball" the price in order to get a look at the job, or to be disqualified based on...well...nothing at all. Such a deal.

9. How can we get references?

We used to have a list of good clients who agreed to serve as references for us. This came to a sudden end a few years ago when a prospective client called one of our reference clients one evening playing the part of the obnoxious "L' il Inquisitor." It was very embarrassing. Besides, references are not what they seem: A good one can easily be coming from someone's relative or even an employee, and, well, you never will get a bad reference will you? Finally, with all the telemarketing and spam, we don't care to be one more source of annoyance by inviting strangers to call good clients. We have some reference comments on our Clients page. The best way to get a real opinion is to subscribe to a service like Angie's List for a few dollars per year where you get truthful, arms length reviews and a wealth of other useful info.

10. Someone else quoted a lower price. Will you meet their price?

We are definitely priced competitively to established companies and have a "meet comp" policy subject to the following: The competitor is an established business, insured, with employees, etc. Their quote is in writing. There is not a patent pricing error. Project specs as understood, are comparable.

11. Do you take credit cards?

Presently we can take credit cards via PayPal even if you do not have a PayPal account. If you want to pay this way, then we need to add a small service charge ($3 to $5) as PayPal is not a true merchant processor. We send an email to you with payment instructions. This summer we will be announcing a new credit card payment option as PayPal is, frankly, sort of clunky.