Simon Serves

Mostly, know that what I charge will come back to you many times over - it is an investment in your comfort and real estate. The first hour is charged at $125, the stated hourly rate thereafter. We may work hourly if the projects seem open-ended, unless we agree on a flat fee. If I am only invited at the weekends, and I can relax family plans, the charge is an extra 50%. If transit is an hour or more roundtrip (from Central Omaha) I ask for a $50 supplement. Thank you for your understanding!

It's no different than repeat business, and with just as much gratitude for your trust and confidence in my abilities evident in my eyes and handshake! Usually, I am hired directly through the app, after we have shared expectations and photos so I can be most effective. Occasionally, as needed, I visit to get a more detailed picture.

I was a design engineer for over 20 years, and have that analytical mindset. I'm also a creative and you can use me as an idea generator! Further, I've had 8 properties in that time, and 3 rentals, and have almost all the tools one would ever need. (smile.) Other than full carpet, structure, and roofing, I've done all the work myself.

When the local engineering career took a turn, I decided to stay in Omaha and apply a part of my brain that was undervalued: the right side! I had been working on my own home and that of my partner while I was choosing what to do next and was strongly encouraged to go 'all in' on this profession … and to great result!

Some want to make their homes better, work more smoothly, be more enjoyable; others want to remove all concerns of a potential buyer walking through their doors. In short … Those intending to love the space they’re in! People looking to repair, upgrade, or sell their property!

I repaired many elements of a home in preparation for its Open House. In about 10hrs I made almost everything - dishwasher connection, toilet function, door & bifold latching (I’m the Door Whisperer!), caulking, cabinetry - look or work better. I repaired a deck's stairway that was coming away from the main deck. The 14 steps had rotated so much that one side at the top had moved away 2" and it was preventing buyers from making the move on this For Sale property. The owner had missed this migration over the years and was truly worried that he would have to replace the whole stairway. In 3hrs, we had it corrected and secured. He was expecting to spend >4x the cost I charged.

You need to find one with great presentation, attention to detail, and pride in their work. Try to hire someone who'll take care of the problem even better than you thought possible; you’ll know them when you meet them. You want a 1ft contractor, not a 10ft one: one whose work stands up to close scrutiny!

If it’s a restoration ensure you can still find all the hardware, such as a pocket door in a vintage home, or make the professional aware of the need to source it.