Joe Shefer's Classic Carpentry of New England

Serves New London, CT

35244

Hired 37 times

3 employees

33 years in business

Not yet available

4.5

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, and Credit card.

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Credentials

Background Check

Joseph Shefer
Completed on 7/27/2021

Introduction

Over 30 years of experience leaves Joe Shefer's Carpentry poised to take on any carpentry project that may come along, from new front steps to your home to total renovations involving demolition, total gut outs, and major wall and window repositioning. Removal and upgrading of interior doors and related trim work is a popular project, and the addition of crown molding and chair rail to enhance a room or rooms can transform a bare wall into an attractive wallscape and add good value to your home within just a few days. Joe Shefer's Carpentry can also remake your front porch or rear deck into a great area for entertaining guests at an outdoor barbecue or add attractive curb appeal to the front. Whatever your project may be, the trust you put into us, coupled with the money you wish to spend, blend together to create a successful and rewarding experience.

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

Our Pricing and charges are based upon the task or tasks at hand. Sometimes they include labor and materials, and sometimes just labor. Each job is different, with a different set of circumstances. We also require a job site inspection prior to pricing a job, as there may be things we see that the customer is not familiar with.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

The process usually start with a phone call and interview. We decide if your job, and our services are a good fit. If all goes well, then we visit your property, talk about your ideas and maybe offer new ones. We then go to work pricing your products and what it takes to apply them to your job, and come up with a price. Sometimes several visits are required when it is a larger more complex job, and there are many more decisions to be made. We don't rush your choices, as you have to live with the end results, and want to make sure you'll be happy in the end.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I attended a State Technical College before they all merged into Community Colleges and took various construction related courses in blueprint interpretation, material strengths and applications, and estimation of the building process. Myself and a couple of friends got jobs with a large home building company, and after several years we had worked on just about every phase of the building process. All my learning was a "Hands On" process...

How did you get started doing this type of work?

When I was a little boy, my parents lived in a large colonial/farmhouse. There was a carpenter that used to come and do various projects for my parents, and I would follow him around amazed at what he did with all his tools and gadgetry. He would tell me "Make sure you don't choose this to make a living". And here we are...

What types of customers have you worked with?

After 30 plus years, I would have to say just about every type you can imagine. There are those that think we are magicians, and that anything is possible, and with the right budget that is true, but there are also those that are not aware of what things cost either, and are totally shocked at what things cost...

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

Thats a tough one. I love what I do, and the construction business in general. All my customers become friends. I particularly enjoy lets say fixing a sticky door for the elderly lady with arthritis who can now operate that door with ease and is more appreciative and thankful than you could ever imagine, compared to someone spending $10,000.00 just saying "Thanks, see ya later"..

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

Do your homework and check the reviews. Written reviews are the new word of mouth, and personal references are the best. Not everyone cliques in this world today, so don't let one bad or mediocre review sway you, Talk to the people. There is also valid licensing and insurance verification to look into

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

One thing that really requires some thought would be your sincerity to actually do the job or if your just contemplating it. If your just curious as to what something costs, tell the contractor right up front. We all get excited about new calls for service, as it is how we make our living, and its quite a let down when you figure out the whole project and the people say Thank You, I was just curious...