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Things look different in the light of day.
And now that there are more daylight hours, you’re probably noticing the cracks and peeling paint around your windows or the mess of wayward roots and tangled vines where your garden used to be. Time for a to-do list, but who’s going to do the do’s? We sat down with Joe Budaj, owner of Bucks County’s Finest, a full-service property management company, to discuss what to keep in mind to protect you, your family and your property.
Know the People
Unless you were wowed by a job your neighbor had done – and had the chance to chat up the crew – you’ll likely be contracting work on your house with a virtual stranger who you find online or whose card you picked up at the gym. You’ll call, meet the owner for the estimate and likely never see him again. After that, you’ll see the workers.
If you can, visit a site before hiring a company. “Meet the people you’ll be giving your house keys to,” suggests Budaj, a former Connecticut police officer. “Strike up a conversation with them. After all, you’re not just hiring them to do a job. You’re giving them access to your home.”
In an effort to ensure professionalism in his crews and provide peace of mind for his clients, Budaj hires a special breed. “We do background checks on all of our workers, many of whom are firemen, retired police officers and returning military,“ he says. “These guys shouldn’t come back and be out of work. And as a policy, we introduce all our customers to the team that will be working at their home.”
Know the Work
While it certainly takes the right person to entrust your property to, it also takes the expertise. While many service companies can simply get the job done, you’ll want someone who also does the work right. Budaj suggests seeking a referral before contracting for any work. “All of my guys have lots of experience in what they do,” he says. “Whether they’re painters, landscapers or carpenters, they’ve done this work for years.”
Even beyond technique, a job well done requires passion. And for Budaj and his team, it’s hardly a trait they’re short on. “I always treat a property as if it were my own,” he says. “It’s the only way to truly deliver quality work. If you want a good contractor, they should have the same approach.” Budaj also has a little extra inspiration: “My wife Cara is a lifelong Bucks County resident, and we’re both dedicated to preserving it’s natural beauty, as well as meeting our clients’ needs. She knows so many people…they wouldn’t expect anything less.”
Know What’s Going On
Sometimes things don’t always go according to plan. If the paint color you need isn’t in stock, there should be someone there to tell you and give you an approximate timeline or more options. If the flower you want isn’t in season, there should be someone there to tell you when it will be arriving or offer alternatives. If they don’t, ask. It’s your home and your money.
No matter the circumstances, you should be the first to know what the delay is, what substitutions need to be made and if any additional costs may be incurred. “Honesty should always be the first priority,” Budaj says. “The right people are going to tell you what is going to happen from start to finish and keep you updated on the progress.” As part of their service, Bucks County’s Finest offers all their clients an estimate; daily, weekly or monthly progress reports; and a detailed, easy-to-understand invoice outlining all their materials and work.
Go online at buckscountysfinest.com