Thank you for contacting The Ernest Carpenter for your project. In hiring us to complete your work, you are helping a Colorado-family owned and operated small business and we really appreciate the opportunity!
For examples of our work please navigate this site, as well as Facebook, Instagram and Youtube.
Work Hours. All contracted work will be performed between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. MST, Monday through Friday, Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., unless the home is not owner occupied and the contractor is able to work earlier or later.
Insured. We are insured with a Liability policy of $300,000. If the work requires a licensed trade, such as a plumber, electrician, or HVAC technician to complete the work, the client will receive a separate BID from the trade, and will pay them directly for their services. Each trade is responsible for obtaining a permit, if that is necessary, and will provide their own insurance based on their individual trade.
Warranty. We offer a limited warranty on all workmanship. Materials are ONLY covered under the manufacturer's warranty and not all materials have a warranty. The Ernest Carpenter will NOT be responsible for failure of said product.
Lock-Box. The Ernest Carpenter will install a lock-box on the front door for access to the site for projects that require it. No work can start until a key has been put in lock-box, or usage of keypad thru garage or front door is given. This is only for non-owner occupied projects. Access for Owner Occupied projects will be discussed.
Read Carefully. Please read your BID carefully to ensure that everything discussed is addressed in the Scope of Work, and is included in the written contract. If there was verbal conversation between the homeowner and The Ernest Carpenter, and something was overlooked, it must be addressed in writing prior to the start of the project to avoid any misunderstanding, and additional costs. Please contact The Ernest Carpenter if you require any changes to the BID. Please email those changes.
Clean up. Please be sure to clean up the space we will be working. If we have to clean the space prior to commencing work, we will charge a separate cleaning fee that will be determined based on the extent of the clean needed. Please try to ensure the space we are working is clean and free of personal items prior to work commencement. We try to keep a clean job site, and will clean up after ourselves. Construction is messy however, and while we do our best, it is recommended to schedule a whole house clean and replace air filters after work is complete, as construction is very dusty.
Demoed Materials. In most cases the homeowner shall be responsible for disposal of demoed materials; for smaller jobs a job bag (Bagster) or two is generally sufficient. For larger jobs, rental of a dumpster is recommended.
Debris Removal. The amount of debris generated by the project is dependent on the size of the job. Smaller jobs only require contractors bags, medium size projects need a Waste Management Bagster, and large project need a dumpster. We will provide contractor bags, but YOU are responsible for obtaining the Waste Management Bags, or for renting a dumpster. We will move all the materials outside and break them down to fit into the Waste Management Bagsters, or dumpster. We can pick up the Bagsters from Lowes or Home Depot,if requested, but if the job requires a dumpster it is the homeowners responsibility to order and have delivered. Usually for small remodel jobs a bagster is sufficient. Once filled you just call Waste Management and they will schedule a pick up. They hook the bag to a crane and lift it right into the truck.
If you DO NOT have either option this onsite, we will assume you want us to haul off the debris, and we will charge a fee starting at $150 for the debris removal per load.
Children/Pets. Children and pets must be secured and kept out of our way during the time The Ernest Carpenter is on the job site for the safety of your children, pets and us. We are using tools that can be dangerous and which can cause bodily harm, including death. Please be sure to schedule your tasks to keep your children and pets safe and out of harm's way. Please kennel your pets, or secure in a location that prevents them from leaving the premises and out of our way. Please be sure that children and pets are kept out of the space we are working. Damage done to work that is in progress, and that has to be fixed as a result of children or pets, will be charged as an additional hourly fee.
Personal Belongings. All personal belongings must be removed from the space. The contractor will not take responsibility for damage to personal property that is kept in the space. We will take measures to try to ensure property is covered, but there is no guarantee. We recommend renting a PODS or a Uhaul to keep your items safe, and give us a proper working area. We will not conduct work in areas that have not been cleared, and cleaned, if necessary, prior to commencement of work.
Garage/Driveway. During the course of construction a portion of your garage may be needed to store material / make cuts etc. Please understand that if we use the garage to make cuts, it will create sawdust, which is messy, so projects are best kept to the driveway, during times and days that are feasible. During the fall and winter months, weather will determine what days we can work.
Tools. For larger projects that extend past a week, we may store our tools at the job site for the course of the project. Please designate an area for the storage of tools during the duration of the project. The garage is usually the best location. We do not authorize the client to use our tools for their own personal use while stored on site. We will not be held responsible for injury or damage caused by unauthorized use of any tools stored on site. Please use safety precautions to prevent injury and keep children and pets away from the tool storage area and any tool that could cause injury.
Scaffolding. If we are using scaffolding for your projects, please use safety precautions to prevent injury. Keep children and pets away. We do not authorize the client or their children to climb on the scaffolding, or otherwise use the scaffolding while on site for their own use. We will not be held responsible for injury or damage caused by unauthorized use of the scaffolding equipment.
Demo. Demolition is messy and creates a lot of invisible dust that moves about the house. We try to mitigate the mess as much as possible, but unfortunately the process is unavoidably messy. Be prepared to give your house a good dusting afterwards. We will move all the materials outside and break them down to fit into the Waste Management Bagsters, or dumpster. We can pick up the Bagsters from Lowes or Home Depot, if requested, but if the job requires a dumpster it is the homeowners responsibility to order and have delivered. Usually for small renovation jobs a Bagster is sufficient. Once filled you just call Waste Management and they will schedule a pick up. They hook the bag to a crane and lift it right into the truck.
Painting. We hand-roll our paint. Caulking is always included if we are painting the baseboard or trim, whenever necessary. Please remove all items from the room and store in another area or in a PODS while work is being conducted. Doing so will allow us to work more efficiently, and if we are painting the ceiling, we need to ensure all around access to the space. If we have to move furniture around to gain access additional costs will apply. We will not be held responsible for damage to items left in the room. Paint splatters, if even minutely, and there is no way to get around it.
Caution: Exposure to paint fumes can be harmful to your health. This can include; irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat.; headache; feeling dizzy or light-headed.; nausea.; trouble breathing. Typically, it is best to wait at least two to three days for the paint to dry and the fumes to subside. It is advised to open up windows to allow the fumes to dissipate. People with breathing conditions and elderly people should avoid long exposure to fumes that result from interior painting.
Texture: Spraying texture is messy. Be sure to prepare your space. We recommend ordering a PODS or a U-haul to store your furniture. We can't have anything in the space while we are retexturing the walls and/or ceilings. We will cover the floors, but this process is incredibly messy and we do our best to prevent a mess, but be prepared to have your carpet cleaned. We try to keep a clean job site, and will clean up daily, but it is impossible to completely avoid. If a specialty texture is required, a drywall texture specialist may need to be hired. If it is just a patch, then we will hand apply texture.
Drywall Patches: When patching drywall, the texture will be matched to the best of our abilities, but sometimes it is hard to get it exact. We will blend with the existing, but depending on existing conditions, a patch is sometimes difficult to completely hide. If you have specialized texture, a drywall/texture professional may need to be hired.
Flooring. If you are having flooring installed, please be sure to prepare your space. We recommend ordering a PODS or a Uhaul to store your furniture. We can't have anything in the space while we are installing. That includes appliances in the kitchen, and the vanity (if a pedestal) and toilet in the bathroom. If we are demoing the flooring, we will move the toilet. Please note that we will need space to cut the flooring, which will be messy. Generally the driveway or garage works best. If we need to prep the floor due to leveling issues or water damages, additional costs apply for both materials and labor. Also, leveling will require sanding, so be prepared for dust.
Floor Tiling: VERY Important!! Once tile has been laid it is imperative that no one walks across the floor, even small children or pets, until the tile is completely set and grouting has been completed. The space will need to be completely avoided. That can be anywhere from 24-96 hours depending on a variety of factors, including humidity levels within the house, and the temperature outside the house. Tiles that are walked upon, even by pets, can cause tiles to crack, it can cause a shift and unleveling, uneven grout lines, and the dirt and loose fur that comes off the animals gets into the cracks which will cause issues when grouting, and may prevent the grout from setting properly.
Electrical: We can do light electrical, including swapping out lights, ceiling fans, bathroom fans, CO2/Smoke Detectors, swapping outlets, and toggles. From time to time we may need to add stability to the existing mount for strength. Anything inside the wall, including running new wires, requires a licensed electrician.
Plumbing: We can do light plumbing, like swapping faucets, shower heads, toilets, and garbage disposals. Anything inside a wall requires a plumber. Note: If we are doing a bathroom remodel, and your home is over 20 years old, and you are planning on re-tiling, it is advisable to schedule a plumber to swap your shower valve for a new one. We recommend Delta. It will save you a great deal of heart ache down the line. If the issue is something we cannot handle as a handyman, and needs to involve a plumber, we will advise.
Outdoor Work: Outdoor work that includes Painting and caulking will need to be conducted when the night-time temperatures reach a consistent 50-60 degrees. Paint and caulk both need to be able to properly cure. Failure to allow the caulk to cure will cause problems with adhesion and may cause cracking.
Material Costs. Materials cost is not factored into the bid. We have however provided a material purchase list for the products we recommend for the project as a part of this bid. The homeowner is responsible for the cost of materials used in the Work.
When we do the shopping for the client we will charge for our time at our normal hourly rate. The pickup and delivery of materials will be factored into our hourly rate, if we are charging by the hour. If we are charging by the project, then a pickup/delivery fee will be added.
When the Client does the shopping, the Client warrants that the materials purchased are new. If not new, the client understands that there are inherent risks in installing, or attempting to install a product that is/or has been used previously, especially when it comes to light fixtures or plumbing, and we take no responsibility to their failure, or damage that results from their failure, nor will we warranty the work. We cannot install drywall that was not purchased new by us.
Homeowner shall reimburse contractor for materials purchased, if the contractor requires materials for the project. The homeowner will reimburse the contractor for any materials purchased for the project, if the contractor makes purchases on behalf of the client. The contractor will give the client a list of recommended materials, keeping both budget, and quality in mind.
Material Purchases/Obtainment:
Obtainment and the purchase of materials can be handled in the following manner. Please indicate which option you would like.
(1) The contractor will give the homeowner a list of recommended purchases. The homeowner makes the purchases, and picks up materials or has them delivered to the jobsite. The client is 100% responsible for ensuring the materials are onsite prior to the job starting.
(2) The contractor will do the shopping for the client and deliver to the job-site, and if the cost of materials is less than $50, we will use the down payment for purchase, however, if the materials cost exceeds $50, an additional materials down payment will be collected based on the estimated amount for the materials necessary for the project. A shopping trip/delivery fee will apply. Additional fees may apply.
Pay Schedule. Downpayment is required to secure a date for your project. Payments are split into 2-3 installments depending on the size and duration of the. ⅓ (one-third) is due upon acceptance of bid and is required to hold your date; 2nd and 3rd installments are billed at 50% completion, and the rest is due upon completion of the project. . Receipt of downpayment constitutes and/or scheduling a start date constitutes acceptance of bid and terms of service. Contractor accepts Venmo, Cash, In-state Checks, or Zelle. Checks are made payable to The Ernest Carpenter. Checks must clear prior to scheduling or conducting work. We do not accept Cashiers Checks or out of state checks. We also accept credit cards on our website with a 3% convenience fee added to cost. Larger jobs are charged by the job. Smaller projects are charged by the hour. If we are charging hourly vs by the job, the hourly charge is per man hour, with a 2 hour minimum per day. If we are charging hourly, time starts when we arrive on site or if we have materials to pickup, time starts up arrival to the home improvement store, or if we have to create a design plan, or online shopping time at our office, the time starts then, and time ends either when we leave the job site, or the home improvement store, if material pick up is necessary. Payment is due immediately upon receipt of the invoice.
Often the cost of materials will exceed the estimated downpayment, but from time-to-time the cost is under. Please don't sent payment based on the estimated bid, rather wait for the final invoice with itemized costs. We will email as soon as possible upon completion of the project. Payment is due immediately upon receipt of the invoice. Late fee in the amount of 5% of the total cost owed will apply to payments not received within 3 days. Contractor accepts Checks, Zelle, Venmo and CC. Fees may apply. Contractor reserves the right to file a mechanics lien if payment is not received. There may be some small warranty items to address after completion, that will be taken care ASAP.
Delivery/Shopping Fees: If we are responsible for picking up and delivering materials to the site the cost for delivery will be based on industry standards. Generally we charge what the store would charge, if they offer the service, but that is also dependent on a variety of factors.
Shopping. We would love to guide you on what to purchase if you have questions. We are happy to shop for you (in store or on-line), but we will charge an hourly fee for that service. We will shop based on your specifications, and the perimeter of the scope of work, budgetary needs and overall design outcome. We will compile a list based on the requested items and then go from there.
When we do the shopping for the client, we may add a standard 15% markup fee to the final bill, and/or a pickup delivery fee, or the pickup and delivery of materials may just be factored into our hourly rate, if we are charging by the hour.
Design Work. If you need design work done we can handle that! The initial consultation is free, but meeting thereafter will be billed hourly. Ernest's wife of nearly 25 years has years of experience in design and would love to assist. Whether it is sketching out some plans for a feature wall, or designing a new bathroom space, Mandi would love to help bring your ideas to life! She designed the projects in the Wall Treatments page, and would love the opportunity to design the perfect addition to your home. Design work is done by Mandi Stevens of The Pour Artist Co.
In addition:
Trusts: If your home is in a trust, then for our protection, we require that the full payment is made, with an additional down payment for materials. Half of the labor payment will be put into a cash escrow account at your expense, paid directly to the escrow holding company of which will receive the Bid, and Info and Terms letter.
Renters: If you don't own the home, then a letter from the owner, or a Real Estate Power of Attorney, which indicates that you are authorized to make improvements on the property is necessary for us to commence work. We require full payment is made, with an additional down payment for materials. Half of the labor payment will be put into a cash escrow account at your expense, paid directly to the escrow holding company of which will receive the Bid, and Info and Terms letter.