told me that he appreciated how well we treated his crew on the first
job, and was going to give me the "trade" price for the exterior. So,
I saved almost $500.00 on the exterior job, all because I was nice to
his guys the first time around. Got an excellent job this time too,
and took good care of that crew as well.

This fall we're refinishing the hardwood floors. Guess who's getting
the job?

(If I were you, I'd find the best floor guy, not the best painter ;-)

I think one of the best things you can do, if you really like the job
someone did, is to ask for business cards and give them to your
friends. I know that I have personally made recommendations that got
my roofer 3 additional roof jobs (and counting), my cabinet-maker 2
other nice jobs, and my upholsterer at least 1 more job. In addition,
I have recommended my sump pump installer, my electrician (my son),
and my new gutter installers to various friends.

I always offer ice water but I never buy soda - mostly, the guys bring
their own. They can always use a bathroom in the house if they need
to, but 100% of the workers so far in my whole-house redo have gone
somewhere else for lunch.

N.