If you’re like us, by now you’ve probably read dozens of letters from companies (that somehow have your email address) telling you how they are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are sorry to add to the pile, but we did feel we should address the issue so our current and future customers would know what to expect.
Day-to-day, we are doing our part to minimize risk to ourselves and our customers while working to make sure that existing projects stay on track. Both of our families are engaging in social distancing, and eliminating non-essential excursions except for work and to visit immediate family in small groups. So far, no-one in our families is showing any symptoms of COVID-19.
The two of us are only leaving home for work and to get necessary supplies for our families. Each of us has hand-sanitizer in our trucks, and the chapped hands to prove that we are following the hand washing guidelines. We have also temporarily eliminated all paper forms from our process. All necessary forms will be sent as a PDF file over email.
Here’s how doing business with us will change while we all deal with this pandemic.
For Future Customers
Normally we’d meet with you in your home to go over options, measurements, and pricing for prospective customers. Until it is safe to do so (or unless there are extenuating circumstances), we will not be conducting meetings inside the homes of our customers.
While we are observing social distancing, we have the following options for customer consultations:
Quick consultations: One of us will visit for a 5 to 15 minute meeting outside your home. During this meeting we will measure your home and discuss your product and design options. Any product samples to be handled will be sanitized with a disinfecting wipe.
Virtual consultations: Before we visit the home, we will have a 5 to 10 minute telephone conversation to discuss your product and design options. At an appointed time, we will visit your home to take measurements. We will need access to front, back, and side yards but you will not need to come outside (though you are welcome to wave through the window!) Any samples that you have requested will be sanitized and left on your front or back step.
Within 48 to 72 hours, you will receive a digital measurement file and a few design simulations based on our initial conversation. Another 48 to 72 hours after that, our proposal will be ready for your review. We will set up a time to follow up via phone call or Skype to go over options and pricing.
For Current Customers
We are proceeding as though all projects that are in our production schedule will be able to start as scheduled. We have taken steps to ensure that some special-order accessories are in stock, and our suppliers have indicated that they are staying open.
Start-up, progress, and completion inspections will continue at their regularly scheduled intervals, and follow up forms will be sent in PDF format over email.
If the government directs that we must stop our work, we will respect that order. Any ongoing work sites will be cleaned up, secured, and your home will be sealed to the elements for the duration of our stoppage. We are hopeful that exterior construction projects will not be subject to stoppages.
Thank you for your understanding. We will update this post as needed to keep you informed of our operations.