12.16
Q: How many people work for Phillips Home Repair?
A: Just me, Mark J. Phillips.
Q: Where are you from?
A: I am an Iowa City native. I graduated from City High in 1996 and Kirkwood Community College with a degree in electronics in 1998.
Q: How long have you been doing this kind of work?
A: In a way, my whole life. I have always been a tinkerer. Whether it’s building custom bicycles, fixing stereo equipment, working on vintage Vespas, or building skateboard parks, I have always been a DIY type of person. As it pertains to home repair, I started by fixing up my first house after I bought it in 2001. People started taking notice of the work I was doing there and I started doing small jobs on the side of my regular job. By 2007, I was so busy that I quit that other job and here I am.
Q: How big a job can you handle?
A: Generally speaking, I can handle any job that can be accomplished with only one person and in a reasonable amount of time. If you the homeowner can lend a hand, it may be helpful in some cases. Some examples of larger jobs are: bathroom remodels, replacing sections of a deck, hardwood floors under 500 sq/ft, kitchen counters, etc.
Q: How small of a job will you do?
A: No job is too small. I do charge a 1 hour minimum, so feel free to make a list of several small jobs so you get your money’s worth. Some of the smallest jobs I have done are: hanging a picture or mirror, hanging a shelf, hanging blinds, unsticking a garbage disposal, adjusting a storm door, replacing door weatherstrip, caulking around a tub, etc.
Q: Are there any jobs you WILL not do?
A: Not many. Sometimes a job comes along that is so unplesant sounding that I turn it down, but it doesn’t happen often. I hate cold weather, so I don’t do much outside work in the winter. I do not have the equipment or skills necessary to lay carpet or pour concrete and I do not do appliance repair either. While I do have a background in electronics repair, I don’t have the support system of most appliance repair companies such as schematics, parts diagrams and suppliers.
Q: Are there any jobs that you MAY not do?
A: I am limited legally when it comes to electrical work. I can replace existing items such as outlets, switches and light fixtures, but anything involving running new wires has to be done by a licensed electrician. The same restrictions apply to plumbing work, but I typically only do plumbing work if it’s part of a bigger, non-plumbing job such as a remodel or countertop replacement.
Q: Do you supply parts, or should I?
A: Either is fine with me. I do not markup supplies, but I do charge my regular hourly rate for picking them up. I love showing up to a job to find the parts already there, but I know sometimes we don’t know what you need until I tear something apart. I carry the small basics with me at all times such as wall anchors, spackle, caulking, light switches, etc.
Q: What do you do with the old parts and supplies?
A: In most cases, I will haul away any debris or packaging for free. Any usable items are taken to Habitat for Humanity ReStore or added to my collection of spare supplies. Anything recyclable is recycled, any damaged, unpainted wood is used for firewood, and anything that is unmistakably trash is taken to the landfill.
Q: What are your hours?
A: My hours are Monday through Friday from 9-5. After 5pm I typically turn my phone off until the next business day so I can spend time with family and friends. Any messages left during this time will usually be returned the following business day.
Q: Do you work Saturdays, Sundays or holidays?
A: No.
Q: Why not?
A: Would you?
Q: I called and left you a message and I never heard back. What’s the deal?
A: The short answer: I am a better handyman than receptionist. The long answer: There are a few reasons that this may happen. I do not make a habit of such behavior, but life can be unpredictable. One reason could be the time and/or day of the week. For example, my phone is turned off from Friday at 5pm until Monday at 9am. Another possible reason is I’m just too busy. It sounds bad, but there are days where I am booked up a month out, I am working on a job that I can’t interrupt, and my phone rings all day and fills up with messages. I try to call everyone back, but it doesn’t always happen. Sometimes it’s something as innocent as your phone cutting out while leaving the message so I miss a few digits of your phone number. If given a choice I would prefer an email anyway. That way I am not interrupted during the day, and at night I can leisurely go through my emails and answer every one of them with my full undivided attention.
Q: Will you barter?
A: I will consider trades depending on how busy I am and what the items or services are that you want to trade. I am always interested in almost any antique with wheels, bicycles, scooters, small displacement motorcycles, skateboards, pedal cars, etc. I also am interested in musical instruments, old electronics and tools. Bottom line, it never hurts to ask.
Q: Is Phillips Home Repair LGBT friendly?
A: Absolutely! I am a lifelong ally and unapologetic supporter of all LGBT causes. I would love to work with your family, no matter who it’s made of.
Q: What’s up with that weird car you drive?
A: It’s a 2008 Chevy HHR Panel. It can carry a ton of stuff and gets over 30mpg. Sometimes I could use a little extra space, but I’m not macho enough for a giant truck.