Ethics and Policies

Ethics: We do not participate in any referral arrangements with any service or material providers. We’ve decided to forgo this lucrative standard of trade service companies in the name of our ethical responsibility to serve only our client’s best interests.

The Tool Library Disclosure: I sit on the board of directors for The Tool Library of WNY, an organization dedicated to sharing the resources necessary for building. They have been a significant help in my own history of work and a bountiful resource for my clients. My board seat is entirely volunteer, they are a registered 501c3, and I do not believe recommending their service to be a conflict of interest. Please ask for more information, or follow this link.

Discounts: We offer a floating discount to people who live lives of service. We ask participants to share their stories with us in an effort to promote service as a fundamental social value and a moral imperative. If you’d like to know more, please ask. If you’re looking for ways to serve, we can help connect you with our partner organizations. We offer a one-time 5% discount (applied to the next billing cycle) for any productive referrals to friends and family when requested. 

Retainer: Some projects demand immediate, on demand answers. If you want to make sure I’m available to speedily answer your questions we offer simple, reasonable retainer structures for different circumstances. Contact us.

Credentials: My career and educational credentials are split evenly between teaching and the trades. My bachelors in tech production primed multiple trade disciplines including framing, electrics and material science. A decade of work for contracting firms offered broad hands-on experience working directly with Plan Review, HVAC, Plumbing, Residential Electric, Low Voltage and Smart Home systems, Insulation and Envelope, Windows, Siding, Doors, Roofing Systems, and Fine Carpentry in both rural and urban settings. Running my own light commercial contracting company offered additional perspective; from full gut renovations to small projects, and an understanding of the corporate realities of contracting. A commitment to ongoing training includes: industry events, subscriptions databases, building code references, standard trade learning resources, industry subscription publications and seminars, material science publications, paid courses and steadfast relationships with niche professionals. My decades developing alternative learning programs for teenagers and adults in Buffalo, my years in BPS, and a deep exploration of learning theories has made me an effective teacher and communicator in atypical settings. The world of contracting is technically complex, ruled by a volatile marketplace and material science is advancing so quickly it can seem impossible to know what to do. I put the scope of my knowledge and problem-solving experience to work for my clients to help them make the best decisions possible to protect their family’s home.  

Policies: We often provide links or digital or print copies of third-party documents as reference material for our clients because we believe these resources are useful for illustrating issues or concepts relevant to their specific needs. Offering these materials is in NO WAY an endorsement for the material, related material, or the producer of the material, nor is it endorsement for any applications beyond the informational consideration for which it was offered.

We can not and will not produce written reports comprising our advice or findings. This service is distinct and different in scope and intent from Home Inspection services. Producing reports is a red-line we do not cross, as a clear distinction between these services. Emails, text messages, and any other writing is exclusively correspondence and never to be considered a report under any circumstances. We welcome and recommend that clients take their own notes during our time together.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, skin color, orientation, identity or political affiliation. I like to think I don't discriminate at all. In a company of one it's difficult to demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion other than to say: I am committed to meeting you where you are, and as you are, to give you the very best advice I'm able in service of your home and your goals as a human whose time and trust in my service I value deeply. 

Billing typically happens monthly but may happen more or less frequently under certain circumstances. Questions? Email us.

Prices are likely to increase at a standard of 5% a year and will be reflected on the pricing page of this website. As of March 2024 pricing has been updated to reflect the unique challenges presented by commercial and investment portfolio projects. 

If payments are not received by Your Fix-It Neighbor LLC within fifteen (15) business days after becoming due, Your Fix-It Neighbor LLC may charge interest on any such unpaid amounts at a rate of 0.75% per month, or the maximum amount permitted under applicable law, from the date such payment was due until the date paid, may suspend contracts until payment has been made in full, and/or may terminate Agreement(s). Discounts may not apply to all projects. The Tool Library is a partner of Your Fix-It Neighbor LLC, and a registered 501c3. Tax deductible donations along with Your Fix-It Neighbor’s matching contribution are submitted once annually where funds are applied to a general discretionary account. Your Fix-It Neighbor is proud of and deeply committed to the mission of the Tool Library, please consider becoming a member @ www.thetoollibrary.org.