Book Review -- M. Armstrong, Homeowner, Seattle, Washington August 3, 2007
This book is an invaluable resource for any homeowner who wants to have work done on their house. Though designed principally to allow a homeowner to be their own general contractor, it is equally useful for anyone who hires a contractor. The book is very practical. I found tips on every page, though we have done several remodels of our own. If we had this book before our remodels we probably would have saved thousands of dollars, and reduced the stress of doing the remodels. The author's background in cost estimating is evident in this book and provides a resource for comparing bids from contractors to industry standards. I am going to be purchasing another one- my daughter's husband saw it and wanted mine. Before you remodel you should buy this book!
Testimonial -- Jay S., Engineer, Seattle, Washington August 21, 2007
I took the Pat Fay Method class back before Pat's book was finished. What I learned of the Pat Fay Method in the class and from the handouts gave my wife and me the confidence to act as our own general contractor in the construction of our new 4,000 SF house in Seattle. It was completed in June, 2005 at a cost of $105 per square foot. We saved from $100 to $145 per SF from what we would have been charged by a general contractor. This means we saved from $400,000 to $580,000 by following the Pat Fay Method. It was hard work but I learned from the Pat Fay Method what to do, what not to do, and more importantly how to work with contractors. We would never have been able to afford a house like this without the Pat Fay Method.
Book Review -- M. Hummell, House Inspector, Bothell, Washington June 20, 2007
Your book provides a wealth of hands-on information into dealing with contractors when acting as a general contractor/project manager. There is a need to know the steps involved, problems and pitfalls, but the real strength of the book is how it describes tracking the project. From start to finish the forms used to keep track of the project operations are worth the price of the book. There are forms for writing a contract, contract change orders, request for information, complaint forms, etc. In today's litigious society, there needs to be a paper trail and your forms in the book keep contractors accountable for their work.
The most important message I got from reading your book was the need to monitor the contractor and inspect their work. This needs to be done on a daily basis. My 400 square foot back addition with master bedroom suite is presently a work in-progress. I used the techniques described in the book to clear the trees from the work area so foundation excavations can begin. Your book gave me the tools I need to find qualified contractors, to use competition between contractors, and to get a fair price for work performed. I can use your insight to monitor and inspect work performed to building specifications and to keep my home improvement free from contractor liens or future material defects. Your book is very well written and a fine resource in my home improvement library.
Book Review -- H. Holman, CPA, Kirkland, Washington June 11, 2007
The Pat Fay Method is a well-done, thoughtful and, ultimately, very useful resource. I have learned a lot just by reading it here and there. This book will result in savings far exceeding the cost for anyone having any work done at their home, regardless of the extent of their own role in managing it.
Book Review-- Ken H., Wyckoff, New Jersey, August 28, 2007
The book is great! Better than anything we've seen out there. The Pat Fay Method has already become a running joke in our house - in a good way. Whenever we talk about a certain aspect of the project we're planning one of us would say to the other, "Well, the Pat Fay Method says such and such or I don't think the Pat Fay Method would approve of that". It keeps us laughing.
Testimonial and Book Review -- M. Favaro, Seattle, Washington, June 5, 2007
I loved your class and your book. I think it's a very useful guide to undertaking a home construction project and it is packed with practical "no nonsense" tips for working with contractors to get the outcome you're seeking. While I haven't started my remodeling projects yet (because we're relocating to Sonoma, CA in July) I do plan to purchase small square footage homes and start remodeling soon after we relocate. Your book has given me the confidence to take on a project and feel like I can complete it successfully. I can't wait to get started!
Testimonial -- Daisy H. Seattle, Washington July 2, 2007
I really enjoyed taking Pat's class and have used the Pat Fay Method in my house remodel projects including replacing windows, doors and having work done on the foundation and in the crawlspace of my home. I've also learned a great deal from Pat's book to help me obtain multiple estimates before deciding on a sub-contractor to do the work.
Testimonial --N. Cross, Realtor, Seattle, Washington May 8, 2007
The writings in the book were great to help others with the sequence of various projects and help folks to save money. I'm a Realtor and I have given this book to clients. I've received responses such as, "Why didn't I have this book before I started my project?" I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to save money and prevent headaches.
Book Review -- T. Trozzolo, South Bend, Indiana June 12, 2007
While I have not yet had a chance to finish reading Pat's book, I can say that it is unique in that I have not found any book in the marketplace like it. The advice presented will save you hundreds of times the cost of the book! Also, shipping was extraordinarily fast, just one day!
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