From: Darla Huie

Subject: Re: James Hardie Building Products

 

We have an old, rambling, ranch style house. It was energy inefficient and, frankly, unattractive....exterior-wise. It sits on a great piece of property, though, and we really wanted to create a more cottage-y, cheerful look & cut our exhorbitant energy costs. We interviewed several siding contractors and selected Jimmy Russell with SideCo. I've dealt with some unethical contractors in the last 3 years as we've attempted to salvage, weatherize and customize this home. It's been stressful and created a culture of distrust in our household-regarding subs and contractors. My husband hired Jimmy Russell because he was sold on the Hardy product and "felt good" about Mr. Russell. I was skeptical....

 

Needlessly. The Hardy product completely changed the look of our home. The property, finally, has the finish, quality and character worthy of her years of service and location.

Mr. Russell, over the course of the six week job, checked the progress daily. His employees worked incredibly hard. They were ethical and smart. They were meticulous.They were thorough and ridiculously cooperative.

They petted and watered our old dogs. They caught and released the snakes they found, as requested. They laughed and sang...working over a month, pleasantly and happily.

They were honest....a huge peace of mind issue. The house was left unlocked all day, every day....and, of course, we had no qualms about it, as the guys had become friends.

I work very late, as a restaurant owner. The guys tried hard not to be loud. They, quickly, learned my schedule and went out of their way to be accomodating.

Lastly, I have a very old mutt who cannot hear. Halfway into the Hardy job, I was attempting to back my car around saws and other equipment when, suddenly, two of the guys began

yelling "stop!stop!!!!".... I'd nearly backed over my poor, old dog. As usual, they were watching out for him:)

 

Today, the job was finished and no one was on site. I looked outside and my German Sheperd was sitting at the end of the driveway, waiting for his SideCo buddies....with a long face. I laughed. When I walked outside to go to work on Friday, the last day of the job, the guys asked me if I would miss them. I thought back...I'd been in a fish bowl for weeks., awakening to 6 or more guys working all around the periphery of my home....I hesitated just a second..."Yes, I'll miss you:)" I replied. Life is short and money is hard to come by. Jimmy, a great product and his great work crew made the last six weeks fun.

 

One word of warning..."Richard" can't carry a tune yet is prone to belt out rock classics at the top of his lungs...

Just give him hell and laugh.

 

Sincerely, Darla Huie

Dizzy's Gypsy Bistro