FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Quirky Clients?

CloudHidden | Posted in Business on June 23, 2006 03:08am

How do y’all handle the client requirements that are important to them but others might see as perhaps a bit odd–do you indulge them or try to ignore them? For example, someone (a prospective client) just took me to task be/c some house designs did not rigorously follow feng shui principles. Now, that was never a design goal for those projects, and the guy who commented on this was completely wrong in his description of the way something should face in his house (per feng shui). Hmmm, indulge him or ignore him? I’ll probably ignore him, be/c he’s coming across as too high maintenance.

Others have out-of-the-ordinary desire for security or secrecy or other. One client wanted written assurances I would never disclose his identity or location. Another was manic about the upcoming sustained 300 mph winds that will be ripping through the heartland of America. Each was otherwise nice and good to work with and it was easy enough to address their concerns. But some are a bit too quirky…

What are some client quirks that have given you pause, or even caused you to walk from a project?

Reply

Replies

  1. dedubya | Jun 23, 2006 04:41pm | #1

    Cloud one of my first posts, was about my rebuilding a

    clients chimney, and my first meeting with him and his wife,

    both are some of the best peeps I've ever had the pleasure

    of working for, interesting job, secluded location, NO CLOTHES.

          I can't tell you the feeling of freedom it gives ya to work nekkid,

    "eheeh just kidding " although they were sans clothing most of the

    time I worked for them. MY son and myself would be working off

    of scaffolding on the top of the roofline when the scaffolding would

    start shaking - hear a voice holler out 'Coming Up' and a naked 78

    yr old man come up over the side of the staging  wearing a l.l.bean

    cap and a pair of hiking boots, and something akin to a skint squirrel

    hanging out in front of him.--It was a cold morning too! as I told

    his wife in a double enuwado one day" yes mam as you know you have yourself

    a heck of a man."     Dwaine Webb

    1. User avater
      draftguy | Jun 23, 2006 04:53pm | #2

      " . . . something akin to a skint squirrel hanging out in front of him.--It was a cold morning too!"on a cold morning they're skint meeses(or maybe you're just being generous) ;)

  2. xosder11 | Jun 23, 2006 05:19pm | #3

    Cloud,
    Once, my boss and I went to see a prospective client at his 4 story brownstone that he wanted to convert from apatments to one large residence... and...well...

    he wanted a beam designed in his bedroom ceiling to support a swing, if you know the kind I'm talking about.

    He also wanted a "wet room" in the basement that could be used as a dungeon.

    He never called to hire us, if he did, I'm not sure what would have happened. Aside from his quirky requests, it would have been a pretty sweet project.

    I have designed hidden doors behind bookcases that swung out that lead to hiddin rooms as well. I get the impression some people just want to get away from the kids once in a while.

    As far as Feng Shui, they should get a designer that is a speacialist, no offence, you will drive yourself nuts trying to get it to work. You'll have things set to go for a meeting, then you'll find out you wasted your time because it isn't feng shui, and needs to be fixed.

    Or...learn Feng Shui. =)



    Edited 6/23/2006 10:41 am ET by xosder11

    1. User avater
      CloudHidden | Jun 23, 2006 08:22pm | #6

      >As far as Feng Shui, they should get a designer that is a specialistNo kidding! I looked into it once. Then I saw a show where two fs gurus were asked to redesign the same room for fs. Each did it completely different and conflicting rationales for their choices. Kinda like bringing a consultant into a project...they'll inevitably find a big change to make because that's how they get paid. Hard to imagine one fs guru setting up a room, and the next one in series saying, "Hey, it's perfect, nothing for me to do!"

      1. xosder11 | Jun 23, 2006 09:43pm | #8

        My girfriend has a friend of the family that's of Chinese descent. They are avid FS practicers. I was at their house in Jersey recently for a cookout. Nice house, but we had to enter through the garage and up the basement stairs. At the top of the basement stairs I see the front entrance...completely covered with a large quilt that had been draped over it. When I asked, thinking logically I thought it was for the safety of their children for some reason I diddn't understand. Nope. The answer I got was that it was because the front entrance of the neighbor across the street was directly facing theirs, and if both were opened negative and potentially harmful energy could flow from the neighbors house into their own. There was plenty of other oddities, but I stopped asking and just chalked it up to FS.I guess you can retrofit a home for feng shui as well.

        1. brownbagg | Jun 23, 2006 09:49pm | #9

          I would love to have all my doors 3.o inside. I have thought about at least 200 mph winds. Its all about money. How much can they afford to build. You want it chin shen, thats fine, here the price.

      2. User avater
        diddidit | Jun 24, 2006 05:37pm | #20

        >No kidding! I looked into it once. Then I saw a show where two fs gurus were asked to redesign the same room for fs. Each did it completely different and conflicting rationales for their choices. Kinda like bringing a consultant into a project...they'll inevitably find a big change to make because that's how they get paid. Hard to imagine one fs guru setting up a room, and the next one in series saying, "Hey, it's perfect, nothing for me to do!"That was Penn & Teller's Showtime series BullSh!t. Funny stuff, that.did<!---->Cure Diabetes - Death Valley 2006!<!---->

        <!---->Donate Online!<!---->

  3. User avater
    BossHog | Jun 23, 2006 05:27pm | #4

    I haven't had anything REALLY wierd. But a few of the more mundane things have been:

    A guy wanted all 3/0 doors in his house. He's only 25 years old, so accessability wasn't a concern. He just wanted it to be easy to move furniture around.

    An older guy wanted 30' trusses built with 2X8 top chords and 2X10 bottom chords. Otherwise they'd be WAY too flimsy.

    A woman I drew a print for wanted to make sure we put in a doggie door for her mutt. I even had to show it on the wall panel layout when we panelized the walls. It was just a little door that the framer stuck in between the studs afer it was framed up. But she was adamant about it being shown on the prints.

    Nothing else comes to mind at the moment...

    Why is it that most nudists are people you don't want to see naked?
    1. jrnbj | Jun 24, 2006 01:14am | #14

      "A guy wanted all 3/0 doors in his house. He's only 25 years old, so accessability wasn't a concern. He just wanted it to be easy to move furniture around."Maybe 3'0" is a bit much, but I've lived in houses I would have liked a whole lot more with an extra 2" on most of the doors...

      1. User avater
        CloudHidden | Jun 24, 2006 04:10am | #15

        Why's 3'0" notable in any way? That's all I have, and it's all I spec on designs unless told otherwise. Wheelchair access if for no other reason.

        1. User avater
          BossHog | Jun 24, 2006 02:55pm | #16

          To me, a 3/0 door is cumbersome. Especially if it's in a tight sopt.
          I didn't go to work today. The little voices in my head told me to stay home and clean my guns.

          1. User avater
            jonblakemore | Jun 24, 2006 04:39pm | #17

            I agree to a point, Boss.A 3/0 door required a big swing, much more than the 2/4 door that I walk through daily to the office. It's a little thing, but it's worth considering.I also think that 3/0x6/8 six panel doors look funny. If you're going to 7/0 (or even better 8/0) the proportions are more pleasing to my eyes. 

            Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA

          2. DonK | Jun 24, 2006 05:20pm | #18

            Did work for an old archi once, and when I got to his office, saw he was using a walker. We got to talking and he said he had fallen. He commented that he had put narrow hallways and doorways in when he had designed his home many years before. He swore that he would never design another hallway less than 36". I never forgot that conversation and I still try to use 3' doors whenever possible on my own designs.

            When you start carrying materials in or furniture, or appliances, those extra few inches are appreciated.

            On my next house, I'm going to try to use the idea of making the hallway 4-5' and filling one wall with bookcases. CAn't think of much better way to use space.

            Don K.

            EJG Homes     Renovations - New Construction - Rentals

             

          3. User avater
            CloudHidden | Jun 24, 2006 05:54pm | #21

            You're right about hallways, too. I just assume 4'-ish from the get-go. Hallways one of my pet peeves. I looked over some plan sets once and measured the percentage of the houses "lost" to hallways. It amazed me how high it was--up to 25%--as hallways are single purpose space and that makes them expensive. Having them double as a library or display area certainly increases their utility. The only better step is designing to avoid hallways as much as practical. They're necessary at times, of course, but not as much as typically used.

          4. User avater
            CloudHidden | Jun 24, 2006 05:32pm | #19

            Probably half my clients are of retirement age, or closing in on it, and to a person they worry about access in the event of walkers or wheelchairs. ADA compliance and all that. Personally I like em just for shoulder room and carrying stuff in and out. Haven't found them difficult to provide for, since it's assumed from the start, nor of an awkward proportion. Never heard of a six-panel looking awkward. It's all I have in my house, 'cept for one, and glad for it.

  4. User avater
    draftguy | Jun 23, 2006 05:37pm | #5

    It seems most scenarios revolved around either egos or people who needed lots of hand-holding, not necessarily strange or unusual.

    The feng-shui thing happened to me once for a design competition in Palos Verdes, California. It was to design a community art school/museum and included, along with the spaces, costs, materials, etc., that it be designed according to feng shui principles. That was a little odd for a building built with public money . . . and it was pretty much ignored. I've since heard of a legislator in California who's trying to make feng shui a code issue.

    I remember once soon out of school where I answered someone's ad to do a layout for their basement. Normal house in a moderately wealthy neighborhood. Single guy, said he was a psychiatrist. And in the basement he had dozens of paintings hanging on the walls, stacked against each other, etc., that were probably worth a fortune. Don't remember if he said they were passed through the family, or if he collected them or what. He kept them in the basement because he didn't want anyone to know they were there. Then he wanted to take me out to dinner for my time. A little creepy . . . I left and didn't try to contact him again.

    Kind of a funny story along the same lines. Apparently, in New York City there's an Asian man going around to different architectural firms and telling people he needs interior drawings for his loft. Claims that the budget is huge, but if he meets with the architect they have to be barefoot (something about his religion). Then at the meeting he tries to massage their feet. Sometimes he does, sometimes he doesn't . . . but no one ever hears from him again. Aaaahhh . . . life in the big city.



    Edited 6/23/2006 4:32 pm ET by draftguy

  5. craigf | Jun 23, 2006 08:25pm | #7

    Not really quirky, but an unusual job.

    I made a mantle for a lady out the nicest, clearest piece of 8/4 red oak. She wanted it distressed.

    I tried chains,awls, ball peen hammer, rocks in a bag etc. Even tried a shotgun on a sample to see what it would do.

    Nothing I could think of would damage it enough to get the look she was after.

    Its really odd to spend most of my time afraid of putting a tiny scratch on something and then disappoint someone by not beating something up enough.

  6. ccal | Jun 23, 2006 10:06pm | #10

    Not really a quirk but one of the things that drives me nuts on a new frame or large remodel is people that worry too much about the frame getting wet. You have to understand that we get about 70 inches of rain per year here too. I guess they never thought about it before and all of the sudden its raining all over the new frame. I tell them it will all dry out fine but they just dont seem to get it. Ill come in one morning and have a sea of tarps covering things that dont need to be covered. The worst is when they start spraying the thompsons water sealer on everything as soon as i leave. Makes everything sticky for days. Everybody has been complaining about the drought this year but im loving it.

    1. xosder11 | Jun 23, 2006 10:28pm | #11

      We had a client call us one morning telling us those framers are building it all wrong and nothing is straight and so on. Naturally, I asked why he said that. (Mind you, it had just rained the previous day). Apparantly, there were some puddles on the subfloor that were roughly 3/32" deep in a couple of areas. Oh, and if a client brings his own laser level on site when the frame is being built, wait untill they turn around, then punt it like a football. That way, you'll never have to field Q's like why does the top of the foundation dip 1/8" across 40'. Those poor bastard framers dug their own grave when they agreed to work for the client directly with no GC.

      1. ccal | Jun 23, 2006 10:44pm | #12

        I had a customer complain that the lights and outlets werent working after the electrical rough in was finished. I explained that we had to insulate and drywall first but he still wanted me to install some lights so he could get a better look at the place. I brought in a couple of flood lights. He still complained and wanted the electrician back and asked why we couldnt just "drywall around " the fixtures so he could flip the lights on and off. I began to ignore him after that.

      2. User avater
        draftguy | Jun 23, 2006 11:45pm | #13

        ". . . why does the top of the foundation dip 1/8" across 40'"maybe they think because you drew it perfectly straight, it should be built perfectly straight :)In the old days when people drew by hand, sometimes they only rendered part of an elevation just to give an indication of the material and to save a little time. There was always the inevitable comment from the owner:"is the siding really going to stop at an angle like that?"

  7. User avater
    trout | Jun 24, 2006 06:23pm | #22

    ...do you indulge them or try to ignore them?

    This sounds a bit like, "Do we build them the house they want, or the one we want them to have."   Many jobs have been picked up over the years because of the reluctance of other carpenters to meet the clients' needs. 

    Most of my jobs are T&M so changes midstream or quirks that come out aren't a problem to accommodate profitably, but for those who bid most work I can appreciate how the extra costs can be stressful for all involved.  The more that can be figured out ahead of time the better.

    Ignore client's odd preferences. I could use the extra cash.  :-)

    1. brownbagg | Jun 24, 2006 06:30pm | #23

      How about 3'0 doors as panel doors, that be nice. live alone, no doors till you need them.

    2. User avater
      CloudHidden | Jun 24, 2006 06:38pm | #24

      By "ignore" I meant decline the job. Some "quirks" are more an indication of a high maintenance client, or even one who might never be satisfied.

      1. User avater
        trout | Jun 24, 2006 08:18pm | #25

        I can see how hand-holding isn't for everyone, but if you can stomach it, quirky people can be the most profitable.  I simply do a gut check and imagine the lowest $ surcharge that make it a no-brainer for doing the job.

        Not related to quirky people, but cutting/installing new windows into solid concrete, above ground or below, is a beau cu surcharge since it's so dirty, but have had numerous clients twisting my arm to do the work on short notice since everyone else turned them down.  At $700/day I'll install basement windows all year long.

        Pulling up to one upper-middle class house, it was odd that the driveway and garage didn't have a single drop of oil on it.  Inside the house there wasn't a speck of dust anywhere.  *big blinking red light*  No problem, clean freaks are simply a 20% surcharge for hand holding.  I'm working the same number of hours, actually extra hours for the additional cleaning, and the 20% bonus each hour makes it worth while.

        Wording in my contracts clearly states a sort of no-fault divorce so that if either party isn't happy with the working situation, the job can be called off and time & materials are immediately paid to date.  It's a way out if a job is being sabotaged by the client.  Sometimes it's necessary to fire a client.

        The more power and leverage kept on your side the less financial risk in the job and the more those problem clients will bite their tongues and let you do the work.

      2. VaTom | Jun 24, 2006 08:55pm | #26

        Some "quirks" are more an indication of a high maintenance client

        That's the difference between custom and tract housing.  You just need to decide which way you want to go.

        I assume that anything's possible.  Love a challenge.  All it takes from the client is imagination and deep pockets.  Meeting with one next week who doesn't particularly like me, prefers "yes" people (his wife thinks I'm great).  Few yrs ago, after supervising gutting of the farm cook's house I told him to bulldoze it.  Not what he wanted to hear.  GC said no, always preserve.  Then took him for a bath, escorted off the farm when the simple project exceeded $300k.  Last time the owner and I got together it was over what to do with a very large barn visible from the master balcony.

        Barn didn't work well (designed for loose hay storage), had a problem roof, and was considered for replacement.  My question was what he wanted to see.  Nice barn?  Hire an archy.  Nice hillside with zero maintenance barn?  I'm your guy. 

        The last barn he had built (for his race horses) was around $3 million, very nice.  He wanted other than a wood roof.  Both the archy and GC told him it couldn't be done, had to be wood (with standing seam stainless).  Afterwards, his head gardener, who'd been here, told him about our place.  I'm mostly the "furniture guy" there, but he's frustrated.  We'll see.  Even if it only turns out to be talk, I'm well-compensated.  And having fun.

        For me, it's no effort to resist arm-twisting about going for volume.  I'd be a poor candidate.  PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!

        1. User avater
          CloudHidden | Jun 24, 2006 09:42pm | #27

          I guess a "quirk" is when they can pay for something unusual and smile while doing so. A "quack" is when they can't afford it or want to bitch the whole time. Ha ha ha!Good luck with your project.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Podcast Segment: Hand Tool Sharpening Tips

Learn how the pros keep their hand tools sharp without breaking the bank.

Featured Video

Builder’s Advocate: An Interview With Viewrail

Learn more about affordable, modern floating stairs, from design to manufacturing to installation.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 690: Sharpening, Wires Behind Baseboard, and Fixing Shingle Panels
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Hand Tool Sharpening Tips
  • Old House Air-Sealing Basics
  • A Drip-Free, Through-Window Heat Pump

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Old House Journal – August 2025
    • Designing the Perfect Garden Gate
    • Old House Air-Sealing Basics
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in