How much leeway are plumbing-heating-cooling contractors given to meet with customers and offer equipment upgrades? It depends, in part, on whether the owner is building the house or if it is being built on speculation — in which case there is no owner except the builder when the HVAC system is being designed. It also depends on the product being offered for upgrade, and whether or not the homeowner can perceive its value. Think your customers would appreciate a hot shower with no waiting for the water to heat up? Tom Phillips is a business specialist with Grundfos Pumps' Domestic Building Services (DBS), Olathe, Kan. "I don't know if the subcontractor generally gets a chance to meet with the end user," he said. "The home builder tells the subcontractor what to put in the home. "It's a bit of a disappointment," because homeowners might be focusing on cosmetic things, like granite counters, instead of the home comfort system. "The home builder is looking at cost more than at quality or the type of product to put in."
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