Working With SIMON OTT, LLC

  • Estimates

    “Ballpark” estimates are free of charge. Please email or text me photos/videos of your project and I will give you a price range.

    If, after receiving the ballpark estimate, you decide that is within your budget and you want to move forward, I will work up a firm estimate. If you are in Shawnee, your job is a small one, and I only need to spend 20-30 minutes looking it over in person, this estimate is free of charge. If your project is more extensive, or you are out of the area (including outlying communities), I charge for estimates since I usually spend at least an hour and a half discussing the details with you when I come out to look over your project, and the estimate itself can take several hours to work up. However, if you choose to have me do the work, I credit your invoice for the amount of the estimate—so they are essentially free in that case.

    For accepted estimates, I’ll work with you to coordinate an approximate start-time, and outline the details of the project in a contract. A deposit is due before the job starts.

    If you need an estimate in order to apply for a grant or the like, I am happy to provide one, but there is a minimum $200 fee associated, refundable if you accept my estimate.

  • Contracting

    I work as both a General Contractor and a fine trim carpenter sub-contractor (GC’s or project managers must contact me directly and be insured).

    When I work directly with clients, I provide a detailed scope of the project in my company contract, including retainer requirements and payment expectations.

    I prefer to focus on one job at a time whenever possible. If I am booked up when you contac me, I’ll be happy to put you on my waiting list.

    I will always pull a permit when required to do so by code.

    I am not the most expensive outfit in town, but neither do I charge handyman rates. I have decades of experience and offer a superior product, so I charge accordingly. Compared to most in our area, I think it’s fair to say that I am somewhere in the middle. I always do my best to be as reasonable as possible—I don’t even charge mark-up on materials—but I am not a handyman or fly-by-night contractor. If you are looking for cheap, you’ll be disappointed. If you are looking for skilled and responsible, you’ll be satisfied.

  • Custom Orders

    I accept custom orders for cabinetry, cabinet doors/drawer fronts, entry and interior doors, trim, shelving, storage units and furnishings, counters and tabletops, and more.

    Some items are available for shipping.

FAQs

  • My private cabinet shop is in Shawnee, Oklahoma.

    As a craftsman-contractor, I service Shawnee, the surrounding communities, the OKC Metro (including Norman and Edmond), and occasionally the Tulsa Metro.

    Consulting and coaching are available nationwide via Zoom/FaceTime/phone and email.

  • Since 1998.

  • Yes, I am insured and can provide proof of insurance to clients upon request.

    Oklahoma does not license general contractors, so I am not licensed, but I am registered in my county per state requirements. I was licensed when I worked in Oregon from 2003-2007.

  • I do not charge for “ballpark” estimates based on photos/video and plans sent to me via email by potential clients.

    If you want me to come look at your project but do not want to go through the email process first, that appointment is treated as a consultation and billed at consultation pricing.

    If you need a certain number of estimates in order to apply for a grant or for your insurance company, the minimum charge is $250.

  • Yes. They are available upon request.

  • That is entirely dependent on the scope of the job. My minimum charge for contracting (not consulting) is $500.

  • CNC machines have become popular among hobbyists and big factory-like shops. For the hobbyist, it allows them to make cabinetry and furniture and hang out their shingle as a professional without the experience or skill. For a big shop, it allows them to mass produce cabinetry and the like with little attention to detail.

    It is, and always will be, inferior construction.

    It’s important for craftsman like me to be clear about this and to let my clients and customers know that I don’t use this kind of equipment. I don’t need to because I know how to build high quality pieces that are well designed and will last.

    All of my work is built by my own two hands using a combination of hand tools and method-appropriate power tools. I also do my own math, I don’t leave it to a computer to tell me what measurements to use. To some, this doesn’t matter, but other see the value in having something made by an expert that will stand the test of time.

  • No, I don’t work with clients. There are a number of reasons for this, but suffice it to say that my time is much more efficient when I work on my own or with other professionals.

    This does not apply to coaching and consulting, where the entire point is to advise my clients on how to do it themselves, and sometimes I end up working on bits and pieces for them.

  • You’d be surprised how often I get asked this!

    I was born and raised in the rural forests of Washington and Oregon. I joined the US Air Force, which eventually stationed me in Norman, Oklahoma. My wife and I made our home in Oklahoma until 2002—I started my business in 1998, after an honorable discharge from the USAF— then we returned to Oregon for five years, and moved back to Oklahoma in 2007 after my wife received a large scholarship for grad school. We have been in Shawnee since that time. I miss the mountains but love the sun.

  • No. I never use stock images on my website or on social media.

    Most photos were taken by my wife (Hunter and Rice Photography & Media).

  • In some cases. Limited use may be granted but require our permission. Please contact me to use any photos/images on this website.