I've been doing the HI contractor thing for 37 years. I have to say that the customers are just as bad as the contractors. I will tell you right now that I won't deal with another contractor. They're all a pile of crap.
But, if you must, do what you say you're' gonna do when you say you're gonna do it. That would include the first appointment to the last broom stroke. Don't promise the world; if your job looks better than expected, you will be a hero. If you have a problem, say it. If you need to go get drunk, tell your customer why.
Frankly, I wouldn't wish this job on my worst enemy and that's why all the dregs are in construction. It's the worst possible job......unless you really like people and you really like to see things made better, both of which I pursue. Money? Well, I'll be lucky to clear 12K this year. It's chicken one day and feathers the next. When the housing boom went bust, my phone stopped ringing overnight. I haven't had a dozen good jobs yet this year. I used to make 50K at this.
Come Jan 08, I'm done. You can have it.