For the Mechanical (Hydronic/HVAC) guys out there: One of the things that I see at times, but I think perhaps could garner more attention is a committment towards durability and reliability of installation. For example, geothermal heat pumps - everyone likes to cite their cost savings of how it will pay for itself over so many years, but that is assuming minimal service, and not any potential service calls or issues, which are often expensive at times due to the technical nature involved in repairng them and potential expensive parts that may not always be off the shelf.
I know I like to strive myself personally to putting high quality components in, in the most serviceable locations possible, and have everything installed in a hydronically correct methodology. This also includes learning about the best products, and at the same time being able to sell their benefits. But it also comes with having a little bit concern about your customers investment and trying to save them money.
But at times it also becomes difficult when you walk into a house and a customer suddenlly wants to reduce the investment on a reno into their mechanical installation because they can not see it, nor do they value it as much, which forces us to compromise in a way we do not like. They have this thought that they'd rather spend $$$ on a fancy looking kitchen sink instead, and skimp out which causes a repair bill down the line potentially by putting in a lesser boiler, or piece of equipment, or all together going with the less competant contractor. I guess people in North American, unlike some ohter places, seem to have this attitude that if they don't like it they can flip it and move on instead of putting some foresight into their house?
So I'm curious what your approach is, perhaps what products you like to use, and what you've seen overall.