Below is a list of the most Frequent Asked Questions (FAQ). Click on a question to "reveal" the answer. Click again on the question to "hide" it. If you do not see your question listed below please give us a call. We're looking forward to hear from you.
Q: What are your building and remodeling qualifications? Home inspection qualifications? Mold, radon, lead inspection qualifications?
A: I began in the construction industry in 1979 , working under the tutalage of two master builders building new homes for the next 5 years. In 1984 I ventured out on my own at which point we began to offer remodeling and home improvement services as well. In 1994, due to my disappointment with the inability of many home inspectors, I began offering home inspection services; in addition to my many years of construction experience I am also trained and certified by the InterNational Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI #09120305) as well as CALTEX INTERNATIONAL (#051-01, mold inspections and remediation) and the State of Vermont Essential Maintenance Practices (#3100, lead inspections and remediation).
Q: What are your professional affiliations?
A: I am a member of the
Q: Do you offer assistance to do-it-yourselfers?
A: We understand that building or remodeling a home is very difficult, and dangerous work. You need to be able to approach your project with a fair amount of confidence, knowledge and experience. Yes, we can help with the knowledge and experience. It is important that you are prepared for any potential problems, many of which can be very dangerous, even life threatening. Bring us your plans and ideas and we can offer assistance with tool/materials selections as well as initial layout and prep.
Q: Why should I remodel instead of building a new custom built home or buying an existing home?
A: In todays market, where the costs of building a new home can far exceed what the market value of the competed home will be, it can make more financial sense to increase the value of your existing home while saving the cost of relocating and the disorientation of adjusting to a new climate.
Q: Is there a charge for sitting down and discussing our ideas?
A: In regards to any service that you might request of us, we don't charge for our initial meeting nor do we charge for a detailed estimate for current homeowners. However, if the estimate is to be prepared for a potential home buyer, a renter, or an insurance claim, there will be a charge for the estimate but the full amount of this charge will be refunded on award of the contract.
Q: We only have one bathroom. How do we get by without a bathroom and/or our kitchen?
A: It is our standard practice that, as part of the dust barrier/setup/demo stage of the project, we will attempt to install temporary cooking, dining, and toilet facilities in an effort to make the disturbance of your lifestyle as bearable as possible.
Q: Is now the time to build?
A: Yes, land and construction costs are continually increasing, adding thousands to the cost of new homes every year. First time homeowners will begin building equity and slowing this cycle immediately and, with interest rates where they are now, it makes the opportunity even better.
Q: I live out of town. How difficult will it be to build a home in VT, without being there?
A: Every home built by Ethan Allen Associates comes within an extensive binder of information; included in this binder is important phone numbers and contact information. We also frequently communicate with many of our out of area clients via e-mail and faxes. When you hire Ethan Allen Associates you can rest assure things are getting done right and on time.
