Planning a Remodel in Williston or South Burlington? Complete Guide
Every town in Vermont has its own unique style of homes. If you are planning a kitchen, bathroom, or full home remodel in Williston or South Burlington, here is what 50 years of local building experience has taught me.
If you are a homeowner in Williston or South Burlington, you know how great it is to live here. You’ve got great neighborhoods, excellent schools, and you are just a few minutes from Burlington.
But if you are reading this, you also know that your house might be due for an update.
Over the last 50 years, I’ve worked as a general contractor and custom woodworker all over Chittenden County. I’ve remodeled countless homes specifically in Williston and South Burlington. Because these two towns have a very specific mix of housing styles, there are a few things you should know before you start knocking down walls.
1. Upgrading the "Builder-Grade" Layout
A lot of the neighborhoods in Williston and parts of South Burlington were built in the 1980s, 90s, and early 2000s. While these are solid, well-built homes, many of them were finished with "builder-grade" materials.
That means standard boxed cabinets, basic trim, and layouts that feel exactly like the house next door.
My Advice: You don't always need to add an addition to make your home feel special. By bringing in custom woodworking, like handcrafted kitchen cabinets, a custom bathroom vanity, or living room built-ins, we can completely transform a cookie-cutter house into a home that is entirely unique to your family.
2. Navigating Local Permits
Every town in Vermont has its own set of rules when it comes to building codes and permits. What flies in one town might not pass inspection in the next.
When you hire a contractor who isn't deeply familiar with local zoning, your project can get delayed by weeks or even months.
My Advice: Make sure your general contractor handles the permitting process for you. At Tradecraft VT, we manage your project from the very first planning phase all the way through the final town inspection. You never have to worry about the paperwork.
3. The Danger of the "Juggling Act"
A major home remodel involves a lot of moving parts. You need carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and tile setters.
A lot of remodeling companies will sell you a project, and then hand you over to a "project coordinator" sitting in an office somewhere. Suddenly, you are the one juggling schedules and trying to figure out who is supposed to be at your house on a Tuesday morning.
I don't do that. When you hire Tradecraft VT, you hire me. I personally oversee every single project. If you have a question, you call my cell phone, and I answer it. Simple as that.
Let’s Talk About Your Home
Whether you want to tear your kitchen down to the studs, completely remodel your master bathroom, or you are looking for design-build services to reimagine your main floor, I can help.
I offer free, open-book, itemized estimates. You will know exactly what your project costs, down to the penny, before we ever get started.
If you live in Williston, South Burlington, or anywhere nearby, let’s chat about your ideas. Give me a call directly at (802) 585-9112 or reach out through the website. Let’s build something great.
A Few Quick Questions I Hear Locally (FAQs)
Do you only work in Williston and South Burlington?
Not at all! While we do a lot of work in those two towns, Tradecraft VT serves homeowners all throughout Chittenden County. We regularly manage projects in Burlington, Essex Junction, Winooski, Shelburne, Colchester, Milton, Hinesburg, and Charlotte.
What is a "Design-Build" service?
Design-Build means we handle both the design of your new space and the actual construction under one roof. Instead of you hiring an expensive architect and then trying to find a builder who can follow their plans, I work directly with you from the very first sketch to the final coat of paint. It saves you time, money, and a lot of headaches.
Can you match the existing woodwork in my older South Burlington home?
Yes. Because I am a master custom woodworker, one of my specialties is matching existing trim, cabinetry, and fine millwork. If you have an older home and want the new remodel to blend in seamlessly with the original character of the house, we can absolutely do that.
How do I know I am getting a fair price?
I have been in this business for 50 years, and I believe in total transparency. That is why I provide open-book, itemized estimates. I will show you exactly what we are spending on materials and labor. There are no mystery fees. You will always know exactly what you are paying for.