Editor’s note: This commentary is by Joseph Boutin, of Sunderland, a master carpenter who has had a small renovation/remodeling business for the last 22 years. He is certified with the Building Performance Institute as a building analyst and envelope professional.
[T]he secretary of state’s Office of Professional Regulation is proposing mandatory registration of home-improvement and construction contractors for Vermont. This has been a long time coming and in my opinion desperately needed. The old Vermont saw farmers pick up a hammer in the winter months and hired out as carpenters. The new Vermont sees anyone with a pickup truck who might be laid off from work go out and advertise as a carpenter. Many old Vermont farmhouses reflect lack of expertise in their building, though it’s an absolute pleasure to see a 200-year-old house built by craftsmen.
I have been in the construction field for 47 years, half in Vermont, the other years in different states and five different countries. I have worked under many state and cities building codes as well as European Union and Norwegian building regulations. The craft of building and renovating residential structures has changed dramatically in my life as a builder. Not just here in Vermont, but everywhere.
The new techniques and materials can make for an efficient, comfortable dwelling with minimal yearly maintenance. But if not constructed properly, a building can be a source of constant financial drain. Water infiltration, mold infiltration, rot both external and unseen, unhealthy air quality: These and many more circumstances are the responsibility of the person doing the work on the structure.
At this time, the public must seek out a contractor relying on word of mouth from a friend, maybe a reference, perhaps a website that claims to have vetted the contractor. People have gotten burnt, they are unusually nervous talking with or seeking out a contractor. In my case I offer three recent references, testimonial from my clients, email addresses of my clients so people can contact them directly and in some cases, a site visit to past or present jobs, all in trying to have people feel secure in their hiring.
People who hire home contractors and residential remodelers should be assured that there are regulations and specifications that are being followed and have that backed up by some type of certification program. I believe the development of an educational systems for those wishing to enter the field will follow, allowing for a trade where many can make a decent living. There is a segment of youth that either don’t want to go to college, or can’t. How easy is it for them to get into the trades? Not very easy in Vermont. It’s time to make changes in Vermont with the educational process of becoming a carpenter. Regulating and certification will have that effect.
Imagine that person who is going to build your addition or renovate your living room has a certification that assures you of a level of expertise, gives you a certificate of insurance, has the financial backing to cover your work and a clean history of work projects. Sounds like a dream?
