[andybuildz]

Been a renovations contractor (hands on) for over 30 years here on Long Island in NY and have my house up for sale. When it sells I was considering Asheville NC but I have many reservations about the area at this point between the half-backs and the locals that still are fighting the Civil War (if ya know what I mean).
While I get along with everyone who needs such a struggle?

Vermont has always been on my mind and has a much closer tude' to the north east then the south imo. More accepting then NC....but anywhichway...

A main concern to me is being able to work at what I do best. Renovations and restorations
(you can see my website if you click my name up top then "Homepage").....so if any of ya'll have any kind of info it'd go appreciated.

I know it takes time to build up a rep and all of that but I'm very ambitious and persistant.
Mucho thanxo in advance
andy

[Ellwood]

My son lives in southern VT and recently had renovations done to their home. They had four or five estimates and chose the one they not only could afford, but one that had a good reputation. The gentleman they chose, doesn't advertise, works only with his son or an extra hand when needed and pleasing his customer was a priority. The estimates were all over the place so I would think decent, reputable contractors are limited from their experience.

Also, a few contractors never responded to the inquiries for estimates. Others were double the cost of the gentleman they chose.

[arctichomesteader]

VT's economy isn't very good and while there are construction jobs about there's not all that many compared to other places (and it's not good elsewhere either now). I don't see a lot of renovations going on around here and of those quite a few appear to be the homeowner doing much of the work themselves. Not many people here have money for frivolous remodeling. The restrictive laws also keep new developments down in number so that wouldn't be a good source of income either. There's already too many construction workers here and not enough contruction jobs, as with most things in VT.

[OhBeeHave]

This is what we do on LI as well. We have been trying to bring the business full swing into VT via relocating LI clients, but it hasn't been all that simple. We're looking at a limited pool of potenial clients, once up in VT, we found that unless you are in a wealthy area, you aren't going to get much from the local people who will tend to gravitate (understandibly) to the established local tradesmen.

Best of luck!

[68vette]

My wifes best Friends husband(if that makes sense to you) is a carpenter/builder. There is work out there, but you may have to be willing to travel to get some of it. He is doing a job in the Northeast Kingdom right now. It's about an 1.5-2 hours away. If you are willing to work for one of the larger contractors you may have better luck starting out, but I'm not sure if anyone is hiring right now.

[Wingfoot]

On your way up check out Glens Falls NY,lots of older houses and still money in nearby Saratoga.
People are a lot more open to newcomers than VT as well.Having lived in VT and Upstate -upstate people are more real and not nearly as snobbish.Your mileage may vary.