THIBAULT'S Renovations
The following article appeared on www.seacoastonline.com on May 5, 2009 and also in print in the Exeter Newsletter. Thibault's Renovations celebrates 10 years in business Contractor builds following Gerard Thibault of Stratham is celebrating 10 years in the home improvement business. Lara Bricker photo By Lara Bricker newsletter@seacoastonline.com May 05, 2009 6:00 AM STRATHAM — Gerard Thibault of Stratham thinks his own meticulously restored historic home is a perfect example of the kind of quality renovations and improvements his company has been doing for the past decade. The yellow house that dates back to the 1700s has been painstakingly renovated and maintained both inside and out. Thibault, who operates Thibault's Renovations in Stratham, said he focuses on listening to his customer's needs and desires for their home improvement projects, while also being completely honest about project feasibility and cost. At a glance What: Thibault's Renovation, Stratham For more: 778-8658 or email gthibaults@comcast.net "I'm not doing to tell you what you want to hear. I wouldn't have lasted so long if I wasn't so honest with people," he said, adding he spends hours on every estimate to ensure it is as accurate as possible. "My estimates have never gone over unless (clients have) added onto the project." The 37-year-old Brentwood native got into the home improvement business after a stint with a construction company that was doing work on building bridges in the area. He liked the work and decided to go out on his own. At the time, his father Edward Thibault worked as a woodworker, mostly building cabinets, and the father and son began working together at the renovation company. With a crew of four people, the company now does everything from building additions, to decks, to installing siding windows or doors. Thibault said what sets him apart from other renovation companies is his customer-centered approach. When he first meets with a client he said he truly listens to what they have to say, writes down their job details and returns with a specific estimate. "It really comes down to time and money," he explained. The local man said he enjoys working with his clients to see their project go from conception to completion. "I'm excited about everything I do, I like what I do," he said. "I get satisfaction from making it a reality, making their dream come true." The job satisfaction he found during one of his first jobs when he saw how happy his customer were with the work made an impact on him. He often receives letters from clients after a completed job and uses those letters to introduce himself to new clients. "I know many folks are hesitant to hire contractors for fear of delays, absenteeism and exorbitant last-minute costs," Elizabeth Anderson of Exeter wrote in a letter of recommendation for Thibault. "Much to my delight, I never had any of these experiences with you or your crew. "From the first meeting with you I was impressed with how you actually listened to what I wanted," Anderson wrote. "Even more shocking was how you assured me my dreams for my home weren't far-fetched, impractical or unreasonable; comments I heard from several other contractors." Thibault does jobs throughout the greater Seacoast area, but said he does most of his work in Exeter, Stratham, Hampton and Rye. As the new home construction market has slowed in the current economy, many people are looking to renovate or add on to their existing homes. Thibault pointed out that part of his service to clients is working as the general contractor, which means he arranges for other contractors, such as plumbers, electricians or excavation crews, to do work on a job. His well-established relationships with a number of local contractors helps take the pressure off clients who might not know which outside contractor to hire for a job. Thibault's approach to his job and customers comes down to one thing at the end of a project: "I believe in making people happy," he said. At a glance Thibault's Renovation, Stratham For more information, call 778-8658 or e-mail gthibaults@comcast.net Or visit Gerard's website at www.thibaultsrenovations.com where one can view before and after photos of actual renovations and examples of the type of projects Gerard has completed for past customers.
