By Vicki Greene, Contributing Writer
SHREWSBURY – Raymond Valois has been in the home improvement business honing his craft for over 20 years. Whether it is replacing windows, remodeling kitchens, bathrooms or building a four-seasons room or deck, Valois lives by a mantra he always heard from his father, “If you’re not going to do something well…don’t do it.”
Valois’ passion for problem-solving and detailed craftsmanship is palpable.
He started out his career in photography and, after college and a stint working as a photography assistant on advertising shoots around Boston, he used his eye for detail and his ability to work with his hands to take on handyman projects for added income.
As he took on more and more remodeling and repair jobs to help people fix problems, he realized that was something he took pride in and wanted to pursue on a full-time basis.
It’s about trust and relationships
At the start of any project, no matter the size or scope, Valois is keenly aware that he is entering someone’s home, “their castle,” as he said.
He is aware that construction and repair projects can be a bit disruptive for clients living in their homes while work is being done, and, as a result, he develops trusting relationships with everyone by clearly defining the scope of work, cost and timeline from the start of any job.
Valois also makes sure he is on-site every step of the way to ensure that client questions or concerns are answered quickly.
Valois admits he is a perfectionist and, if he is not happy with any piece of a project, he isn’t afraid to change it, so it lives up to both the client’s – and his own – very high standards of craftsmanship.
Many of his repair work gigs come from existing clients because they know Valois will get work done on time and on budget. For larger projects, he only works with subcontractors, including plumbers and electricians that he has developed strong relationships with over his years of working in the region.
He sets a “high bar” every day and expects the same from everyone who works with him, no matter what the project may be.
Taking someone’s dream and making it a reality
Valois said he welcomes a challenge.
When a potential client calls with an idea, he asks some pre-qualification questions over the phone and then goes to the client’s home for a free consultation. His background in photography has led him to look at the aesthetics as much as the functionality.
“It is my job to make their living situation better,” he said.
Over his more than 20 years in the business, there isn’t much Raymond Valois hasn’t encountered on a home improvement job.
His projects range from installing or repairing detailed crown molding to remodeling a kitchen to the true craftsmanship involved in building a custom entertainment center.
A business owner, Valois said he will never stop learning and aspiring to be better at his craft than he was the day before.
When he’s not working or spending time with his wife and twins, he can be found mountain biking and continuing to challenge himself on the trails with as much passion as he does his work.
For more information, please visit www.valoishomeimprovements.com or call for a consultation 508-845-1107.
