Guide Construction Solutions - North Ferrisburgh, Vermont

Matthew R.

I had a problem no one could solve, until Guide CS showed up.

We wanted to mount a 200 pound, 8 foot Restoration Hardware mirror to the main wall at the entrance of our home. It's a massive project to say the least, and we were terrified of it falling on one of the kids. We love this piece but no one could help us. The few guys that came by told us french cleats would work, and when we tried to hang it with them the heads of the screws they used popped off like corn on a stove. And they told us not to worry, it'll hold!

We thought we'd need to give up on this plan until we met Mark and Liam at Guide CS. They came by, surveyed the room, and took measurements of the mirror. They custom fabricated 2 gorgeous metal brackets that fastened securely into 7 studs and could hold over 2,000 lbs. It slid in like it was meant to be there, is secure beyond our wildest dreams, and has truly transformed the energy in our place. It's a work of art what they did and I feel grateful every time I walk by.

But the thing worth noting is the approach they have when dealing with a client. It's almost as if Mark and Liam couldn't proceed until my wife and I could grasp all the parameters involved in figuring out the perfect design of the brackets and the ultimate placement of the mirror. I can't stress enough how revolutionary this felt. After decades of feeling swindled by contractors and in the dark as to how their decisions are made, Mark walked us through his thinking and requested sincere input from us and comprehension as to what he was doing, before anything was done. It was a dance I'll never forget and when we landed on the perfect design/placement, the energy was palpable. They utilized our aesthetic as a driving force in their work and gave us ownership in the process. This type of collaboration is truly special, yields very real and satisfying results, and leaves us with the sense that we truly had a hand in the creation of the space. I've never experienced this before and I never want to approach another project without this level of consciousness and focus. It's not just that we were "heard", it's that they facilitated an experience in which our input and instincts were critical.

I'm eager to bring them back to our home, and will always consult them first on any project we're spearheading. I honestly can't recommend them highly enough and am in awe of the approach they've created, not to mention the skill and intelligence they bring to the table.

Elizabeth P.

Mark was the inspector for my newly purchased home. I look back and smile, thinking of how I stumbled upon him and his company. I must have called 10 inspectors before him who were all too busy. Right when I had lost all hope, a random google search led me to his company's name, so I called and left a message. When he called me back (that evening, to my surprise), we had a delightful conversation about the process of home inspections that ended with a booking. I remember saying to Mark on the phone how delightful the conversation was and hearing him modestly chuckle at the compliment, then I thanked him and met him at the inspection a week or so later. All of this exposition may seem superfluous but to me his level of intelligence, professionalism and patience are rare (to say the least) in my experience dealing with men in this trade. I don't mean to sound demeaning, but as a woman I have been subjected to a relentless barrage of overbearing, insulting, degrading and impatient men. Mark let me trail him at the inspection, taking notes and pictures, asking a myriad of questions and not once did he make me feel as if I was in his way. Quite the opposite! He was a wonderful teacher, he was a thorough inspector, and an all around classy guy. Even if I had a question or concern after I paid him, he always responded quickly with kindness and thoughtfulness. I knew, after the inspection, I wanted a guy like him and a company like his at my disposal for the rest of my life. Oh, and the several things he pointed out about my home will save me tens of thousands of dollars over the next decade. You can't do better than these guys!

Walt G.

Real professionals every step of the way. Demonstrated knowledge and competence in the analysis, scope of work and execution/completion. Great people to work with. Would highly recommend Mark and Ian to anyone interested in getting a thorough assessment of energy efficiency (or rather energy inefficiency) and effective solutions.

rebekah W.

Mark was very informative and professional. He helped me understand our project needs more fully. He gave me several options at varying price ranges so we could make the best decision for our budget. Highly recommend.

Thomas S.

Mark was very responsive and professional. I highly recommend Guide CS for any home projects!

Jim D.