It all started by looking for an access ramp for my front door. The stone two-step entry approach had deteriorated over the years (40 +) to the extent that several key stones had come loose, making entry a balancing act, especially carrying groceries. Along with several major health issues, I had recently been designated as a fall risk by the medical community, hence my search for a ramp. It was through contact with Vermont Center for Independent Living (VCIL) that I learned about Cover and their work/mission helping people like me to be able to remain in their homes comfortably and safely.

When I was contacted by Cover and explained my need for a ramp, they immediately accepted and set a date in a few days’ time to assess my situation and provide a solution, which turned out to be far more than a simple ramp with handrails from my front door to ground level. When finished, I had a covered front porch and steps and a 2-level ramp with a gentle slope, built exactly to state requirements, completed in about a week. During this time, the Cover crew was evaluating the rest of the outside of my house and pointed out several issues that needed to be addressed. And that’s when an amazing transformation began.

My house now boasts a metal roof, new siding, rain gutters, a repaired chimney, a new laundry area moved from the basement to the main floor, new exterior doors, drainage along the front of the house, a small deck with stairs to replace a very unsafe old deck, a remodeled bathroom with walk-in shower, exhaust fan and sink, and work in the basement, beginning with the removal of a plague of black mold caused by a broken water pipe in the half-bath down there and not discovered for over a month (fall risk and the stairs are steep and narrow, and I live alone), and inside insulation on the back exposed wall(3 sides of the house are built into the bank).

But one of the greatest assets of Cover is the work crew. There was always at least one or more competent and skilled foremen employed by Cover and a varying number of volunteers on every workday, many of which had never done any kind of construction work. They all got on-the-job training from the Cover employees, and I never saw or heard any complaints. On the contrary: there was a lot of light banter and laughter, and everyone always left in a good mood with a goodly number of them returning when their regular lives allowed.

In short (which this is most definitely NOT!!), there are not enough words to express how pleased and humbled I feel for ALL of the terrifically wonderful things that Cover has done for me. I truly feel blessed to have been the recipient of the effort so many put into making my house a SAFE home. Please remember that if anyone finds themselves in need of home repair to be able to feel safe but don’t have the resources, Cover Home Repair is there to help. You would be hard-pressed to find a more talented and dedicated group of people who will genuinely care and do all they can for you.

Thanks for listening.

Les Lee
Thetford
10/22/2025