With over 40 years of experience in the home renovation and custom-home building industry, Ethan Schoss has done it all. “When I started out as a carpenter’s apprentice, I carried lumber, swept floors, and learned the skills that I have today,” he says.
Schoss Construction was founded in 1996, and for 30 years has provided home renovations and custom-home building. Even now, Ethan still walks around cleaning up job sites when necessary to make sure they are neat and clean. “I'm extremely picky about how my job sites are kept because I feel that they are a reflection of the work that I do. Although my trade is carpentry, I am not afraid to jump in and help any of my subs, if needed.”
Ethan’s a perfectionist and expects everyone who works for him to provide their highest level of quality. “The majority of my subs have been with me a long time,” he says. “Some of my subs have been with me since the beginning.”
These subcontractors, whether plumbers, electricians or tilers, are not only experienced in their individual skillsets, but like Ethan, take pride in what they do and are dedicated to client satisfaction. The entire team is focused on transforming clients’ dreams into reality, and Ethan trusts them to do just that.
A large part of Schoss Construction’s business is additions and renovations. Being able to entertain at home is a big reason people add on or renovate. In general, people are looking for more space for a growing family which may include larger kitchens/entertainment areas, additional bedrooms and baths, or a finished basement.
Ethan believes in providing his honest opinion when clients ask him about their designs and/or choices. He reminds them that some styles come and go. “I want to make sure that they are happy with their selections for years to come,” he says.
For clients who want to start fresh from the ground up, Schoss Construction will be there from start to finish. “When you hire us to build you a custom home, it's just that. You're going to pick out your moldings, tile, cabinet designs and everything else so you get exactly what you want.”
Whether a renovation or a new build, Ethan works cohesively with clients’ designers and architects to ensure the finished product comes together just right for his clients.
There are many advantages to building a custom home rather than buying one that has been built on “spec.” Once it’s built, it can be costly and time consuming to tailor it to your and your family’s exact needs and/or likes.
Born and raised in Westfield, Ethan married in 1993, and the couple raised their children in Scotch Plains. Recently, they moved to Watchung. Since Ethan is from the area, he is very familiar with the towns where he builds and renovates homes, which include Westfield, Scotch Plains, Warren, and Watchung.
“I really wanted to stay close to where I do business because if there's an issue, I want to be able to promptly provide the best service for my clients,” he says. Now that he’s in Watchung, he’s continuing to branch out a little more into additional nearby towns.
As a previous Westfield resident, one of his proudest moments was being hired to renovate the house where Charles Addams once lived. “That was a big deal. The Addams Family was after school TV for me and I knew about the history of the home.” The owner of the home, located on Elm Street in Westfield, was actually given a historical award, he says.
Ethan doesn’t believe in having a super or foreman overseeing his projects. Instead, clients deal directly with him. “That's how it's always been and it will never change,” he says.
Explore your home preferences by visiting SchossConstruction.com
“There's a lot more freedom for clients who want us to build them a custom house. They can choose exactly what they want.”
“These days people want to keep things very simple. They want nice, clean lines and open floor plans. They’re going back to entertaining and want to be able to have family and friends over and have everyone be together.”