I bought a house that was almost 100 years old. Besides requiring new wiring and plaumbing, the bathroom and kitchen were both ugly and functioned poorly. I hired Peter because he had redone the bathroom in my previous residence and I had been very happy with the results. He worked well with subcontractors to bring my house up to code and secured city permission for me to install a bathroom in my attic which was to become my studio.
One of Peter’s great strengths is that he pays attention not only to the functionality of the spaces he alters but to the aesthetics and to small details that could easily be overlooked. He is also very conscious of the ergonomics of the situation and the life style of the client. I will provide some examples of this:
My kitchen is essentially a galley shape. I thought an island or a peninsula would be a good idea but Peter pointed out how in the way something like that would be, actually inhibiting the flow of movement about the space. He could have just gone ahead and done what I wanted but he steered me in a much better direction.
The stove in my kitchen was placed right up against the mudroom door so that anyone coming or going through the mudroom could collide with anyone working at the stove. It never would have occurred to me that it could be different but he suggested moving the stove towards the middle of the wall, again making the space both more functional and more attractive.
When it came time to choose my appliances he took me to a very good dealer and encouraged me to get 24 inch European stove and fridge. I don’t have to store and cook for a family so the narrower appliances and were adequate for my needs and provided more space for storage and work. He was also careful to make sure I could reach the top shelf of the fridge as I am short. He worked with me and the dealer to ensure I had the kind of kitchen that suited my lifestyle. He also suggested getting one big kitchen sink instead of the divided one I wanted. because I was getting a dishwasher. That big sink has been great for washing really big pots and pans that won’t fit easily in the dishwasher.
Peter also made sure my counter top had a lip to prevent fluids from dripping onto the kitchen floor, something I would never have thought of. I was just going to have the back splash between the counter and cupboards painted but he suggested tile and helped me to shop for the ones that suited my décor. In the end my kitchen is a joy to work in and the envy of my friends.
The main bathroom was tiny and inconvenient. Peter knocked out the linen closet next to it creating much more space and a perfect place for the bathtub. He installed a heater and good lighting. Again, because am short, he installed the shower at a
height that works for me.
Besides the appliances Peter’s advice on selecting everything from flooring, to tiles to tubs and sinks has been invaluable. His good taste combined with his sensitivity to my needs, extensive knowledge of materials and processes and his ability to think outside the box have created a home I love to live in and inviting to my friends.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $60,000.00