A review for Roof Pro + Home Improvements

During the heavy rain and strong winds dished out by "Sandy", I had a leak from the top jamb of one of my new windows. The window company double checked their installation and noted some issues on the eyebrow roof above that window. I was looking for a roofing company to come out to take a look to give me a second opinion and to make necessary repairs. I had pictures of the top of that roof section, so I was committed to spending money to repair the obvious gaps that were there. I had a heck of a time finding a company to come out to take a look. Part of it was because everyone was busy due to the storm, but I think some of them just didn't want to bother with a potentially small job. I called the top dogs from Homestars. One company came out, but didn't bother going up to the roof to actually look! Another one, whose name would indicate roof repair is their sole purpose, declined the job after indicating it was a window issue based solely on my email and pictures. Three companies wanted to charge a fee just for coming out to take a look. Another one initially looked promising, but didn't call me to get details until 10 days or so later. I also skipped one of the top companies because they never returned my calls when I was trying to get them to top up insulation in the summertime. As a consumer, I remember the little things. Roof Pro + Home Improvements called me back the next day. I spoke with Frank, and he came out the day after to take a look. He took the time to climb up on to my roof to take a look at not just that section, but the entire roof. I found him to be honest and very knowledgeable. He confirmed that rain could have come in from the roof section above the window, and offered a very reasonable (I thought) and cost effective solution. Appreciative of his efforts, I went ahead with his recommendations. He came back about a week later and did the work. I asked him to take pictures for me of the repair in case I have to deal with the window company again, and he did that as well for me. We had a nice chat afterwards and I appreciated him taking the time to do that. If I ever need his services again (a part of me is thinking of replacing that whole eyebrow section entirely and getting it re-done), Roof Pro + will be the only company I call back. Like I said, the little things are what stick in my mind. This was a very small cost repair in the grand scheme of things, but Frank's response basically earned him any potential future roofing needs I may have in this home or the next.

A review for Ambia Windows and Doors Inc.

My original windows and doors needed to be replaced, so I went on to Homestars to find reputable companies. Ambia was one of 4 companies I contacted for a brick-to-brick installation of 20 new windows and doors. One of them didn't even bother to submit a quote, another mixed up part of my quote with someone else's. I dealt with Tony, and found him to be honest and very knowledgable. He was the only one to listen to my situation in terms of room conditions and provided some great recommendations to help address those issues. Ambia's credentials also checked out, unlike some other top rated company here. Tony was not the lowest priced quote, nor the highest. His was a reasonable quote and he worked hard to get the job. I dealt with Frank and Joe for the installation. I found them to be extremely competent, efficient, and very personable. The trim work Frank did on my patio door is master carpenter class. They did every little thing I asked them to do, without any complaint. Some existing brickwork became a problem during installation, and they came through for me by finding a skilled masonry guy on short notice (who I thought was very reasonably priced, considering the jam I was in). The windows looked fantastic during the installation, so much so that 4 of my neighbors came to enquire on who was doing the work! There was a problem with one window, and Tony got a replacement window for his installers the very next day. The job was done in 4 days. Frank and Joe went as far as to tell me how to stain the oak jambs and casings. I was nervous about that, as I've never done that before. Everything turned out great, and the windows look fantastic inside and out. I've done a lot of renovations over the last 3 years. I value quality of work over the cost of the job, and feel like I've paid a premium for every job done in my house. Of all the work I've had done recently, I really feel like I got a premium job for the price I paid with Ambia. The product carries a lifetime warranty, and the installation is Window Wise certified. I'm confident that I don't have to worry about my windows now for a long time. I don't think I could have picked a better company than Ambia. BTW, in the pictures below, shots with green trim are of the old windows. The pictures with Sandalwood are the new windows. Sorry for them being out of order

A review for Open Sesame

I was looking for a new garage door and opener (purchase and installation), and called Open Sesame based on Homestars reviews. I explained my situation and what I had been looking at, and Steve immediately knew the caliber of door I was looking for. He recommended a Haas 2000 insulated door. He came by at my convenience to look at my situation. I found him to be honest and very knowledgeable. He gave me some valuable information to help insulate the garage. I went with his recommendation on the door and opener, and am extremely happy with the door. Winter will really tell though if it is worthy of the money I paid. There was an issue with the door upon installation. But it was Steve who identified it and arranged for a new glass panel section. He ordered that part and replaced it in a timely manner. What I appreciated was the fact that Steve did not even mention payment until the work was completed, including the replacement panel. He wouldn't take my money even after I offered it, until I was satisfied after the replacement panel was installed. I feel very good about going with Open Sesame. Steve definitely is that rare honest contractor who does great work at a very reasonable price.

A review for Nuvo Garage

My garage was a mess, and mice were calling it home. I cleaned out most of it myself, but needed help with organizing and storage solutions. I contacted a couple of garage organization companies, and Rick Scully responded the next day. I didn't hear from the other company until a week later. From the beginning, Rick was fantastic. He listened to my issues, needs, and budget. He came back with a proposal that was well below what I thought I'd pay, with some great ideas. The work was done by Rick and his team in coordination with some other things I had going on. It was done to a very high standard and I appreciated Rick's flexibility with schedules and changes I made. In the end, the garage is organized now, the floor looks fantastic, and I have lots of room in my basement storage room. I would highly recommend Nuvo Garage if you need help like I did.

A review for pesticon pest control

Over the years, I've either had isssues with or seen in my backyard: squirrels, mice, raccoons, skunks, birds, rats, rabbits, and ants. I just had insulation put into my attic, and wanted to do some preventative measures. The first company I contacted never responded. Pesticon was next on the list and they responded immediately. They came by on a Saturday, which was convenient for me. They didn't push any service on me, but did as I instructed them. I had my roof screened off on vulnerable areas. For rodent issues, they checked for areas where they might be coming in from and sealed those. I also had them spray for ants and noticed no more ants within a few hours. I'm very happy with their service. They were friendly and knowledgeable, and gave lots of good advice. I would hire them again.

A review for Zenic Insulation

I was in the process of addressing temperature issues with my home. I had squirrels in the attic a few years ago, and this year a couple of bedrooms were quite noticeably colder. An energy audit from 2010 indicated an R value of 32 in my attic. Regrettably, I let that slide and didn't take advantage of rebates. Zenic Insulation was the first company to respond to my calls. I thought they had a reasonable price. Zenic was very flexible with schedule, and even offered to help connect venting for the new bathroom ceiling fans I was putting in. They came on time, were neat (as neat as can be when blowing cellulose), and took me from R32 to R60. Apparantly, I had close to no insulation where the squirrels were hanging out. For the garage ceiling, they made a hole in the drywall and did an investigation. The builder's fiberglass bats were not between studs, they had fallen to the drywall. There was a fair bit of gap between the plywood floor and the actual bats. Zenic blew in cellulose to fill the void, and said the R value should be close to 70 in there now. I'm looking forward to the winter to really feel the difference. The fact that cellulose has rodent deterring properties is a big bonus in my case. I feel very good about finally getting this done, and I am glad I went with Zenic.

A review for Babus Electric

I wanted an ESA licensed electrician to come in and wire an electrical outlet on my garage ceiling. The existing opener was using a very long extension cord. To prepare for a new opener, I wanted to follow code and use an outlet right there on the ceiling. I also wanted a control switch to be able to turn off power to the opener (long story behind this request). I called the top guns. One responded quickly, but was busy with a job and might not be able to come out for 2 weeks. John responded the same day, and came by to do the job the same day. He was very personable, and knew his stuff. In a couple of hours, he did a job that I was very happy with. And his price was quite reasonable, I think.

A review for Stone Landscaping and Construction

I was in a bit of a hurry to get rid of the deck in my backyard due to wildlife issues. I had decided on an interlock alternative over concrete. So I started from the top on Homestars calling landscaping companies that service my area. Jovian Miller (owner) was the only one who returned my call within an hour or so. Some didn't respond for days, a couple I have never heard back from! And Jovian answered the call in a way that I knew I dialed the right number. Jovian was able to come out the very next day to see what needed to be done and to give me a quote. I found him to be very friendly, professional, honest, and forthright. He clearly knows his trade, and I had full confidence in his advice and work. He charged a fair price. Not the cheapest, and I would think not the most expensive (I can't say for sure about expensive though, as no one else responded to my calls!). He understood my circumstances, and I believe he moved some schedules around and stuck to his committment once we agreed to the work. He worked most of the time with his crew. I have to say, they worked tirelessly. Having ripped out the deck myself in the hot sun, I can tell you Jovian and his crew earned every penny for those three days. The work was done in three days, and it looks fantastic. I didn't really go out to enjoy the sun on my deck, partly because of the wildlife fears. I find I'm going out much more, enjoying my beautiful patio and walkway. Jovian also did some repairs to existing stonework that had settled over the years, and moved existing concrete slabs over to the other side of the house. The repairs he included in the quote, and moving the slabs was done for a very reasonable extra fee. The crew cleaned up after they left, and you would never know that they were there working away. I liked that they respected my existing lawn. Overall, a great experience. I was nervous getting this done, as this was my first time getting interlocking done. I've read about proper grading and making sure water flows away from the house. Stone Landscaping definitely knows what they are doing, and I'm very happy that they did the work I asked them to!

A review for The Duct Cleaning Specialists

I wanted to echo the sentiments throughout these reviews. Paul and Matt came out to my house today to inspect and clean the ducts. I had major renovations last year, and felt it would be good to have peace of mind and clean the ducts, as my wife and son are sensitive to dust. The first thing Paul did was to offer information about his company, the NADCA certification, and to validate all his licenses/certifications. In a shady business like duct cleaning, this was a welcome gesture and I didn't even bother to read the information he was providing. Just offering it to me was enough to convince me. Paul inspected the ducts and informed me that they were quite clean. He explained his findings and showed me as well, so that I could see for myself. He does honest work and charges a fair price. I believe he cleaned my dryer when he didn't have to. I also had some help from Paul to chase away a fraudulent duct cleaning company that called the night before and tried to pose as The Duct Cleaning Specialists and arrange to come to my house a couple of hours before Paul was to come by. Very bizarre turn of events, ... I appreciated Paul's support in dealing with those fraudsters.

A review for GasGuys.ca

I found GasGuys on Homestars when I was looking for a certified gas technician to correct a gas line in my kitchen that was potentially compromised by a sloppy/lazy contractor. I use an electric stove, but the gas line needed attention. George responded promptly with his thoughts and solution and was able to come out that same day to implement it. He suggested for safety reasons to just disconnect that line at the supply and cap it in the furnace room. If the basement were unfinished, he would have removed the line altogether. I found George to be very knowledgeable of existing code. He was informative and explained everything he was doing to me. He capped the line and checked all connections (furnace, water heater) to make sure everything was back to normal. I can rest at night now by not having to worry about that gas line. And his price was certainly reasonable to me. Thank you George!