Tom in Orillia

What started out as a toss of the dice resulted in a super experience and an outstanding counter tops. We found Piero (Artistic GQ Granite & Quartz - 647.299.5526) on Kijiji. I wasn’t sure that Kijiji was the place to source a high-end kitchen counter top but on a whim, I followed the links, reviewed his work and then sent an inquiry. I don’t think he sleeps as right from the start all inquiries were responded to quickly. Initially we received a detailed package that outlined how to proceed to get a rough estimate. Within a day, we had a quote lower than any price we had and an invitation to go to a warehouse and select or own slabs of granite. It was an awesome experience walking around the huge slabs of stone and putting our name on our own slab. I was doing all the work to renovate the kitchen and had 6 to 8 weeks of work ahead of me. Not a problem for Piero. We purchased the stone and he stored it for us until we were ready. Every so often he dropped us a quick note to check on our progress. Other than emails, a couple of phone calls and some photo albums on the internet I had no information on the person I was dealing with. At one point, I said to my wife I hope this works out. On Saturday, June 24th I finished installing the cabinets and fired off an email to Piero that we were ready for stone. By the end of the day Monday we had picked edging and the following morning Tony arrived to electronically measure everything to cut the stone so if fit perfectly. It was then when we realized we had bought a sink that was too big. We let Piero know and he helped us select a sink from his supplier and got us a great price. On the July 8th, the stone arrived with two installers. They were in and out in 3 hours. The stone, two sinks and some back splashes were gleaming. Everything fit perfectly. The guys cleaned up and buffed the counters before they left. There were polite, professional and answered all our questions. I can be a bit of a pain because I like to ask lots of questions and I am very critical as I have been renovating my houses for 35 years. I am super impressed with the workmanship and the attention to small details. To create the front edges a strip of stone is adhered to the front and then the corner treatment is ground on. Piero’s people took the time to match the stone so the veins in the stone of the two-piece line-up. When they cut the stone all the pieces lined up when they were installed, even the power room. There are no seams, each piece was cut from the slabs we picked so they had to line up each part so the grain would match once installed. I will be honest, I was a bit skeptical when I picked a contractor out on Kijiji. I have dealt with a lot sales people and tradesmen (I am a millwright/machinist and run a small business after hours) and Piero exceeded our expectations. All communications were informative, timely and professional. Piero was very friendly on the phone and from the first communications I sensed he took great pride in the work he and his team do. I have already given his name to a few friends and said they would be wise to give Piero an opportunity to do any work they had. I am the guy who never gives anyone a 10 out of 10, in this case Piero and his team gets full marks. When the installers left my wife and I enjoyed a shot of scotch to toast our new kitchen. The next thing I did was to send Piero this email; We are over the top with how pleased we are with the new counter tops. Your guys just left – both were professional, polite, meticulous and took great pride in their work. Thank you for the quality workmanship and the friendly way you led us through the steps. I have high standards, you have exceeded my expectations. I have been and will continue to promote your name to anyone looking to do a kitchen. Have a great weekend. I have included a few pictures. We still have miles of trim to install along the bottom edge and to close in the tops but we are getting there.