One of the most expensive and nerve-wrecking decisions on our renovation list was to replace our carpets with hardwood floors.
We started searching in June 2015 and visited almost every store within the GTA. We looked dozens of samples and found the process stressful and overwhelming. We started off with Maple, however we were very specific with our color choice and we wanted classic hardwood, whereas engineered hardwood would have given us more options.
Near the end of our search, we narrowed it down to Red Oak or Ash, but we still didn’t find anything we liked. We almost gave up when we found out about Darmaga Hardwood Flooring, and by then we were so exhausted and said it would be our last stop (well it was)!!
I can’t tell you how impressed we were when we walked through the doors and met Karesz. Within minutes of telling him what we’ve been through, and that we didn’t think we would ever find what we were looking for, he showed us “two” samples. One was Red Oak and the other was Ash. I could not believe it; they were exactly what we were looking for! We asked for medium/dark brown-grey and that's exactly what Karesz gave us! I also want to point out that many other sales associates pressured us into looking at engineered hardwood flooring, even after we explained we wanted classic hardwood, and I found it very annoying. We didn’t get that at all with Karesz.
Before we sat down to talk pricing with Karesz, I asked if the owner was around and Rod Darmaga came over. I was quite surprised because normally owners don’t have the time to come over and chat, or they’re unavailable. Not only did Rod greet us but he “sat” down and chatted with us. I told him how happy we were to be there and that Karesz was amazing. Rod was very appreciative of our visit and our interest in Darmaga.
We took the samples home and fell in love!! On the drive home, I kept asking my husband, “How the heck did he know what we were looking for?” It was unbelievable that the two samples he showed us were dead on! My husband said he noticed that Karesz really listened when I was talking to him, and it’s quite obvious that he’s experienced and knows hardwood floors!
We really wished we had found Darmaga and Karesz sooner! It would have saved us a lot of time and energy.
Even though we knew the hardwood floor installation would be the last step in our renovations, I kept in touch with Karesz, but at no point did he ever call and pressure us to make a sale. I really appreciated that because we were crazy busy with renovations and we already knew, no matter what, we would purchase our hardwood flooring from Darmaga.
Our renovations had many setbacks, delays, and disappointments so it wasn’t until early December 2015 that we were ready to purchase the hardwood flooring. We quickly met up with Karesz and purchased our hardwood within minutes. Karesz was fantastic in making sure we could get our order in time, and then booking the delivery in time for the installation. Whew!
Throughout this process, we were nervous and anxious. Hardwood floors and the installation were pricey and we had so many questions and concerns. Every time I called or emailed Karesz, he was quick to respond and always willing to help out. He even helped us with questions that were not related to the hardwood purchase!
When our order came in, Karesz was prompt in calling us so we could pick up a few planks to give to our installer to match the stain for our stairs and railing. We received a call a few days prior to the delivery and on the morning of. The delivery guys Jason and Corey were on time and did a great job in being careful when coming into our home with the 50+ boxes!
As you can see, the Red Oak hardwood is stunning. We’re so glad we chose a premium product, but more importantly, from a reputable company that has been around for a long time. I had several questions even after the installation and Karesz was happy to help out. Believe me when I say this, if you’re looking for hardwood flooring, save yourself a lot of time and hassle and at least visit Darmaga Flooring. You’ll be glad you did. And please say hi to Karesz, he is simply amazing!!
- Approximate cost of services:
- $7,000.00