Urban Studio

Home Additions
Toronto ON M4L 3Z6
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Reviews for Urban Studio

Average customer rating:
9.7 10 (60 reviews)

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April1978
April1978
1 review Toronto, ON
10/10

Turn our 1950’s home into a modern gem!

Undertaking a major home renovation means placing your trustand a significant amount of moneyin the hands of someone you barely know. Even after doing extensive research, meeting multiple times, visit previous projects, and doing everything possible to vet them, ultimately, you're relying on a stranger! However from the very start, Joseph and his team at Urban Studio set themselves apart with a unique approach that clearly distinguished them from the other candidates we were considering.

Joseph provided us with a comprehensive scope of work and a firm price, while other candidates took weeks to deliver only brief estimates. The level of detail, transparency, fair pricing, and commitment to a fixed price were exceptional. Additionally, the milestone payment schedule offered by Urban Studio gave us significant peace of mind. These factors ultimately led us to choose Urban Studio for our project

Urban Studio handled a complete renovation and second floor addition for our 1950s bungalow. transforming an old 1700 sq. ft. home into a 3500 sq. ft. modern home.

We also utilized their architectural and design services and are thrilled with the final product. The countless decision making were overwhelming at times, but having Joseph and his interior designer by our side made the process manageable. Over the course of more than a year, we worked closely with Joseph, who expertly guided us through every phase of the projectfrom the Committee of Adjustments, to all stages of construction, right up to selecting our finishes, and he did it all with a sense of joy.

Our entire family is delighted with the final product, and it's a home we'll cherish forever! Thank you to everyone at Urban Studio.

Approximate cost of services:
$650,000.00
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Company Response

Dear April and Jonathan, Thank you so much for your incredibly kind and detailed review. Our goal is to always provide our clients with not just a service, but a partnership grounded in transparency, communication, and trust. Your satisfaction is our greatest reward.

Thank you once again for choosing Urban Studio. We are grateful for the opportunity to have work with you and Jonathan, and we’re thrilled that you’re so happy with the final result. If you ever need anything in the future, we’re just an email away.

shulaevakatarina
shulaevakatarina
1 review Old Toronto, ON
10/10

Great craftsmanship and reliable company

We recently completed a home addition and gut renovation with Urban Studio, and the experience exceeded our expectations from start to finish. Over a year of meticulous planning and nine months of construction, their service and quality of work were outstanding.

From project initiation and design, to creating the drawings and engineering, permitting, to project management, and accounting, their in-house team consistently showcased exceptional professionalism at every stage.

The construction process was a lot smoother than we expected. The entire team was exceptional! Both our project manager, Joseph, and site manager, Payam, consistently impressed us with their dedication, hardworking and expertise. Their teamwork, knowledge, open communication, personable approach, and responsiveness kept us thoroughly informed throughout the process.

Urban Studio's team of tradespeople is truly outstanding. They are highly knowledgeable, experienced in their craft, meticulous, and always friendly.

At each stage of project Joseph provided us with detailed explanations of the pros, cons, and recommended options, We decided to invest more than we initially anticipated on few items like kitchen cabinetry and countertops to bring our dream kitchen to life.

The estimated construction timeline was 10 months, and they completed the project a month early! Upon completion, punch list items were addressed within a week with prompt responses and follow-ups on any outstanding issues. We highly recommend them!

Thank you Joseph and Urban Studio, for transforming our old house into our dream home!

Approximate cost of services:
$700,000.00
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Company Response

Thank you so much Kat for your thoughtful and detailed review! It was a true pleasure working with you and your family on your home. We take pride in our team's dedication to professionalism, communication, and craftsmanship, so it's wonderful to know that these qualities stood out to you. We appreciate your kind words and are grateful for the trust you placed in us throughout this journey.

Lori in Toronto
Lori in Toronto
4 reviews East York, ON
10/10

Major Kitchen Renovation

We own a 1940 traditional red brick two story house in Leaside. Our goal was to renovate the kitchen and dining area into an open concept space.
We received a flyer in the mail from Urban Studios and checked out their very positive HomeStar reviews. We met with Joseph to discuss options and budget. He was very accommodating and knowledgeable and assured us that our project would be completed in 10-12 weeks. Joseph was responsive in working with us as issues and concerns were identified along the way. The major work was professionally completed. In hindsight, we would have clarified our expectations in terms of finishing touches, as Joseph was always responsive and accommodating to any of our requests. We are pleased to say that the project came in on budget and two weeks early! We are loving our transformed space and would recommend Joseph and his team!

Approximate cost of services:
$100,000.00
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Company Response

Thank you so much Lori for taking the time to share your experience with us. It's wonderful to know that you are loving your new open-concept space. We're glad to hear that Joseph and the team were able to meet your expectations and complete the project ahead of schedule and within budget. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we're delighted you're happy with the transformation. We hope to work with you again in the future!

Pascal in Kitchener
Pascal in Kitchener
2 reviews Old Toronto, ON
10/10

Home Renovation (Main floor, and 2 bathrooms)

Since the day we bought our home in 2015, we knew that one day we would have to update a lot of the items within the home.

We initially heard about Urban Studio from their social media page in the east side of Toronto. Their work looked amazing and we liked the idea of a all-in-one solution.

We met Joseph in the summer of 2023 and he provided a white glove treatment throughout the entire process. From transparent realistic scope and scale of the renovation opportunities within our budget, to flexibility in what we wanted to add and remove from our project. Joseph and team always kept us up to date on if they encountered things in the house and came with options on how we can approach it.

Urban Studio and Joseph were always friendly and professional and efficient. They made the end to end process truly an enjoyable experience, especially in a world were a renovation can deal with so many unknowns. Joseph is always responsive and can be reached at any time.

I'm always truly impressed when I think about what the pre and post state of the home is and how beautiful things now look. I strongly recommend Urban Studio!

Approximate cost of services:
$169,000.00
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Company Response

Hi Pascal, We wanted to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude for your wonderful review. It's truly heartening to hear about your positive experience with our team and the transformation of your home. We understand that home renovations can often be daunting, but we're thrilled that we could make the experience enjoyable and stress-free for you. From your initial consultation with Joseph to the completion of your project, our goal has always been to provide exceptional service and deliver results that exceed expectations. It's fantastic to hear that Joseph and our team were able to provide you with the white-glove treatment with the transparency and professionalism you deserve.

Stacey in Toronto
Stacey in Toronto
6 reviews Old Toronto, ON
10/10

Century Home Renovation

I hired Urban Studio to renovate the 2nd floor of my century home, which included a full gut, update of all electrical, plumbing and HVAC, the removal of two walls and shifting the kitchen to a new location. Joseph and team were incredibly efficient, finishing the renovation 4 weeks ahead of schedule. Im very satisfied with their work and would recommend them highly for anyone looking to renovate their home.

Approximate cost of services:
$152,000.00
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Company Response

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. It's wonderful to hear that you're satisfied and we are delighted that Joseph and our team could deliver the project ahead of schedule. If there's anything else we can assist you with or any other feedback you'd like to share, feel free to let us know!

Howard  from Toronto
Howard from Toronto
3 reviews Toronto, ON
10/10

House Renovation: First and Second Floors

We highly recommend Urban Studio for your home renovation. We renovated the entire first and second floors of our house except the kitchen and bathroom. Here are the key considerations:
1. The price quoted in the contract was firm. There were no additional costs.
2. The work was completed two weeks ahead of schedule.
3. Joseph was a very good Project Manager. He was knowledgeable, efficient, and always ready to answer our questions.
We contacted three other renovation companies for the project, but Urban Studio was by far the best.
Thanks also to Tasha, the interior designer, for her advice, and Ana, the administrator.

Approximate cost of services:
$165,700.00
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Company Response

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience and feedback on our renovation services. We're thrilled to hear you're satisfied with the results, and we appreciate your kind words. We're also grateful for your acknowledgment of Tasha, our interior designer, and Ana, They both play important roles in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for our clients. If you ever have any further questions or require assistance please don't hesitate to reach out. We are here to assist you.

Janelle from East York
Janelle from East York
2 reviews Toronto, ON
9/10

Main Floor Reno

I found Urban Studio via HomeStars and can say that thusfar, I have been happy with their consultation service!

Their project manager, Joseph, has been very transparent and honest about the different options we have and what we can expect with the project moving forward. He provided us with a clear schedule on deliverables and cost, including the designs on proposed work on our main floor. I really appreciate his ability to come up with a proposal that both meets our needs and our current budget. He has also been very patient in the process as we did take some time to carefully review our alternatives and always made time to go over any questions we had.

We're excited for the renos to start in January and look forward to the main floor and upstairs bathoom transformation!

Approximate cost of services:
$115,000.00
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Company Response

We are thrilled you have been happy with our consultation and design services. It’s our goal to ensure that our clients are well informed and comfortable with their renovation projects, and your feedback on Joseph's efforts in providing you with different options and clear cost breakdowns reaffirms that we are on the right track. We are pleased that Joseph was able to create a proposal that aligns with both your needs and budget. Our team is excited to start the renovations in January. We are committed to ensuring the process goes smoothly and that you are thrilled with the final results. We look forward to delivering exceptional results and exceeding your expectations.

Ivan in Toronto
Ivan in Toronto
0 reviews Toronto, ON
8/10

Impressive tranformation

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing a full renovation of my house, and I must say it has been quite the journey. The transformation was nothing short of impressive, and I'm generally satisfied with the results. Here's a breakdown of my review:

Design and Layout (5/5): The design team did an excellent job in helping us modernizing and optimizing the layout of our home. They managed to create an open-concept living space that feels more spacious and functional than ever before. We went from a bungalow with not livable basement to a two story house with finished basement.

Quality of Work (3.5/5): The quality of the renovation work was generally good. The contractors paid attention to detail, and it's evident in the finish. There were a few minor hiccups along the way, however these were promptly addressed, but it did cause a bit of inconvenience.

Communication (3.5/5): Communication with the renovation team could have been better. There were times when I had to follow up on the project's progress, and it would have been reassuring to receive more frequent updates without prompting. Clearer timelines and expectations would have improved the overall experience.

Cost and Value (4.5/5): The renovation was a significant investment, but I believe it added substantial value to my property. The cost was within the budget we had set, and I appreciated that there were no hidden fees. However, I would have liked a more detailed breakdown of expenses.

Timeline (3.5/5): The project took longer than initially estimated, which was frustrating at times. It would have been beneficial to have a more realistic timeline from the start, considering the scope of the renovation.

Customer Service (4/5): The customer service was courteous and professional. The project manager was responsive to my concerns and worked to resolve issues promptly. They were patient in addressing my questions and providing guidance throughout the renovation process.

Overall Satisfaction (4/5): Despite some hiccups and minor issues, I am overall satisfied with the full renovation of my house. The transformation is impressive, and my home now feels like a modern, comfortable space that I'm proud to live in. With a few improvements in communication and timeline management, the experience could have been even better.

In conclusion, I would recommend Urban Studio to others looking to transform their homes, but I would advise being proactive in communication and setting realistic expectations regarding project timelines specially if you have to rent while the house is ready. The end result is undoubtedly worth the effort and investment.

Approximate cost of services:
$600,000.00
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Company Response

Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed review of your experience with us. We appreciate your feedback and are delighted to hear about your overall satisfaction with the transformation of your home. We're especially pleased that you found our design team services to be impressive. Designing and Building a two-story house with a finished basement from a bungalow is indeed a significant achievement, and we're thrilled that you are pleased with the outcome.

We appreciate your ratings, Your feedback highlights an area where we can enhance our services. We understand there were some minor hiccups along the way, and we apologize again for any inconvenience they may have caused. Your suggestions are duly noted and will be considered for future projects.

Your positive feedback in regards to the “firm price” and “no hidden charges” is greatly appreciated. We’re pleased to hear that you found the cost and value of the renovation to be satisfactory. We're also thrilled to hear that you found our customer service to be courteous and professional. Our team is dedicated to addressing concerns promptly and providing guidance throughout the renovation process. Regarding communication, we apologize for any lapses. Your feedback highlights an area where we can enhance our services, and we will work diligently to provide more frequent updates and clearer timelines for future projects.

Thank you again for your valuable feedback. We are committed to enhancing our services and ensuring that future projects run even smoother. We wish you many happy years in your newly renovated home!

Christina in Barrie
Christina in Barrie
1 review Toronto, ON
10/10

Home Addition and Renovation

I am thrilled to share my experience with Urban Studio, a design and build company that was highly recommended to us by a family friend who had previously undertaken an addition project with them. In our pursuit of a suitable contractor for our project, we did a careful research and deliberation, engaging in discussions with not just Urban Studio, but also two other local contractors in our area. After comparing quotes and assessing our overall comfort level, we confidently chose to move forward with Urban Studio. Looking back, I can confidently say that this decision has left us entirely content and pleased with the final outcome.

Our Toronto residence, is an older home that demanded extensive renovations. The project was thoughtfully divided into two distinct stages, each with its own set of challenges and goals. The initial stage was the critical task of underpinning the existing basement, and also expanding the basement towards our backyard. The subsequent phase, stage two, construction of a two-story addition that seamlessly integrated with our main and second floors, effectively expanding our living space.

Throughout the journey, Joseph and his team exhibited a level of professionalism and expertise that resonated with us. The transparent communication, and skillful execution of each stage of the work all contributed to a renovation experience that was remarkably smooth, given the complexity of the project. Joes familiarity with working on older homes, like ours, was evident and very reassuring. His commitment to client satisfaction, and exceptional management skills makes him an standout choice. Urban Studio left us with an experience that defied the stereotypes often associated with renovation projects.

The fixed-price agreement gave us a profound sense of reassurance throughout the entire project, Knowing that there wouldn't be any unexpected costs or surprise expenses.

If you're in search of a company, Urban Studios track record of delivering exceptional results, sets them apart from others in the industry. Thank you Joseph and Urban Studio.

Approximate cost of services:
$600,000.00
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Company Response

We are absolutely delighted to read your heartfelt review of your experience with Urban Studio. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and feedback. First and foremost, we extend our sincere gratitude for choosing Urban Studio as your design and build partner for your extensive renovation project.

Word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied clients like your family friend mean the world to us, and they reaffirm our commitment to delivering exceptional results. Your careful research and deliberation in selecting the right contractor for your project show your dedication to making the best choice, and we're honored that you chose us. Your kind words about Joseph are greatly appreciated. Reviews like yours motivate us to continue striving for excellence in every project we undertake. Once again, thank you for choosing Urban Studio.

Jane Lawrence in Toronto
Jane Lawrence in Toronto
0 reviews Toronto, ON
10/10

Major Renovation

We hired Urban Studio to do a major renovation of our home in Leslieville. (complete gut of main floor and second floor). We are very happy with the quality of the work and the new space. Joseph is very knowledgeable. He ensured our project was completed effectively. He is responsive and quick to resolve any issues. He offered insightful ideas during the project on what to upgrade and made sure we were satisfied with the work completed.

The team is very professional and organized with a thorough planning process. Our project progressed according to schedule with regular updates and progress reports on weekly bases. However, we had some delays, The 4 months timeline turned to be 6 months but after voicing our concerns about the situation, Joseph explained that some of the delays are due to extra work weve requested, but he agreed to split the two months of delays and cover one month of rent for our temporary rental unit. Joseph have a very high standard for his work which my husband and I greatly appreciated. We are pleased to write this review recommending him and his team with no hesitation.

Approximate cost of services:
$300,000.00
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Company Response

Your kind words about our team mean a lot to us and it's wonderful to know that you found Joseph's knowledge and commitment to be valuable to your project. We also appreciate your understanding regarding the delays. It's great to hear that the resolution to split the two months of delays and cover one month of your rental unit helped to alleviate some of the inconvenience. We truly enjoyed working with you and your husband on this project, Thank you for choosing Urban Studio for your renovation, and we wish you many years of enjoyment in your beautifully renovated home.

The reviews on this page are the subjective opinion of the Author and not of HomeStars Inc.

More about Urban Studio

Urban Studio specializes in Home addition and large-scale renovations in the older neighborhoods of Toronto. Our in-house Architectural designers and experienced team bring together design and construction, providing you with a complete all-in-one experience. This approach allows you to deal with one trusted company that you can hold accountable for your project's success, from start to finish. Each project is personally managed by our senior project manager and master builder, Joseph Alavi. From start to finish, Joseph collaborates closely with each client to achieve outstanding results that surpass industry standards.

CATEGORIES
Home Additions, Builders, General Contractors, Design/Build, and Architects
SERVICES
Home Additions, Full Residential Renovations
SPECIALITIES
Home Additions
WEBSITE
https://urbanstudio.design
YEAR ESTABLISHED
2010
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES
10
RETURN POLICY
N/A
PAYMENT METHOD
Cheque, Money order
LICENSES
Licensed contractor
MEMBERSHIPS
BILD, RenoMark, Houzz
LIABILITY INSURANCE
Yes
DIPLOMAS
PhD Urban Planning, MA construction management, BA Arch.
WORKERS COMPENSATION
Yes
PROJECT MINIMUM
$200,000
BONDED
Yes
WRITTEN CONTRACT
Yes
WARRANTY TERMS
5 years Warranty
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