Ruowen Wang in North york

I always wanted a skylight above the stairs. Finally, I got some “extra money” after Christmas. I wondered if skylight companies install skylights in the winter and found out they do. I had done a lot of researches on the Internet and talked to five companies before I chose one. And I have to say that my research paid off. I’m happy to share my questions, answers and happy ending with you. Q: Is it worth the money to put in a skylight? To me, it is priceless to let the sun shine into my house, especially during the long, dark winter. Now, the hallway of my second floor “opens up”, and the entrance of my main floor “becomes spacious”. Furthermore, when I don’t need to turn on the lights above the stairs during the day, I feel “green.” Q: Will the project make the house messy and dusty, which will interrupt your life? A: No. Before they cut the ceiling, they will build a “plastic tent” around their working area to catch debris. And the platform they built over the stairs is not in people’s way. (See picture #1 below.) Q: If putting in a skylight takes three to four days to finish, will the heating bill shoot through the roof through that open hole? A: No. Since most of the work is done inside, building frames to strengthen the roof structure, building and finishing the shaft, to open the roof and install the skylight will take only a few hours. You hardly see a couple of bucks increase in your heating bill. On the other hand, winter is the slow season for construction businesses. Not only can you find better deals, but you also can get hold of a good company, like Snow’s Construction that is usually hard to get hold of in regular season. Q: If they step on the frozen shingles, will the shingles be damaged? A: Patrick of Snow’s Construction is always careful and prepared. He has bought new shingles, just in case he needs to replace some. Q: How did Snow’s Construction “beat” the other companies and win this job? A: I was looking for a skylight contractor that was very knowledgeable and experienced. I spoke to five contractors and was impressed by some experts from three major skylight companies, especially Patrick Snow of Snow’s Construction. Patrick was knowledgeable and experienced. He knows most skylight products on the market and recommended Velux with good reason. Patrick spoke highly of the other two companies, and meanwhile explained the materials he would recommend and the work he would do in great details, with drawings. Patrick’s quotation was in the middle range. However, he offered upgraded materials and a better style, with flares to make the skylight look much bigger. Q: Based on my experience, I would say, A: First of all, Patrick and Gareth are perfectionists who take pride in what they do. The finished skylight is so impressive that I cannot wait to show it off! Secondly, their attitude has earned my trust and respect: 1. Patrick and Gareth are happy to answer any question you have and will explain everything you wish to know. 2. To Patrick, doing a good job is the most important. When other companies use 2 x 6 lumber to strengthen the structure and frame, Patrick prefers to use 2 x 10 lumber to make the roof extra strong. Gareth joked, “Now, you can park a car up here.” 3. They take care of all details: Day one, they started to build the shaft and cut the ceiling open. Before they left for the day, Gareth took care to insulate the opened area properly, even though it was temporary, to prevent heat lost. (See picture #2.) 4. Patrick and Gareth have their client’s best interest at heart, regardless the extra work they may run into or the extra cost that may occur. When they opened the attic, they found some complications, which needed more work. Patrick did not bill me for that. When other companies use the standard R-22 insulation, Patrick uses R-32, which is better and more costly. When, it just happened that the supplier did not have R-32 in stock that day. Patrick paid for an upgraded R-40! 5. They go beyond clients’ expectations. By the end of the day, Gareth took the time to vacuum clean every inch of my carpet, and left it cleaner than they found it. (Even though I told them I would have the carpet steam-cleaned after all, they insisted on leaving my house spotless just the same.) When they prepared to paint the ceiling to conclude the job, they even took care to fix some existing problems to make it look as good as part of their job. To conclude my review, I would say Patrick and Gareth are very easy to work with, highly professional, and most of all, very decent people! A great job, Patrick and Gareth! Thank you very much. (See picture #3. This skylight is perfect from all angles. Unfortunately this picture does not reveal its full beauty because it was taken in a gloomy day.) Ruowen - an author for children: www.ruowenwang.com