We selected Home Improvement People (HIP) originally on a few factors: firstly Elia was the one of the few contractors to arrive to quote us on the work at the arranged time, and then return with a quote. Secondly, the company has a high profile on radio, and we thought the reputation they had to maintain was as important to them as the quality and reliability of the work was to us. 5 years ago, we were not disappointed with the work. So naturally, it was no question we would call Elia again for this huge renovation.
We called HIP in to help us fix up our house - there was minor work on the second floor, major reno on the main level and the basement.
there are a few things that stand out in my mind: This was not an easy job, and as a homeowner, there was so much I wanted to do. Elia managed to reign us in at times, saying that we were being too ambitious for some things, and to wait for a future time to fix everything up. Boy, was he right. He listened to what we wanted, and offered practical solutions that were easier, and just as good.
This reno was not easy. As we lifted floors, opened walls, etc, we discovered many, many problems created by previous homeowners. Lino and his crew were assigned to our job. Lino not only did what was requested, but offered solid advice on how to better complete the job than was originally planned. Lino is very careful in his work, and very diligent. He and his crew worked hard and worked neatly and professionally. Each day, Lino cleans up, and leaves the house neat and tidy. My neighbours have even commented that they cannot believe there was a contracted on our premises.
When Lino suggested a solution for our basement flooring, I was skeptical, thinking it was overkill. But roll forward 2 months, a water leak from the main level, fear that our brand new basement would be damaged - and the work done by Lino saved us having to rip up the brand new floors!
Lino is experienced in the work he does. He is very transparent with us, giving us options to resolve the little hiccups. He offers advice when we thinks we need it, and we really appreciate the effort he has made in our home.
Lino and Junior have almost become members of the family!
Charlotte has been wonderful in helping redesign our basement and kitchen. Her advice on flooring, cupboard layout, tiling, countertops and colours has been invaluable. Tom has built some shelving for us which was done really well, and I am excited to see what my kitchen will look like once he has installed our new cupboards.
This job has not gone without its hiccups - in addition to finding issues with the sub floor, walls and other things that hold up a job, we had problems with the window installation, as well as the removal the kitchen cupboards and countertops to tile the kitchen.
HIP and Elia really stepped up to the plate to resolve issues with the window contractors. The issues we had with the window installers is the true test for me of the value of Home Improvement People. The window installers messed up beyond belief, and were generally a disaster. Elia was on the problem immediately. He stepped in, resolved the window installation problems, with no issues. Looking at our windows, we would never know there was a problem. The resolution of the windows issue was handled very professionally.
The contact price was not cheap, but with the contract price we have received a professional approach to our renovation. Everyone we have dealt with at home improvement people have been friendly, courteous, and professional. Problems have been resolved quickly and efficiently. Affordable solutions have been provided for the unexpected and unbudgeted hiccups. Where our ideas have been over the top, we have been reigned in, but where it made better sense to do something new, we were well accommodated.
Thank you Elia, Lino, Charlotte and Tom for making my house a home I want to live in for the next 20 years!
