Stratas Design Build

Overall, a disappointment. Communication wasn't great. Lots of explanations for sub-par work but no solution. The quote seemed to be very random. I suppose if you're looking for cookie cutter and don't care about the details then go ahead. I expected more and got a lot less.

We purchased an old semi-detached in Leslieville and after trying to mange the design and renovations ourselves for a period of time, we determined that we needed the help and expertise of a design build company. The house needed a gut job, new HVAC, plumbing and electricity. Statas popped up as an experienced local company and coincidently our new neighbours had worked with them in the past. After our initial chats with Andy, the owner of Stratas, and reviewing the quote and contract, we knew that we could trust the Stratas team with our new home.

Because we started on the project before we hired Stratas, they had to pick up with where we left off. This transition was made so smooth thanks to Brody our project manager. Brody and Sam, our designer were so helpful throughout the entire project. They lead us through all the steps/decisions that needed to be made and answered our questions that came up along the way. We can't thank them enough!

We moved in spring 2024 and have kept in contact with Andy for any of our post reno questions. We love our new home and are so appreciative of the Stratas team!

During Covid we embarked on a crazy idea to tear down a small house and build anew. We came in with drawings already but needed someone to help us navigate a complicated build.
Stratas offered a full service package that made this all happen. Tho we were dealing with all the complications and price increases due to the pandemic they managed to build us a spectacular home. Yes budget went a bit sideways and timelines extended but a lot was due to covid pricing and availability but also to our need for quality everything.
We were very impressed by all their trades and their attention to detail. Even when a couple of mistakes were made it was not an issue to remedy as soon as possible.
They continue to take care of us a year out and are very invested in keeping us pleased with our home.

I have known Andy and his team for several years. They are east end experts and several of my neighbours are currently mid-project with the Stratas Design team. They did a main floor gut and reno on our home, and we couldn't be more pleased. Trustworthy group and I would use them again.

I've worked with this builder as an Architectural Designer for about 15 years now, even before he opened the company. I've now done over 50 projects with the company, and every one has been a pleasure to work on. They work with professionalism and integrity, and create beautiful, quality homes. The entire team knows what they're doing, and I will only work with a builder I can trust.

We knew we wanted to build our own home. We had worked with an architect and started interviewing someone to build our home. We heard many stories and excuses why the designs were wrong or couldn't ever be done for less than multi-millions. Then we found Andy and our project went from can't to can. He worked with us and our architect, planned out a time-line, a budget and we got started. He kept us updated all along the way, was open with changes and challenges, adjusted where we needed and delivered the home we had hoped for, on time and on budget. We were so happy that two years after the completion we called him right back when we wanted to add a pool and other landscaping elements to the house. The experience was just as great the second time around. Highly recommend without reservation.

We had wanted to gut and extend our home for quite a few years and after meeting with a few firms we decided to move forward with Stratas Design Build. They had completed a number of similar projects in our neighborhood and their clients had only great things to say.

Having one point of contact throughout the entire permitting process was key for us as the thought of tackling it ourselves was daunting. Andy was great at providing ideas in terms of how big to make the addition and was able to provide helpful insight when it came to the technical aspects. The fun part was working with Sam and Lia for the entire interior design of the home. We had done a smaller renovation on our previous home and chose the finishes ourselves, we quickly realized that approach was not going to work for a project of our size and were grateful for their hard work. We didn't fully grasp the complexity involved with all of the high end finishes and how all the components need to be designed to work together. One service we did not fully appreciate until after was the product fulfilment. All we had to do was work with Sam and select our choices and all orders and deliveries for things like tiles, countertops, flooring and window coverings were taken care of.

The build process went smoothly, we had originally targeted 10-12 months. There were a few structural issues with the foundation that had to be dealt with, and we ended up moving in just around the one year mark. Our site manager Brody was very knowledgeable and really helped bridge the gap from our original concepts to a finished product. He was specifically well informed product wise and really worked with us on our window and siding package. We were very specific with what we wanted and he was able to bring all the trades and suppliers together to make it happen. Overall we were very satisfied and would recommend Stratas Design to anyone looking for a turn key, high end renovation experience.

After interviewing many reputable Design/Build firms we decided to move forward with Stratas Design Build in late 2022. For a project of our size we felt it was critical to have one qualified team handle all aspects of the jobs rather than a separate Architect, Engineer, Designer, Builder etc. They got us through the Committee of Adjustment smoothly with no stress and we obtained our building permit shortly after. It was comforting to know that the team helping us design our dream home would also be responsible for carrying out the construction as well. We had heard many horror stories from neighbours about giving an Architect/Designer a budget to work with only to find out a year later what was designed was unrealistic. Stratas Design has extensive knowledge and experience with these types of homes and made the process seamless. We really loved working with Sam, our designer. We would have been lost without her help throughout the entire build. Choosing tiles, plumbing fixtures, millwork for our entire 3 story house was a daunting task, but she was able to pull it all together and we couldn't be happier.

Our Project Manager Brad was great to deal with. He was able to hold our hand through the inevitable ups and downs of a project this size. He always seems to remain calm, even when my husband and I were feeling the pressure. The build quality is superb, we love the attention to detail that went into the entire house (especially the millwork). The end product is not something to question with Stratas, they have been doing this for a long time and it shows. We are truly happy with what we created together.

I wouldn't recommend Stratas for Design or Build. If you want cookie-cutter and don't care about the details of design then go ahead and take your chances that they'll finish the job. That wasn't our experience. We had to keep asking for a design concept - seemed to take much longer than it should. Once the work started there was nothing but issues with no project plan, bad measurements, and very little coordination with what we actually wanted to do. Pricing was questionable - I understand there is a "client invoice" and a "contractor invoice" but some of the pricing seemed really egregious. At one point post demolition Andy demanded more money for the same work and threatened to walk if we didn't sign a new contract. We took on the project ourselves and had to fix their mistakes. Overall, a very hostile, disorganized, and questionable experience. I would definitely not recommend if you want a quality interaction or renovation experience.

We used Stratas Design Build to complete a virtually complete gut reno of our house (with a basement underpin) this past year. It was our first reno and we are very particular. Everyone at Stratas was very patient and helpful at every stage of the process. We'd specifically like to call out our Project Manager, Brad, who went above and beyond to walk us through things. Samantha, our designer, really understood our aesthetic and was super responsive and organized. We're very happy with the results and everyone who has seen our house has said how beautiful it is. Thank you Andy and team!