As we head towards retirement years we made the decision to renovate our 1100 square foot, 1950's Etobicoke bungalow rather than move to a condo. Our home of 24 years had small enclosed rooms on the main floor, including a tiny, inefficient kitchen and a small dining room which could not accommodate our adult children, partners and grandchild. The main floor also included three bedrooms and a bathroom.
Our vision was for walls to come down to create to an open concept design to include our primary rooms plus the kitchen of our dreams. We have never experienced renovations to this degree before and did not have any idea where to start. Naively, we went to IKEA and quickly realized that the scope of the job was far beyond a kitchen plan, and that we wanted quality products to ensure that the work endured.
After reviewing numerous reviews from various sources, and calling several companies we choose three companies for quotes; a kitchen design company, an independent contractor and Toronto Custom Concepts (TCC). TCC engaged us in a manner which gave us the confidence that this was the company that would best meet our needs. After our initial phone call, Dave Jurinic, TCC's Director and Designer, Brittany Oakley came to the house to take measurements and to hear about our wish list. We were invited to the Interior Design Show to see their designs and products, then to TCC showroom to further discussions.
Initially we had no idea about costs or all that our wish list entailed. Dave was patient as our own understanding of costs and the work requirements grew through our discussions with him. To help us with design and budget decisions, Dave provided us with quotes based on a few design plan options which helped significantly with decisions based on our budget and priorities. Brittany nailed our vision of our dream kitchen within her first design. It was most helpful that TCC quotes are all inclusive from permits at the beginning to air duct and home cleaning crew at the end; with the promise of top workmanship at each juncture.
The renovation was extensive and included the creation of an open concept kitchen, living room and dining room, replacement of flooring throughout the main level, replacement of bathroom fixtures and an expansion of bedroom closets. We had originally thought we would do the renovations in two stages, a few years apart. We came to the conclusion that it was in our best interest from both a financial and least disruptive perspective to do it all at once.
The job started and ended on time and on budget. Communication was ongoing throughout and each of the individual trades brought in by TCC did excellent work. Scott was our on site project manager and Graham worked behind the scenes ordering products, coordinating delivery and appliance installation etc. The TCC team is small, professional, accessible and proficient and contract with premium tradesmen. Remarkably, there were no surprises or setbacks.
We are big supporters of reviews and use them as a tool for many of our decisions. Typically we wait a while before writing reviews to ensure the whole experience is captured. We moved back into our space six months ago and during that time we have required minimal follow up due to seasonal shifting of the house etc. The TCC team has been responsive and quick to arrange for all follow up as required. We have experienced their commitment to stand behind their work and we are confident that we will be able to call them in the future with any concerns.
Choosing the right contractor is the most significant part of a renovation. We could not say enough about how positive our experience was with TCC and would not hesitate to recommend them. We knew going into this project that renovations are not easy to live through and we can honestly say that apart from the dust and disruption, the process was surprisingly smooth and headache free. We absolutely love our new space. Thank you TCC.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $100,000.00
