Dawn C.

My backyard needed a complete transformation- the deck was rotting (literally), the ground was mud, and the fence between my neighbours and I was a mishmash of different materials; none of which actually gave privacy or kept out neighbourhood animals. We contacted several contractors and ultimately went with Craig and Eastcoast Yardworx because they understood our vision, were creative and able to suggest improvements that didn't cost a lot (but made a huge difference), and were honest and nice to work with. Eastcoast managed our permit process, which ended up being overly complicated (due to our requests), and built us the backyard of our dreams- a new fence, shed pad, deck and patio stone. Communication got a little lost at times, but I don't think that's entirely on them- with working from home (pandemic), things got a little hectic inside and out! Our next door neighbours even hired them while they were doing work with us because they were so pleased with how the work was looking. At the end, Craig even resodded our lawn, as parts of it had been destroyed by the other work that was done. We'd use them again in a heartbeat- and plan to do so when we continue some of the stone patiowork.

I was really disappointed with my experience with Anthony and Superior Installs. I contacted him in November to arrange to have him install a vent over my stove and provided a materials deposit of $175. He was not able to come until January to take measurements. We arranged installation for April; however, he cancelled on the day installation was supposed to take place. I am still waiting for a response to reschedule, but have not received a response, despite reaching out to him via email, text, phone and Facebook. My house is an older home in need of some upgrades, and there is additional work I was hoping a gas fitter like Anthony would complete for me, but after this experience, I would not hire him again.

I moved from a 1+1 condo in Toronto to a house in Hamilton recently, and received recommendations to use City Truck. When I reached out to them for a quote, they were very quick to respond, as well as super detailed and clear on exactly what was included and how the rate would be calculated. I sent them a deposit to confirm the date. The day before the move, David called me to confirm any missing "pieces"- did we need mattress covers? TV cover? Wardrobe boxes? Last minute assistance packing, etc.? It was clear they were well prepared. On the day of the move, the movers showed up a few minutes early and started packing. Despite some challenges with my condo management in getting the elevator, the movers made the most of every moment- wrapping up furniture, securing items and making sure everything was ready to be moved. Despite it being -16 out, they were friendly and good natured. We had a second pickup location, which they found easily and loaded into the van quickly. Unloading in the house was very quick, and they put every box and piece of furniture exactly where we asked. When the van was empty, they asked if we needed help arranging furniture, or moving things around to be better settled. All of our items (so far) arrived undamaged and perfectly secured- even a small tab that fell off a shelf mid-move was taped to the underside so that we wouldn't lose it. Moves can be really tough. But City Truck was really clear about exactly how they would move me, and the movers were so friendly and helpful that it made it all easier. I would definitely use them again.

I needed a home inspection as a pre-conditioning for purchasing my first home. 4Sight was one of several companies recommended to me and I chose them after comparing prices, as well as reviews. Michael was extremely responsive (I called to set up the appointment on a Sunday evening), and worked with mine and my agent's schedule to have the inspection done within our time frame. Although the agreement sent over to me and our conversation didn't include how long it would take to receive the report, Michael was very responsive by text and email. On the day of the inspection, Michael was very thorough, and took the time during the inspection to explain issues he found, as well as solutions and even gave a rough estimate of what he would expect those solutions to cost, which was very helpful. The report we received a few hours after the inspection was over 70 pages long- needless to say, it was also very thorough, and contained a description of everything he had reviewed, pictures for clarity, as well as recommendations. On the bottom of each page of the report, it states "not just an inspection, it's an education," which is very true- as a first-time home buyer, this was a great learning experience, and I am grateful for Michael's knowledge and expertise as we move forward to make our first home even better!

I was interested in putting in crown moulding when I started a DIY project of built in bookcases (which would have required crown moulding along the top). After deciding to extend the crown moulding throughout my condo, I took quotes from a few different companies. While Ivan's was not the cheapest (but not the most expensive), I chose Expert Crown Moulding because all of their cutting could be done offsite- valuable since I'm in a condo with minimal outdoor/work space. When they called to discuss the project, Ivan was incredibly knowledgeable about installing crown moulding in a condo, and was well prepared with questions to get a good scope of the job (ie: asking about concrete ceilings, we discussed the bookcase, etc.). Two weeks later, his crew was in measuring for the moulding, and less than a week after that, the moulding was in. Although I was told the installation would take a full day, it only took them about 3 hours to do a hallway, living room, dining room and den (and they told me they were working at a "relaxed" pace!). The only disappointing thing is that the moulding isn't painted, and we are left to do that (but it was made very clear that this was the case beforehand, so I'm not surprised). However, it is primed, caulked, holes sealed and completely ready to be painted. All in all, it was definitely worth it, and Ivan and his team were absolutely incredible. I would hire them again in a second if I needed more crown moulding.

Called Mike on a Wednesday about repairing a dishwasher (the tray where you put detergent would not open during a cycle). He was able to come that weekend, and suggested texting over the dishwasher model and address. When Mike did arrive, him and his colleague were fantastic- so polite and professional- they even covered their shoes when they came in. They replaced the part, ran a test cycle, and even gave some tips for better dishwasher care. All within 15 minutes! The only thing that makes this not 10/10 was some challenges in communicating. After texting Mike, I didn't hear back from him to confirm whether he was coming on Saturday or Sunday, until he called to let me know he'd be there in 30 minutes. Aside from that, everything was fantastic, and I would (and probably will) definitely use them again without hesitation.

My partner and I had to move within a very short time frame; between working, packing (unpacking) and all of the logistics that go into moving, we knew that there was no way we could get the place painted before all of our things (and pets) were in. We hired PD Student Painting because they provided the best quote. Peter responded to emails super quickly, and everything was arranged by email well before the work was set to start. When they came in, they were super focused, very professional and worked with us to accommodate our hectic move (which had been moved up at the last minute- meaning that the last day of painting would be done with boxes and furniture in one of the rooms). Nevertheless, Peter and his brother worked diligently to make sure each room was painted on schedule- we even added a hallway during the process, which they were still able to complete by the deadline. They brought their own paint and supplies, and cleaned up afterwards- it was amazing, and while it was the first time we've hired painters, we would absolutely hire them again. If there was one negative thing to say about them, it was that while they were always accessible by phone/email, they weren't always punctual- often showing up later than agreed upon. This wasn't a huge deal to us- Peter had explained some extenuating circumstances before he started painting, he was always able to be in touch by text/phone, and they got each aspect of the job done within the agreed upon time frame (which was what we had asked for), so having them show up later didn't interfere with the job at all- so overall, not a big deal.

What should have been a simple aerator replacement (by myself) got extremely complicated in an older home, resulting in an unusable faucet for several days. As I rent, this should have been replaced by my landlord; however, he is not a handy person (although he likes to think he is). As such, any work that would be done needed to be discreet. I found Stan on Homestars and explained the situation and the need for the job to be completed in a discreet fashion. He provided several recommendations via email, and we set a time for him to come over. Within an hour, the faucet was replaced, the kitchen was repaired, and it was like new! He was wonderful!

After receiving several quotes, I chose Khody's- not only because it was the best price, but also because of all the great reviews on this site. Khody and his partner arrived right on time, and were very personable and efficient- I felt right at ease. They had no trouble at all removing my carpet and taking care of the disposal for me- a job that had taken me hours when I had done a different room. They were so meticulous through the entire job to make sure that this job blended in well with other laminate flooring previously installed. I was most impressed when they were able to find a creative solution to a problem that came up with my quarter rounds, and it looks terrific. Had they not asked me for my opinion on this issue, I never would have known- it looks that good! They finished the job a few hours early, and made sure everything (including my building elevator) was cleaned up before they went. I would definitely use them again.