Tim

I needed to replace the plaster in several rooms that had reached the end of its life and update to drywall - Gavin reached out to quote on this project through HomeStars' Request a Quote. First thing I noticed is that he got back to me...and always got back to me. I regularly kept him advised of when I would be ready for his services and never over those 2-3 months of Covid issues and delays did he ever not respond and kept reassuring me that he would do the work. Several other contractors never responded or ghosted once they saw the smaller size of the project. Gavin never did...and maintained contact. Quite happy with the quality of work. Gavin has several years experience in Ireland and moved to Toronto a few years ago, where he continues in the trade. He hired a helper, who also had several years in the business, to help keep the work on time. No issues whatsoever...and constantly amazes me how effortless they make it appear versus my attempts that would see me waste a weekend on a single room and coat of mud! We did have some issues with the crew that had to be used to hang the drywall. Even though I could have fixed it myself, Gavin insisted on being the one to rectify the issues with the work and went beyond what I was expecting to ensure I was happy. If I ever need drywalling completed, Gavin will be the first and only one I'll reach out to now.

Needed some interior brick repairs to a WWII home - Red Robin came recommended through a Facebook community group. Prices were competitive with other quotes received. However, they were the only contractor that could tell me how these home were constructed (purpose of parging and tar paper on interior brick face), which added to their credibility. They were cooperative in accommodating my schedule to coordinate with other repairs on the home. The work crew was also professional. Would use them again for future repair work.

Foam Comfort has been my go-to contractor for spray foam - had them spray foam the walls of a rebuilt detached garage several years ago and recently to add supplemental insulation to the walls in a WWII home. I found their prices fair and they were able to provide services with short lead time. 2 man crew - both pleasant and professional (the helper said "sorry" every time he stepped in front of you while setting up - who does that anymore?!?) Some learnings: they covered critical items and portions of the floor, but the "vapour" from the foaming process carries like spray paint drift and settles on surfaces, so cover EVERYTHING you don't want it on...and lots of "puffy-fuzzies" from shaving the foam down (they DO clean up, but these things cling with static and eventually fall to the floor). Neither were an issue for me given the status of the work site, but make mention of it for other homeowners. My foaming days should be done now, but I would definitely use them again for another project.

McKinnon installed my furnace several years ago - was quite satisfied with their price and service, but they didn't have the AC brand I wanted (Lennox) when I replaced my AC about 3 years ago, so went with another installer. AC wasn't cooling properly this season, so contacted the original installer (a different company), who sent out a tech 3 times, who only proceeded to charge it up. The 3rd visit, I didn't even see their tech on site and got a call from a unknowledgeable customer service rep that I needed a new coil that would take a month to get. After over a month, I called McKinnon to come and take a look - their tech was extremely thorough and tore everything apart trying to diagnose the issue...something the other company should have done. Turns out, when installed (by the other company), they did not install a part required to maintain differential pressure. Part installed and AC has worked perfectly ever since. I've been happy in all the interactions I've had with McKinnon and if not for my preference for the AC brand, would have had them install it as well. I intend to use them for all future servicing.

New Lennox central air (within last 3 years) not cooling properly this season. Called Cambridge to fix it - they were the original installer. Initial service call they recharged it...still not cooling properly, so 2nd service call, they recharged it again...still not cooling properly. 3rd service call didn't even see the technician on site and got a call from their customer service rep that I needed a new coil - who couldn't explain what that part even was or why I needed it - but no stock in all of Canada and needs to come from the US - 1 month (has now been 4+ months later and not even a phone call back yet). After over a month of waiting and an odd IM exchange of "we don't carry parts", I called the company that installed my furnace (a different company), whose tech spent quite a bit of time on site diagnosing the issue. Turns out, when originally installed, Cambridge did not install a certain fitting to maintain pressure differential, which the other company's tech believed was the cause. AC has worked ever since.