Colette in Toronto

October 22, 2015 Like a freshly cleaned and clutter free room! A collegial group of 5 men from Toronto Tree Removal worked for 6 solid hours today taking down a soaring spruce and a mature maple wedged between two sheds and in direct contact with a fence and hydro wires. They also limbed two larger spruces similar in size to Jack's beanstalk. The trees had been neglected for years upon years and now they look rejuvenated and my yard is a pleasure to view. Someone on the team has a great esthetic eye! It took a little time (just over a week) to pin Aaron, the owner/manager, down for a consultation but once I figured out he was a phone guy (not so much an emailer) things happened very quickly and promptly. I met with Aaron on October 19th and we jointly chose today for the work to be done. After collecting price advice, reading the Homestars reviews and meeting Aaron in person for the consult, I felt absolutely no need to go comparison shopping. He and his team were amiable and frank, the price was entirely reasonable, and they honored every detail discussed. Aaron followed up on the day within an hour. The team had to access our side and backyard neighbours' properties and they took the time to protect the properties before starting their work. All yards were left cleaner than they found them. The truck and chipper didn't fit easily on my midtown-Toronto street and we had to block a neighbour's driveway. I was pleased that one of the team members was always aware and available to move the truck promptly when my neighbour returned home. I could stop my glowing review right here but I really want to mention two additional touches that impressed me. In addition to the chipped wood, some wood was repurposed in other ways: 1) We had a small existing pile of wood from a fruit tree that Aaron agreed to remove. He chose to save it to be used for smoking planks and 2) Aaron knew a contact who is a floral artist; She came over to collect many of the spruce branches to use in her arrangements. I will most definitely be calling Toronto Tree Removal for any future needs and will be recommending them to neighbours, friends and family.

Addendum November 2015: Currently putting an addition onto same home as Braveheart worked on in 2008. In addition to two flaws that revealed themselves shortly after the Braveheart work was done (improper drainage in basement causing sewage smell and improper roofing causing perpetual leaking into second floor window and subsequently into main floor powder room every time it rains) we have recently uncovered two distressing problems 1) inadequate insulation in roof R20 v R60 and 2) inadequate footing dimensions such that the concrete did not extend to the outer walls of the house except in a few places and there was an absence of grout along the outer portion of the walls. Very glad our house didn't shift or collapse! All the work of sub-trades, but all under management of Braveheart (and City inspector I might add!) Due to new revelations that impacted our comfort, energy efficiency, and safety, I can no longer highly recommend Braveheart. Jan. 2009: Bill recently completed a full interior renovation for our 1920's North Toronto home. While my husband (a serious handyman with separate day job) poured over the construction details, my interest was more in whether I could trust the team, care of the property, consideration for the neighbours, keeping to timelines, and attention to the details and aesthetics. To ALL these points, I can truly say Bill and his team were absolute professionals. They were trustworthy and efficient, and really really nice. Bill worked with us on each detail and offered experienced recommendations as well as finding us significant cost savings (over $5000 for one room underpinning system alone). My favourite part of the whole home reno experience was one I wasn't expecting. Laura, Bill's wife and business partner, provided us with additional support that I don't believe other contractor services offer. Laura gave us priority sequenced "to dos" so we could keep in time with the project. She sourced out materials such as flooring, countertops, etc. and was with us at the showrooms to guide us. She recommended a kitchen place that we thought would be out of our budget, but actually came in the best of all kitchen places we compared (in service, price and product). They were also outstanding. Best of all, Bill and Laura were there all the time. We always knew where to find them, who was coming in when, what was being done, and they answered even the most mundane of questions with respect. Even with the Bravehart home renovation complete, Bill and Laura continue to follow-up with us! I absolutely recommend Bill, Laura, and the Bravehart Team to anyone looking for outstanding service and an expertly constructed, beautiful home. In fact, I already have.