Kitty, Markham

First of all, M.G.S Lawncare has changed its name to M.G.S Window Cleaning and Power Washing. I purchased its power washing services via a group buy deal a few months ago. The name of the gentleman I dealt with was Mark. Mark came by to provide a quote right after I had contacted him. He provided me a schedule for the first half of the project that was to wash the existing sand out. The second half of the project was to lay the new sand and was supposed to be 3 days later, but it was delayed due to rain. Mark asked for 100% of the payment due on day of the first half of the project. I was uncomfortable with this, as I usually don't pay contractor 100% upfront. He was reasonable enough to accept partial payment, with the balance due on the day when he laid the sand. He did such as good job in washing out the existing sand that 2 of my neighbours hired him for power washing for their driveways, too. The second half of the project was delayed much as it rained too frequently. In the end, I picked a day that was definitely dry, with possibility of 1mm of rain next day. Note that the weather forecast had been rather inaccurate for my area, and given the temperature cooling down quickly, I had to take a chance. Mark showed up as promised, and he did a fine job. It rained after approximately 15 hours of dry weather, so the driveway didn't look perfect, but it was good enough for the weather situation. I would recommend Mark's work. I suppose Greg is his partner, but I have never dealt with him. Mark didn't really reply phone messages or answer phone calls, but he replied emails promptly. Last but not least, power washing and laying new sand is a job that is affected by weather. I would not recommend undertaking this type of project in spring and fall when there are frequent rainfalls.

I have used Green Lawn for a few years for lawn maintenance. The package included 4 visits of fertilizing, weed and insect control, plus unlimited spot treatment between scheduled visits. Their work was great when the old chemical spray was allowed to be sprayed. Services and result went way downhill after the no chemical spray bylaws come into effect in Markham. Lawn fertilization quality remained good last year. Weed and insect control quality was poor. "Weed pulling" service was advertised to be included in the package as weed control. However, there was still so much weeds that I ended up pulling weekly myself. When I called for "spot treatment" services, it was declined and said the service technican would do it on the next scheduled visit. Insect control is non existent, and that I can understand. However, the price of the package didn't decrease in line with the elimination of the insect control services. I have cancelled my contract with Green Lawn for 2009 season.

I hired Crownseal 6 years ago upon a friend's recommendation to repair a basement leaking situation. At the time, I didn't know about Homestars review services, so I didn't log a review, so this is a catch up review. I was extremely happy with the professional workmanship of Randalls. He riped out the drywall and concluded that the pole holes of the 2 basement walls were leaking. This spanned about 20 feets of wall length. He repaired from the outside (vs inside repair) by digging out all the soil, mended the holes, sealed with tar and special plastic sheets. My neighbours who witnessed the process told me that they brought in a team of workers and a strong digging machinery. They finished the complete job in a day or two. They put back the soil that got digged up. Crownseal repair was effective. The 2 problem walls had absolutely no leak after the job. In terms of pricing, they charged me market price when compared to the other 2 quotes I got. And I don't mind paying a contractor market price as long as the work is effective and efficient and achieves the objective. I am more than happy to recommend this professional company.

I wrote a similar review about a month ago. That review has hanged in the system as "pending" for over a month, so I am writing a new one to replace it. I am happy with Cornell's workmanship. We contracted them back in spring to reshringle our townhouse complex. So far no leak, so we are happy. The big test is coming winter, and we will see. What we are not too satisfied with is Cornell's administration. Firstly, there were a few loosen shingles (after a major rain strom) that we asked Cornell to fix up. I don't know if they have fixed them as I have not heard back from them. Secondly, we paid Cornell in full right after the job was finished (Mike picked up the cheques personally). However, we didn't get an invoice until 3 months later, that was after many phone calls and emails by various homeowners. We need the invoice to claim the home renovation tax credits and for warranty, so we were nervous for a long while. One more note: unless you get Mike's PERSONAL cell phone number, you won't be able to talk to a person on phone. They didn't return my calls / voice messages about the invoice and the loosen shingles that I left on the published business phone numbers. We finally talked to Mike because one of the homeowners had his personal cell phone number. I would recommend Cornell for roof reshingling based on their workmanship, but you may consider insisting on getting the invoice prior to paying them. I also highly recommend getting Mike's personal cell number.

I have used GH for over a decade, first at my parent's house and now at my own little house. The alarm at my parent's house was installed (brand new) by GH. The system worked great for over 15 years. The alarm at my own house was installed by builter, so GH only activated it and monitored it. They activated it at a nominal charge (I guess it was for the service of activation). GH charges me the monitoring services at $18/month. It has been 4 years now, and they have not raised the price. When I have false alarm, the monitoring company call within 3 minutes. GH is owner operated, so the guy is free to negotiate. He is also quite knowledgable about all the technical aspect of the alarm system. I feel that my security system is in good hand with him.

1)I bought my wood from BH for my hardwood floor. The selection and pricing was unbelievable. Very happy with this aspect of the store. 2) I didn't listen to any recommendation of the salesperson. I researched online A LOT prior to going to the store. I picked the better grade wood. In reviewing the other postings here, I guess I was lucky. 3) Get your own installation guys from friends. Don't use any who are promoted by the hardwood floor companies.

I have used Greenlawn for a few years for lawn maintenance. The package included 4 visits of fertilizing, weed and insect control, plus unlimited spot treatment between scheduled visits. Their work was great when the old chemical spray was allowed to be sprayed. Services and result went way downhill after the no chemical spray bylaws come into effect in Markham. Lawn fertilization quality remained good last year. Weed and insect control quality was poor. "Weed pulling" service was advertised to be included in the package as weed control. However, there was still so much weeds that I ended up pulling weekly myself. When I called for "spot treatment" services, it was declined and said the service technican would do it on the next scheduled visit. Insect control is non existent, and that I can understand. However, the price of the package didn't decrease in line with the elimination of the insect control services. I have cancelled my contract with Greenlawn for 2009 season.

I returned from vacation to a leaking water heater mid-Jan this year. Due to new building codes/bylaws, Direct Energy wouldn't install a new water heater to the existing PVC pipes. In panic, I got First Refrigeration's name from a friend (reference is the best source of contractor). I received courteous customer services on phone. The estimator came the next day to figure out where to install new pipes. The codes are quite complicated, and it is more difficult in case of townhouses, since there are only 2 external walls. Nevertheless, we figured things out in about an hour. The estimator and the installation technicans came together later on the same day. The new pipe installation was completed without issues within 1.5 hours. I contacted Direct Energy to install a new water heater right after. I later realized how lucky I was to have been referred to First Refrigeration. The workmanship was professional, the customer services were responsive and the price was reasonable. Most of all, they followed the building bylaws closely. When the Direct Energy water heater technicans examined the pipe installation (prior to installing the heater), the new pipe passed in flying colour. I highly recommend this contractor. They are good and honest and easy to deal with.