Cher R from Pickering

When my husband and I decided to completely redo our backyard and put in a pool, we really wanted to do our homework before hiring someone for this massive project, so we spoke to at least a dozen different companies – pool companies, landscapers, and all-in-one companies (i.e. those who do both the pool and landscaping). After receiving many quotes and getting a feel for the contractors, we opted to go with Kurt and his team for the landscaping, and have the pool installed by a separate company. We felt that Distinctive Designs was a company with integrity and would deliver quality workmanship within the budget we set forth. We were absolutely impressed! This project was enormous. We needed to replace our entire fence, remove an existing patio, incorporate a second existing patio into the design, regrade and resod the side yard, build an area for a play structure, add a staircase off of our main-floor deck, add a firepit, a water feature, some trees, accent lighting, and tonnes of stone around the pool. Of all the contractors we spoke with, Kurt was the one we felt was really listening to what we had in mind. He was willing to work with our ideas and very respectfully offered his opinions on various aspects (he has a good eye for design). He even met with us at the landscape supply company to ensure that we were happy with our stone choices. When work began, Kurt and his crew were always sensitive to our neighbours in terms of the equipment, the trucks, the noise, and the mess. We appreciated that the guys weren’t loud and never used foul language. They started each workday at 8am, and worked hard until they were done and the site was cleaned for the day (some nights that meant after 7:30pm). On days when it rained, they were still here trying to accomplish whatever they could – one day in particular, that meant one guy was in the pool filling in the cement on the underside of the coping, and 2 other guys were building the staircase while it poured. We were very pleased with how hard they worked to get our project done in a timely manner, and they did so with excellent attention to detail. Even the pool company we used was impressed with the work, and vowed to connect with Distinctive Designs on future projects. As with many projects of this nature, problems arise that are beyond anyone’s control. In our case, a change in the final height of the pool in the ground meant design changes for the patio, as well as a change in the grade at the side of the house. This led to a need for retaining walls in a few places. Thankfully, Kurt was very mindful of our budget and was able to address the problem in a cost effective manner, while still making the solution look great. Having a contractor who’s respectful of the budget the client lays out is certainly refreshing. The team at Distinctive Designs does beautiful work, and we now have our dream backyard. From the stunning new gate to the yard, to the incredible stone and coping, to a functional staircase that finally gives us access to the back from the main floor, to a solid and gorgeous new fence. There are too many things to mention! Everything is exceptional, and our guests marvel at the workmanship! Thank you Kurt, Sean, Patrick, and Mike for all of your hard work! We are very grateful to have found such a high quality company. If you have a landscaping project – big or small – and you have big expectations, go with Distinctive Designs! You won’t be disappointed!

Our project: We ripped out the carpeting and old hardwood on our entire upper floor and stairs, and we purchased our hardwood (Brazilian Chestnut) from a supplier. We then hired Newridge to do the installation, which would involve capping the stairs and staining the treads to match our hardwood, sanding and staining the nosing, painting the rails, spindles, stringers, and risers, and of course, installing the hardwood in the 4 bedrooms and hallway. Sebastian and his crew were a pleasure to work with. We had a few meetings beforehand and Sebastian and Joe (the stair guy) both came to ensure they knew what we wanted. Once the job began, the crew arrived bright and early each day, and worked hard, long days. It was obvious there was pride in the workmanship and also a need to make it perfect. The site was cleaned up at the end of each day, and great efforts were taken to keep the rest of our house dust free from the cutting of the wood. The wood we used was very heavy and not the easiest to cut, but the boys never complained and did a fantastic job on the installation. Our floors and stairs look incredible! Working with Sebastian and the crew was a very positive experience for us. They are stand-up guys who do great work. It isn't always easy finding honest, hard-working people, but when you do find them, you tell everyone! Thanks so much! Our upper floor and stairs are no longer an embarassment, but something we are proud to show off!