Stefan Dubowski in Ottawa

I recognize that my negative review here will stand out from the glowing recommendations (upon which I decided to hire this company). Hopefully, that's simply a matter of the fact that my experience is unusual – and Instant Lawns has treated and will treat other customers better. In any case, Instant Lawns made a number of basic administrative errors that I feel significantly diminished the overall quality of the job. First off, we had trouble communicating. I distinctly remember talking to the company's representative about when to start. We agreed we'd have the lawn installed after another home renovation project was done – and that I'd call to schedule the install. Then about a week later, the company called me to say the crew would come by in just a few days. I called back to straighten that out. Still, it was like no one at the company had remembered that earlier conversation about scheduling. That was the first issue. Next, we had trouble on what was supposed to be the install day. The team was scheduled to arrive at 12 p.m. By 4 p.m., seeing how as no one had come yet, I called for an update. I was told that the crew's truck had broken down and everything was behind schedule. That happens. But I shouldn't have had to call to find out. I expect companies to be proactive and contact customers to warn of delays. In any case, the rep on the phone suggested that the team would still be able to get the job done that day. We eventually decided that the crew would drop the sod off on my driveway and come back the next day to install it. Glad we made that decision, because the next day, the job took about four hours. Had they started the previous evening as the rep had initially suggested, they would have been working well into the night and well past the point of my neighbours' patience for construction noise. I'm surprised the company didn't consider that. Finally, we never did receive the follow-up fertilizer application that came with the package we bought. I called a number of times about it, but here we are, late-September and still no fertilizer. I applied some myself, no big deal. Add all those things up, though, and I'm one dissatisfied customer. I should point out: the lawn installed took just fine and is growing well, so I certainly can't fault the company there. As well, the staff members were courteous and friendly. I get the feeling they really were trying. But the end result simply wasn’t good enough. And finally, I understand Instant Lawns was in the midst of an ownership transition at around the time of my job. Such significant disruptions can throw businesses off their stride. Maybe that's what happened here. If so, I trust the company is working toward finding its balance again. I hope that means mine will be the only negative review on this message board for some time. Nonetheless, I have to be honest: I feel Instant Lawns did a poor job for me.

We were particularly impressed with the work ethic this company's representatives exhibited. When they discovered that our soffits were in dire need of updating (unexpectedly), they added that to their workload and found ways to save money on the job - so although our bill was higher than planned, it wasn't as terrible a shock as it could have been. From our conversations, it was clear that the installers take pride in their work, and the results exemplify that positive attitude.

We were particularly impressed by this company’s presentation package, which included not only information about the shingles and installation, but also proof of insurance. Exhibiting professionalism from the first call through to cleanup, the team arrived when they said they would and completed the job on time. The roof looks great!

Greg was professional and quick to assess the work required. He started the work when he said he would, and completed it on time. His price was fair and the finished product, excellent.

Bill quickly assessed the work to be done, quoted a reasonable price and got started when he said he would. He offered helpful suggestions to make the project even better than originally planned. He was completely honest as well -- when we asked if he could install carpeting, he admitted he hadn't done so professionally before. He recommended an excellent carpet supplier (End of the Roll - Merivale Rd.) instead. We'll call Bill first the next time we need handyman services.

We called in a number of foundation specialists to assess our leaky, damp basement. The estimates were all over the place - and so were the suggested project scopes. Dave's price was right in the middle, but his work actually went above and beyond. He and his crew arrived when they said they would (unexpected, considering all the horror stories you hear), and worked every day until the job was done. Dave said it would take three weeks - it took three weeks. He made excellent recommendations (we installed a new water pipe and a frost-free outside tap), and when we decided to expand the project to include new front steps, he connected us with a very good masonry expert (Dalmatian Touch). Now that the basement's waterproofed and dry we look forward to finishing the space. Really good work here.