Ian Robson in Toronto

Our "state of the ark" hard-wired security system installed in 1995 had served us well until it started to cause problems recently. We weren't particularly happy with the service we were getting so where to go? Our next door neighbours engaged Engineered Alarm Solutions two years ago to upgrade their system, are very happy and introduced us to Gabriel and his team. From start to finish, our upgrade from hardwired to wireless, with the addition of some sensors, water sensors and replacement of smoke detectors has been painless. 5 stars plus to Gabriel, Daniel in scheduling, Silvana in the office and the install team, Tong and Amin, for communications, workmanship, attention to detail and for generally providing a happy home maintenance experience.

One of three “state of the ark” fluorescent light fixtures in the kitchen stopped working on the weekend and we decided to replace all three to head off more trouble. I emailed yesterday and Moe responded first thing this morning. After working out what was needed, he was able to fit me in today and five hours later Angelo and Ashkan were on the doorstep. Great guys, clean workers and within two hours we got a set of integrated LED fixtures that really brighten up the space. Very happy to put Quality Potlight’s card on the fridge for future reference.

We first discovered Regency 25 years ago after moving into the neighbourhood and were pleased with the drapes and other work then. They were the obvious choice when we recently decided to get four pieces of wicker furniture in the sunroom re-covered and we couldn't be happier with a job well done. Kudos and thanks to Antonia, Steve and George. We shall return!

We first used The Tub Guys 11 years ago to re-glaze the bone tub in the main bathroom. It was a great job then but with wear and tear a few bubbles and chips started to appear, so we got them back last month to re-glaze both the tub and surrounding wall tiles in white (they lo longer do bone). Angela is great to work with in coordinating everything & Will and J.J. were a pleasure to have in the house. They did an excellent job and we're thrilled with the colour change, with the white really brightens up the room.

I recently needed a small job done - replacement of a damaged tap and bent pipe leading outside from the basement and connected to my garden watering system. Plumbers Direct was recommended and I phoned Peter, fully expecting a wait of several days. Luckily he was able to fit me in the same day and Tenzin and Callan dropped by and did the job in under an hour. Great work, personable people and as General MacArthur said "I shall return."

On Friday morning before the Labor Day weekend, a passing cube van caught the low-hanging conductor cable crossing the street to my house, pulling the standpipe. M clevis and bits and pieces off the outside wall. Replacing it is not a Toronto Hydro job so I had to hustle to find an electrician and no one wanted to know about it with a long weekend approaching. Connected with David at Croatian Electric and he was on the spot within 20 minutes, then back with his crew in an hour. Excellent job and I'm proud to have his sign in the front garden for a couple of weeks. Hydro came back and restored their conductor a few hours later so we had power for the weekend and didn't lose anything in the freezer. This company definitely my preferred electrical contractor from now on.

We’ve just had wrought iron railings made and installed by Art Metal on our front steps and couldn’t be happier. They fit perfectly, look great and will be much used after I have knee surgery! Mariya, Yevgeniy, Oleg and the installers were a pleasure to deal with and I have no hesitation in recommending Art Metal for this type of work. And because I got in before the summer rush the job was fast….a little under three weeks from ordering to installation.

Yehuda (YBS) spent four days at my house last week, repairing cracks in 82-year-old plaster, then re-painting upper and lower halls & ceilings, stairwell, risers, balusters, hot water radiator, etc. He estimated five days for the job but it went so well he was finished in four! My partner and I are pretty good painters but weren’t ready to tackle the climbing and ladder work needed for this work. We had seen Yehuda’s work at the homes of two sets of friends and were very impressed with the quality workmanship, so had no hesitation in calling him to undertake this job. It’s obvious that painting is more than a job for Yehuda…..he really likes it....and his pricing is fair. He was meticulous in taping the whole area before starting, covering the hardwood floors, lights, fixtures etc. and I can only say that the result was “clean and beautiful.” He’s a good communicator, is friendly, showed up when he said he would and will definitely be asked to come back when painting next finds its way into the job jar. Definitely a 10!

Brian came with the house when we bought in '95. Well almost! He'd cared for the eavestroughs for the previous owners and we asked him to continue, with no regrets. He always arrives with a cheery smile, the crew works professionally and carefully and they never leave a mess. Highly recommended.