After reading all of the positive reviews here on HomeStars we contacted Elite Designed Concrete Inc. (via email) expecting a reply in a couple of days. We received a response in less than two hours!
Raffy replied looking to setup a convenient time for us to meet and discuss our project. The project involved repairing, washing and sealing some existing concrete work and some additions, including two raised teardrop planters, complete parging around the base of the house and a redesigned exterior patio with two half walls on either side and an additional walkway. Raffy provided an on-the-spot written estimate fully itemizing each component of the project. We hired Elite a few short days later. Other competitors were sketchy with their detailed breakdowns and some, including the original contractor who we hired for our existing work some years ago, did not even bother to return our email.
We were looking forward to having our project completed by the start of summer, but unfortunately Mother Nature had other ideas. Elite actually issued a formal letter to all of their clients-in waiting apologizing for the delay and thanking us for our continued patience – like how much more customer focused can you get ? This company lost something in the neighbourhood of 34 business days to rain in their already relatively short season and were looking at the situation from the customer’s standpoint!
We finally got some co-operation with the weather and were introduced to Marcelo, who arranged to meet us at our convenience to mark all the areas and angles of the project as well as selecting colour and pattern schemes. Marcelo kept us up-to-date on every aspect of the project, including when the crew would be onsite and what they would be doing. It was a pleasure seeing the project we had planned slowly materialize work day after work day. This is not to say everything went 100%; like all projects, there were issues that arose, but it is through these issues that the professionalism and integrity of both Raffy & Marcelo really shined. The two half walls we wanted incorporated into the project presented a challenge as we did not want the standard variety patterned stamp. The solution: Elite purchased a new stamp that was exactly what we were looking for. It became all too obvious that this company is special, they really strive not only to ensure complete customer satisfaction, they want to exceed it and will go out of their way to achieve it. I think Raffy must sleep with his Blackberry, as on one occasion I was sending emails to confirm some finishing items at about 10:15pm expecting an update the next day or so, and his response come in at 11:09pm!
My wife and I are already looking for other projects where we can work with them again. It has truly been a pleasure dealing with Raffy, Marcelo and the Elite Designed Concrete team.