Completely new kitchen and powder room (with structural changes)
I purchased my downtown Toronto townhouse about a year and a half ago, and knew from day one that the 1970's plastic/formica kitchen with the awkward configuration would have to go. Valentini was recommended through a friend's contractor.
From the initial introductory meeting, to the last drop of touch-up paint, Piero and the Valentini team made sure that my dream kitchen was designed, created, installed and completed exactly how I wanted it.
Demolition took place on a Saturday, and being the family business it is, Piero brought his brother-in-law and nephews in. The crew of six had my old kitchen completely demolished to the studs in about eight hours. The wall between the kitchen and dining room was removed, and we found lots of fun surprises, like black mould, four layers of flooring and mouse nests under the subfloor.
Most of the roughing was done in the first two days - all new electric, plumbing and framing were done - including rough-ins for a future upstairs laundry. The team had to drill a new hole through the brick to accommodate an exterior-venting stove hood. Framing, insulation and drywall were complete by day 6, and Raony did a phenomenal job first installing the in-floor heating, then the 12x24" slate-like ceramic tile.
The custom cabinetry was well worth the very short wait (only about a week!) and looked AMAZING when it was done. Totally made the room look enormous, and the white of the cabinets really brightens up the room. The backsplash (aka Kitchen bling) tied the kitchen together, and the Cambria Quartz countertop topped it all off.
The powder room was renovated at the same time, and though we ran into challenges only with the wallpaper, the finished product is elegant and gorgeous.
I could only rate my experience a 10... but really it was a 15 out of 10. Piero estimate 8 weeks for the total renovation time, it ended up being done in about five. My biggest concern was disturbing my neighbours, as I live in a 22-unit townhouse complex. The workers that came in were very respectful of my neighbours and made sure that both my unit, and any common areas that were used were cleaned and swept every day.
I've had many conversations about renovations with friends and neighbours, some of whom have had horrible experiences with their contractors. I would wholeheartedly recommend the Valentini kitchens team, and I can honestly say that the entire renovation process was an extremely positive and nearly effortless experience.
Not only did the team make sure my kitchen vision was realized, Piero (and occasionally Anthony) called and/or emailed me daily, sometimes more, just to make sure I was kept completely up to date on the reno progress. On the rare occasion that something was delayed, I was notified immediately. My emails and phone calls were returned on the same day, and NOT ONCE was I ever left wondering what was happening. My neighbours were very impressed with the efficiency, and high quality of the workmanship in the kitchen. I have already been asked for contact information for Valentini.
I very much look forward to using Valentini again when I install y laundry room on the 2nd floor, and a bathroom in the basement. They will be my first call when any renovations need to be done.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $60,000.00
- What could this company do to improve their services?
- Absolutely nothing. My experience was phenomenal.
- Any advice to offer fellow homeowners facing a similar project?
- Come into a project with a vision, and let the experts create it. Often the reality will be much better than you could even imagine!