DSBG

Design-Spec did a complete kitchen renovation for us three years ago and we've just asked them back to do our main bathroom. Nick is good with communication, co-ordinating the sub-trades, and is always easy to contact.
A couple of unforeseen hiccups along the way (very normal) were resolved promptly and with the goal of us being satisfied with the results. We had a great team of guys on the job. (Doug is awesome!)

In 2008 we had purchased a 30 year old home that required a great deal of repair and renovation as the current owners had neglected the home. Working closely with Design Spec we developed a detailed project plan to reflect our budget and needs. I would recommend Design Spec to others for the following reasons: (1) They have a strong project management discipline which keeps their clients well informed and the teams organized (2) They took the time to suggest options and design alternatives that met both our requirements and budgetary constraints (3) they work with reliable sub-contractors and monitor their quality (4) They are very knowledgeable and provide excellent advice and consultation and (5) they do their best to meet project deadlines. Overall we were quite happy with their work and would recommend them to family and friends.

We met Nick Malfara at the homeshow in 2011. At that time, we had just started speaking with contractors. We interviewed a number of companies as well as smaller contractors and Nick remained our favourite. He worked closely with us to understand the details of the project and helped us plan accordingly.

What we liked best:
- Nick helped us plan and design every part of the project. He worked with us to develop a realistic budget (we had very little overrun). No surprise extra costs. Our house is old so he prepared us that there might be things that we cannot plan for and would incur additional fees.
- professional tradespeople on site and on time EVERYday
- regular project status updates and took the time to explain billing
- outside of items beyond his control, there were absolutely NO delays. We had asbestos removed which delayed work by one day. Nick was able to arrange an abatement contractor immediately

Nick is very professional and very customer service focused. He is responsive to emails and voicemails. My husband and I do not have a construction background and Nick was very willing to help us understand the technical parts of the project. He arranged all of the proper permits for the project as well.

Most people do not say that they enjoyed a renovation and have all kinds of complaints about delays and unfinished work. My husband and I both found the process to be very smooth and every last detail was taken into account before they left the work site.

We will hire Design Spec again without hesitation.

Design Spec is very professional and does the work in the time alotted. they took very good care of our property and the clean up was very minimal based on the job that took place. Work is very detail oriented and diligent. Nick and his team spend the time to explain what you need and they take pride in their work.

thanks guys , the house looks great!! :)

In an industry not known for its integrity Nick Malfara is a straight-shooter who delivers quality work. My husband and I hired Nick this summer to open up our main floor to add light, improve the flow of the space and update the finishing details. We had a limited budget and a very tight timeline with which to get the job done. Nick and his team were amazing from start to finish. Nick took a ton of time upfront to think through all the potential challenges we could run into when we opened up our 100 year old walls. He allayed my fears and anticipated the site conditions that would add costs to the project later on so that we could budget for them. He brought in a full team of qualified workmen so that he was able to complete the bulk of our project in only 3 weeks. He kept his promise to be in and out quickly despite delays due to the City strike. And even with the incredibly short timelines, Nick's team never sacrificed quality. When the trim took three days instead of the expected one and required much trimming and piecing together of small pieces there were a few expletives (when the kids were not around) but each piece was put in place level, well fit with the last and flat against our incredibly not flat walls. We have already recommended Nick to a bunch of neighbors and friends and we are planning to hire him for our kitchen and bathroom soon.