Stratas Design Build

After interviewing many reputable Design/Build firms we decided to move forward with Stratas Design Build in late 2022. For a project of our size we felt it was critical to have one qualified team handle all aspects of the jobs rather than a separate Architect, Engineer, Designer, Builder etc. They got us through the Committee of Adjustment smoothly with no stress and we obtained our building permit shortly after. It was comforting to know that the team helping us design our dream home would also be responsible for carrying out the construction as well. We had heard many horror stories from neighbours about giving an Architect/Designer a budget to work with only to find out a year later what was designed was unrealistic. Stratas Design has extensive knowledge and experience with these types of homes and made the process seamless. We really loved working with Sam, our designer. We would have been lost without her help throughout the entire build. Choosing tiles, plumbing fixtures, millwork for our entire 3 story house was a daunting task, but she was able to pull it all together and we couldn't be happier.

Our Project Manager Brad was great to deal with. He was able to hold our hand through the inevitable ups and downs of a project this size. He always seems to remain calm, even when my husband and I were feeling the pressure. The build quality is superb, we love the attention to detail that went into the entire house (especially the millwork). The end product is not something to question with Stratas, they have been doing this for a long time and it shows. We are truly happy with what we created together.

I wouldn't recommend Stratas for Design or Build. If you want cookie-cutter and don't care about the details of design then go ahead and take your chances that they'll finish the job. That wasn't our experience. We had to keep asking for a design concept - seemed to take much longer than it should. Once the work started there was nothing but issues with no project plan, bad measurements, and very little coordination with what we actually wanted to do. Pricing was questionable - I understand there is a "client invoice" and a "contractor invoice" but some of the pricing seemed really egregious. At one point post demolition Andy demanded more money for the same work and threatened to walk if we didn't sign a new contract. We took on the project ourselves and had to fix their mistakes. Overall, a very hostile, disorganized, and questionable experience. I would definitely not recommend if you want a quality interaction or renovation experience.

We used Stratas Design Build to complete a virtually complete gut reno of our house (with a basement underpin) this past year. It was our first reno and we are very particular. Everyone at Stratas was very patient and helpful at every stage of the process. We'd specifically like to call out our Project Manager, Brad, who went above and beyond to walk us through things. Samantha, our designer, really understood our aesthetic and was super responsive and organized. We're very happy with the results and everyone who has seen our house has said how beautiful it is. Thank you Andy and team!

We used Stratas Design Build to renovate our 1.5 storey Birchcliff house to a full 2-storey, 4 bedroom dream home. Andy, Brad and Lia were always professional and honest and transparent about costs throughout the process. Brad was a great project manager and he really cared about the outcome of the house and listened to us on what was most important. All of our family and friends that come into our home are amazed by the design and high level of finishings. Thank you Stratas!

From the initial visit, we knew we could trust Andy and the Stratas Design Build team with our reno. Andy walked us through the process, provided suggestions on where we should consider investing and where to hold back. He then provided a detailed budget that represented a realistic estimate of the projects final cost. Renos are a huge decision and feeling as though we could rely on the Stratas team made us comfortable. Our trust didnt waiver during the project and we couldnt be more pleased with the final outcome.

The initial plan was for a full main floor gut, however, we changed the scope part way through the project and asked the Stratas team to redesign a 2nd floor full bathroom, finish the basement and replace a staircase. They were accommodating and understanding of our additional needs and worked with their team of tradespeople to ensure the work flowed continuously, despite the increased scope.

Brody was our project manager and he was amazing! He was always responsive, kept us up to date on the reno progress, and answered all of our questions. Renos are stressful! Brodys calm demeanour and logical approach to problem solving went a long way in helping us through the process.

Overall, we are super pleased with our new home. The project was on time, on budget and the workmanship was excellent. Brody and Andy made the experience easy!

Thanks for making our dream house a reality.

We love our new home - Andy and his team are amazing - true experts who are great to work with every step of the way. We did this during COVID and his team, trades and suppliers did not miss a beat.

What we did:
We added a 15ft addition, underpinned the basement with a second unit and walkout, and renovated the existing building.

What makes Stratas great:
1. Integrated Design Build
The "traditional" route is to hire an architect and get drawings, then shop them to a contractor, then hire a designer for interior. That's 3 different professionals for the homeowner to manage. We knew we didn't have the skills or patience to manage and integrate those 3 relationships , and so having one firm to deal with was great. There was no "he said / she said." Its a small team who all work extremely well together.
Lia and Samantha were a dynamic duo on design, working hand in glove with the project manager (yay for Brody!) who manages the trades.

2. Fixed price contract
Its a great approach. You get working budgets that meet most of your needs and so there are no surprises. You get to decide if you want to spend more - none of this "we found out X and so this now cost Y more." The approach also incentivizes Andy and his team to start and finish on time. We were to be 9 months, and ended up at 10 months.

3. Responsive and great Communication
There are a lot of moving parts from design to permits to building, and there is no way a homeowner - who will do this once in their lifetime - can know and manage it all. Andy has great experience working in the east end on a very manageable 5-7 houses a year. You will change your mind and he will accommodate you and give you the benefit of his years of experiences so you can make the best decision. You are assigned your own project manager (thanks Brody!!) and they are you new best friends, with weekly updates of what's to come.

4. Great Team
We aren't "transaction" type of people. We were looking for someone we could trust with the biggest deal of our lives, and we found it in Stratas. This is a long haul and so it was important for us to find people we could trust and work with, laugh with, run into problems with and know they would be solved with a smile.

We were very pleased with the results of our whole house reno with the Stratas crew. From design through build Andy and his team didn’t take any shortcuts - but still delivered on time and budget. We broke ground in late spring 2020 and were moved in by late winter 2021. As a small East Toronto focussed firm, they don’t take on too many projects a year which meant they were around when we needed them. The fixed price model gave us cost certainty and Andy’s budgets were realistic and accurate. Sub contractors were experienced and quality. Thanks for the wicked awesome new home Statas and crew!

We started our reno journey 4 years ago, met many contractors, architects, structural engineers and consultants. Even started with a design build contractor then parted ways halfway through the design when they had already doubled our budget.
Andy was completely open about the costs and what was allocated to each aspect of the project.

They had quality materials included and flexibility for a bit more control if needed though the costs were very competitive.
Andy, Lia, Brad and the team were great to work with and we had a great relationship. The trades were on site near every day and were also very skilled and high quality.
I have already recommended Stratas to others and would use them again without doubt.

This is our second time working Stratas Design Build. Our first reno with Stratas was so positive that shortly after we were done we realized that we wanted to renovate again but this time go much bigger and make it our dream house. It took us 5 years to find the right house and when we did, we knew we had to have Stratas do the work. They were with us every step of the way, starting with a visit to see the newly purchased house before we even had possession to help us start thinking through design options. When we ran into some unexpected obstacles with the construction permit, Andy and team worked through the weekend to quickly provide alternative design options which both met our needs and addressed the issues raised by the City. In the end, I think we ended up with a better design then we were originally planning.

We weren’t always the easiest clients, making meaningful design changes during the construction process – thank you Andy for moving the stairs to the other side of the house at the last minute – but the entire team was always accommodating and understanding. Stratas Design’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is second to none and that dedication extends to his team and trades people who are always more than willing to walk you through their process or provide suggestions/advice. Thank you to everyone at Stratas Design for building our dream house. We wouldn’t hesitate to work with you a third time, but I think we may stay in this house for a while.

We were recommended to call Andy for our main floor renovation by a colleague back in 2016. We had met with a few contractors already but when we met Andy we had a great first impression. We decided to move forward using his company and we could not have been any happier with the result. Andy and his crew were excellent - they showed up on time, got the job done right and did an excellent job communicating with my husband and I regarding any issues or questions. In the end, Stratas Design Build renovated our entire main floor - we took down a few walls and built a new kitchen - plus new hardwood floors and 2 bathroom upgrades. We ended up doing the floors on our second level as well. We love how our home was renovated exactly how we wanted it to be! We would recommend Stratas Design Build to anyone looking to renovate.