Tony from Richmond Hill

We added a bedroom in our walkout basement. To allow light into the bedroom while providing privacy, we wanted to use 3 sliding doors with frosted glass. Before finding RoomIdea, we got quotes from 2 other companies. Their quotes were similar to each other but it was quite a bit of $. Maybe due to being middleman and markup. I visited the showroom of RoomIdea. I believe that I was dealing with the owner. He offered a good selection of materials and styles. The quoted price was much better than the 2 other vendors. RoomIdea custom builds the doors in the on-site workshop. The doors were done in 2 weeks. The installation was done smoothly and professionally.

We found good reviews of Quality Potlight on HomeStars and RedFlagDeals. I like that the prices were clearly listed on the web site. We had 9 potlights and 2 network jacks installed. It's amazing how Mike and team were able to add potlights after drywall have been installed, at a fraction of what the builder would have charged pre-drywall. The builder roughed-in 2 network cables - kitchen and master bedroom. We wanted a network jack installed in the family room where the TV would be, and a jack in another bedroom for a home office. Despite the tight space in the attic, Mike was able to fish a network cable from the master bedroom to the home office. He helped us finish off all the network wall jacks that the builder roughed-in. The team kept everything clean, using drop cloths and vacuuming. Unreserved recommendation!

After 16 years, the finish of the maple kitchen cabinets needs attention. There was some damage from the water trickling down near the sink. Otherwise the cabinets were in good shape. Apolo’s web site offered a discount of 13% for online quote. Based on the number of doors, I received a quote by e-mail from owner Bob the next day. The price was similar to another quote. Because of the water damage, I felt more confident with Apolo, based on their past work displayed on the web site. Owner Bob came out to inspect the site and confirmed the quote. The next business day, Bob’s daughter Alex and assistant came to take away the doors back to their workshop. After 2 weeks, Alex and Jessica came back to thoroughly mask the cabinet frames, spray paint, install the doors, and change the door knobs to pull handles. I am pleased with their workmanship, and how the water damaged door was refinished.

I visited their Richmond Hill office/workshop with my measurements. Receptionist Alexandra provided me an estimate for several brands of quartz. I liked that fact the workshop was right there, so there was no middleman. I chose a mid-level quartz from the Caesarstone brand. Owner Pablo came to my home the next day to do the measurements. I was surprised to learn that high-tech laser system was used for measurement (see photo of Pablo measuring). A week later, the countertop was ready. After removing the old laminate counter, the 2 technicians installed the new quartz countertop with under-mount sink. I am pleased with the workmanship of the product and installation provided by Delusr.

My 14 year old, builder supplied furnace finally died. I was not too surprised as it was known that the design of this particular model was not very good. That is why I joined the Direct Energy's Heating Protection and Maintenance Plan. About 5 years ago, the heat exchanger cracked and was replaced. During this year's annual inspection, it was discovered that it is again cracked and the furnace needs to be replaced. The technician scheduled a sales representative for the evening of the same day. The sales representative arrived punctually. I was impressed that he has been with the company for 12 years, that he was previously an installer, that all the technicians are employees of Direct Energy and not sub-contractors. I chose the Trane furnace with DC motor and 12 year extended warranty. With the extended warranty, I do not need the heating protection and maintenance plan anymore. I got a discount on the purchase of the furnace for having been on the Heating Protection and Maintenance Plan. The installers would also look into making my humidifier work again. He took a video of the furnace room to give to the installers, a nice touch. The install was scheduled and confirmed on the spot for 1 week later. The installers arrived within the promised 4 hour window. They covered the path to the furnace room. They re-routed my natural gas pipe to allow more room in the furnace room. They widen the air filter slot for easier access. They changed the leaking, plastic water supply tube to the humidifier with copper. They added an electrical switch box for the furnace. The job was done cleanly and within 3 hours. I am pleased with the whole process. I am confident that Direct Energy will be around to honour the extended warranty. Location: Richmond Hill Install date: June 5, 2013 Sales rep: Scott Installers: Jason, Graham