Elaine in Toronto

We are very pleased with the excellent work of Patterned Concrete Ontario Inc. This company re-constructed our front patio, driveway and walkway, and also installed heating in the driveway and patio. (Autumn 2015.) Our driveway had been asphalt (cracked and sunken), our walkway interlock, and our patio flagstone (disintegrating). We chose Patterned Concrete Ontario Inc. because we liked the company's professionalism and `hands-on' experience, and we were very impressed by their outdoor showroom at 249 Supertest Drive. We read reviews in Home Stars, and this company was also recommended by another contractor. The company's showroom was a revelation: an astonishing collection of patios, walkways and steps representing examples of concrete designs, textures, colours. We were excited to think that patterned concrete could indeed replicate our beloved flagstone in appearance, and have much more permanence. Patterned Concrete Ontario Inc. supported high standards in construction. For example, they insist on using rebar, instead of the mesh that other companies suggested. The professionals at `head-office' are not remote, but informed and `hands-on.' Connie, the administrator, was prompt to respond to inquiries and to connect with area heads. The designed, Soni (a trained architect), provided valuable design suggestions and drawings. The President, Joe, visited out site and provided essential guidance and re-direction when the design we chose encountered some glitches re our home's measurements. Joe's construction experience was absolutely essential to our project's final excellence. The artist Joey made the cuts in the concrete and added the colours. His expertise in these areas was also essential. Tibor and crew provided their own expertise in installing the insulation, tubing and boiler for our heated areas. Our project involved many other men, who worked to a high standard regarding concrete pours and concrete impressions. Our project involved a great amount of work and time, and we felt that the cost was reasonable. Results: our patio is a wonderful imitation of flagstone, and has an architecturally-interesting step which also permits access by walkers and strollers. Our driveway is perhaps the finest driveway on the entire street of Banbury Rd in terms of architectural interest and elegance. Our project weathered well over the winter: we have one long, narrow crack on the patio, and a handful of small chips, which will be addressed under warrantee. Suggestions, Recommendations: (1) We would have benefited from 3-D imaging: examples of design and possibilities re concrete patterns, textures and colours in relation to our own home. We were unable to bring sample products to our home, although Joe did bring test colours in one-foot-square size re the driveway, and this made a difference in intelligent selection of colour. We spent a great deal of time driving around to completed projects and trying to imagine this work at our own home. (2) Protection and clean-up. The workers were initially reluctant to protect our home exterior. Home-owners would be advised also to drape their garage contents and/or seal off the garage prior to the onset of construction, as the company did not have a shop vac, and concrete dust penetrates everywhere. (3) Our project required a portable toilet to protect the privacy both of homeowners and construction men. In conclusion: we recommend Patterned Concrete of Ontario Inc. We are very pleased with our completed project, which has certainly enhanced the equity of our home. Our neighbours are also very pleased with this work.