Geoff Greenfield from Ottawa

If a negative score were possible - that is what I would award Laurysen. I'd recommend an el cheapo kitchen from a big box retailer or Ikea because the only indication of top quality is their prices. The service we received from our 'designer' Kimberly was deplorable. It was all the little things - like the fact that they offer a spice drawer - but it doesn't actually fit regular size spice bottles! Really?!? Or there was the fact that we sent them the specifications for our refrigerator - but they built a cabinet box that doesn't actually fit the fridge!!! Then there is the installer who claims "he doesn't know how to install a front cabinet panel on a dishwasher and so it will have to wait for another time". Curiously, when he came back the next time he was able to install it! (Was it because he took a special course or was it just that he didn't want to simply say that he wanted to leave early to start the weekend?). Then there were the instances where we requested additional items but as a result of poor internal communication orders didn't get processed for two weeks. Other complaints include mismatched paint colours and the time it has taken for Laurysen to even contemplate addressing our concerns. Finally, in the wake of all this frustration, and in light of all that has gone wrong I would like to have thought that they would at least be respectful in their communications with me - but they've fallen down on even that basic client service front. Caveat Emptor - let the buyer beware of the poor service and final product they will receive from Laurysen!!!

We had initially contracted another company to complete the renovations but delays and poor communication led us to ultimately hire Oakwood. Our positive experience began with Janell and Sylvie who collaborated with us to bring our dream design to life. This included thoughtful advice about design solutions that anticipated and prevented problems before the build had even started. We then signed a contract which clearly delineated our respective responsibilities and obligations. The excellent communication and collaboration continued with Wayne, who was our partner and principal point of contact during the build process. To say Wayne and his team were a pleasure to deal with would be an understatement. Even when the inevitable problem did arise, Wayne's calm, reassuring and personable attitude diffused any tension while he quickly acted to make things right. My wife and I were immensely grateful that he clearly communicated what was happening at each stage of the process and operated in a fully transparent manner. Our renovations followed a well organized and detailed schedule and Oakwood defied the odds to have us back in our home before Christmas (I cannot begin to express our gratitude that Oakwood and their sub-contractors worked so tirelessly to make this happen). Finally, I would like to say a word about the quality sub-contractors Oakwood uses. They were a truly exceptionally bunch who went above and beyond to meet our needs. Just one exceptional example of this involved one electrician who came to our home on the Saturday evening before Christmas (with his girlfriend!) to finish off one last thing before Christmas. To summarize, Oakwood delivered our project on time (actually faster than expected), exactly on budget, while providing excellent collaboration, transparent communication, and an indefatigable commitment to delivering exactly what the client wants. Can you tell I'm a happy customer? Chose Oakwood and you will be too!