Mik from Toronto

Words cannot describe the level of craftsmanship, quality, and sheer service I received from Finer Edge. They have been maintaining my solid, heavy wooden front door for several years now, keeping it protected from the crazy hot beating sun. Just recently needed some small touchups and repairs and I wanted to get them done before the winter. Well, Glen came in and did a phenomenal job of repairing and resurfacing the area in question. The door looks like brand new again--can't believe it. To top it off, they (and in this case, Glen) are courteous, professional, friendly, and genuinely take pride in their work. I mean GENUINE. No sloppy messes, no cutting corners, no substandard products used. Highly recommended and will use again.

I needed to re-carpet a small, under 120 sq foot basement room to replace what was there due simply to old age and wear and tear. I consulted the big box stores, as well as Victorious here on Home Stars. Marc was able to come by my house in about two days, with some samples. After seeing my room, he asked what my uses were--how often I am in there, what I use the room for, etc. He basically told me he doesn't want to overcharge me for a room that is not high traffic, and he removed the sample boards of carpet he brought me, went out to the car, and brought back samples of carpet that was just-as good wearing, but more basic and less expensive. In fact, it turns about about 1/3 to 1/2 per square foot cheaper than what I was seeing at the big box stores. We discussed options about replacing the underpad vs. keeping the padding I already had (again, to keep costs low)..and a few hours later, I had a quote in hand. This was a Thursday evening. By Tuesday afternoon--5 days later--the carpet was installed! Concurrently, I was waiting to get a quote from the big box store, but their install service hadn't called me back for an appointment. Put it this way--I got a quote and installation from Victorious QUICKER than I even received the consult from the big box stores. This is how the little independent stores win--service AND value. Recommended.

This is my third (or fourth) time using them. They do a fantastic job of restoring those big, heavy wooden front doors. In my case it gets beaten down with the sun year after year, so it needs new stain and urethane every few years. Glen does a terrific job, taking his time to properly sand and repair. I have friends who now use them on my recommendation as well. You won't be disappointed.

I was looking for moisture remediation from my basement when I came across Aquatech, based solely on their reviews here on Home Stars. I didn't have massive flooding--simply minute water seepage over years and years, that I discovered during a basement reno. I called Aquatech, and Nico came over the next day promptly. He gave me lots of options, as well as ranges of pricing depending on what solutions they would need to do once they begun digging. In my case I couldn't do an interior weeping tile with sump pump--would be MUCH too destructive in my finished basement. My issue was only about 20 feet of wall. And while I dreaded digging a trench outside, they were very reassuring about the whole process. Nick their foreman brought a crew, and they had a 50 foot section dug up in a day. They discovered that there was NEVER any waterproofing done--no dimple membrane, no rubberized sealant--nothing. I chose Aquatech also because of their product. Two layers of Aquablock, a fibreglass mesh in-between to accommodate any cracks that may develop over time in the foundation wall, a poly barrier, the infamous dimple board...plus weeping tile covered in landscape fabric, and all the dirt tamped down with fresh gravel on top. The whole thing is finished professionally with a good looking trim peeking just above grade. Really looks neat. Took about 3.5 working days. My application also required adding a concrete base below the footing of my house, which I don't think it typical of newer homes. Very happy with their approach, their crew, and also the pricing that we negotiated. Would recommend.

I needed to change my toilet, which was the original junky one from that the builder put in and was close to 13 years old. I'm generally pretty handy, so this was something I was prepared to handle. Removing the old toilet was easy--but surprise, surprise. The flange on the floor (referred to as closet flange) was cracked and so the toilet bolts would not be able to stay held down. I investigated to remove the flange and replace with a new one, until I realize the flange is also GLUED to the sewer pipe, below, in the cavity beneath the bathroom floor. So I wasn't going to try to replace THAT. I admitted defeat--googled "toronto plumber", and gave Leaside a call. I was pleasantly surprised. They showed up in 30 minutes--FAST. Derek installed a flange repair kit --this thing : http://amzn.to/227bcbc that I had not found at Depot or Lowes. And, while he was at it, he installed the toilet. Really quickly, efficiently, and including the wax ring and new braided supply line. It was less expensive that I feared--and they also disposed of the old toilet and all the shipping cartons from the new toilet. Very pleased.

I contacted Bonnie to do some straightforward maintenance on my shrubbery and gardens. I have a relatively small propertly. Bonnie is always able to propose a wonderful assortment of plants and flowers that fit the bill, work nicely with the landscaping, and get me compliments from the neighbors. My area is kept consistently neat, tide and attractive without major fuss or expense. Recommended.

A year after some work on my laneway (see my previous review), in Sept 2012 my neighbor and I decided we wanted to have the laneway and their driveway sealed. Again, pretty straightforward. I had read how that stuff from Home Depot doesn't last long and you've got to apply it with a roller and such. Dave uses an oil-based product I believe that penetrates the little crevices and holes in existing asphalt, and forms a solid durable bond. Prior to the application, he patched and smoothed an area of asphalt that, the week prior, another contractor had done a sloppy job of finishing. He also filled in any large cracks with some more of that liquid asphalt he had used the year before in the gap between my walls and the asphalt. After thoroughly cleaning and prepping the area to be treated (removing dirt, leaves, loose asphalt, etc), he applied the sealant with a machine...exactly like a pressure washer. It pumped this liquid sealant from his truck, and sprayed out onto the surface. His helper used a large board to block off any areas where you don't want over-spray--walls, plants, etc. The stuff is black, and looks nice and clean. Dave told us it would not be slippery or slick when it rained, and that, in time, the dark would fade naturally. You can see in my previous photos a closeup of this sealant. It's rock-hard. A week later, my neighbor saw the results and did his property as well. Nice job, and recommended.