Jeff

When we started looking for an appliance repair company to repair our dishwasher I was initially impressed that Fix Appliances had a chat line on their web page. This made it easy to connect to a real person, explain our problem and set up an appointment to have the issue diagnosed. On the day of the appointment, Ilya called and wanted to know if he could come to our home earlier than scheduled. Early always works for us! He diagnosed the problem as a bent hinge and put an order in for the replacement. There was no mess after he left. The day Ilya came for the actual repair, he again called and wanted to know if he could come earlier than scheduled. Again – bonus points in my book. It took a few hours to repair, but once complete the kitchen was clean. Unfortunately the next day we went to load the dishwasher and only then discovered that the door did not go down all the way. As a result, the bottom rack would not pull out all the way. So we contacted Fix Appliances and set up an appointment for two days later. Ilya returned and, after a short visit, expertly corrected the problem. It is unfortunate that a third visit was required. That is the only reason we have given a 9/10. However, we would recommend Fix Appliances and Ilya especially to anyone who was looking to get an appliance repaired. We know that we will use their services again in the future.

The easiest way to install a new kitchen floor is as part of a complete kitchen renovation. Everything is demolished, and a new floor is installed first. However, we didn’t go the easy route, renovating most of the kitchen two years ago before deciding we needed a new floor this year. We chose CityEdgePoint Construction after meeting with and receiving quotes from at least seven different companies/ contractors and their representatives. Our final list was garnered from Homestars after we created a “project bid” and received four offers of interest. We chose CityEdgePoint based on the positive impression we received after interviewing company owner/project manager Aaron Samwaru. We were impressed when he told us that he would wrap all cabinets (and the light fixtures) in plastic to minimize dust. A few days later (before we signed any contract), he said if we went with him he would pick up the vinyl floor tiles and not charge us for this service. On the first day, he and his team, Alvin, arrived about 20 minutes ahead of schedule, which impressed us. At the end of every day, they not only cleaned up the kitchen area, leaving it spotless but swept up the dust and debris in the garage where they had been working. He then let us know his start time for the following day. On both the second and third days of the project, both Aaron and Alvin arrived on schedule and worked well into the early evening, stopping only for a lunch break. It was evident listening to the two men that they have a great rapport, which is essential for any team project. The fourth day, the two men completed the project at mid-day and did an amazing clean-up in both the house and garage. Prior to the start of the project a key issue was dealing with a potential gap between the new floor and cabinet kickboards, as we were removing two old floors and installing a new one. While other contractors offered to create workarounds, Aaron solved the problem (and eliminated any gap) by raising the new floor to the level of the old one. As well, we suggested the replacement of existing quarter-rounds with baseboards, which he installed and painted. What is so great is that it enhances the look of the kitchen and it was not even on our radar at the start of the project. I would definitely recommend CityEdgePoint and Aaron Samwaru for any home renovation project and hope to have him back for future home renovation projects.

After 25 years, it was time for a new kitchen set. We explored the GTA, from Pickering to Mississauga and found...nothing. It was the same old stuff everywhere. We went to Designer Furniture Collections, first in North York and loved their stuff, but nothing for us. Finally we went to their Vaughan location. Found a beautiful table, loved it, but was not sure. That is, until, Sabby told us that the size of the table could be changed to accommodate us and that the colour of the table could be changed. We were still unsure, but after thinking it over, we decided to go with it. He was great to work with. Table ordered July 3 and we were supposed to get it by end of month. However delivery was Aug. 11. A little latter than promised but we are talking about a custom made product, so it is understandable. The same day we got a call from company that does the fabric protection for the chairs and set up the day and time. Great timing. If you want a product that every store has, do not go here. If you want service and beautiful furniture, check this place out.

After living with our kitchen for over 20 years, we decided to renovate our kitchen and felt the Fall Home Show would be a great place to meet with contractors. There we met Mark Nazar and decided a follow-up meeting was in order. As a result, he was one of two contractors we invited to our home for further discussion. In the end, we were not disappointed. During our renovation, either he was on site or we were in contact with him. There were days when he said he would be at our home at a certain time. If he was unable to arrive by the set time, we would receive a phone call, letting us know where he was. In all cases, the delays were because he had to stop for materials or supplies for our home. During the course of the renovation, unforeseen events occurred. In all cases, Mark would let us know what was happening and presented us with options. He and his team responded and the project moved forward. Not only were we pleased with Mark’s work, but that of his crew, each a true professional. They were all easy to deal with and always cleaned up at the end of the day. The only delays in our kitchen renovation resulted from events beyond his control – the installation of the cupboards and countertop. During the entire process, he kept us in the loop and expedited small items such as minor touch-ups to the cupboards. When the project was complete, there was only one minor issue outstanding. One of the electrical outlets did not fit into the wall properly and, as a result, the electrical outlet cover would not sit flush against the backsplash. Despite this very small issue, I would recommend Mark Nazar and The Art of Renovation for your home renovation project without any hesitation. He and his team are true professionals.

Our contractor, Mark Nazar put in touch with Raywal Cabinets. Throughout the entire renovation process, we were fortunate to deal with one individual - Jennie Bayda. She was fantastic to deal with and helped us from start to finish. At the beginning, she patiently explained all options available to us and helped us select every detail of our new kitchen, including the countertop, drawers and crown molding. While at our home to take measurements, she also helped us, select the paint colour for the walls. During the entire renovation, she responded to phone calls and e-mails within 24 hours. As a result, problems were quickly resolved. When delivery of our butcher block was delayed, she maintained constant contact between us and the company to help expedite delivery of the final product. When a few post-installation problems arose, she managed to arrange for a technician to arrive at our home a week earlier than originally scheduled. We never encountered any problems with her at all. Unfortunately, there were a few minor issues with other aspects of Raywal. Installation was delayed one day, as our installer was sick. As a result, it pushed the entire project back one day. This obviously was unavoidable. The person who finally did the installation was professional and did a great job. However, when he left at the end of the first day, (it about a day and a half to install the kitchen) he did not bother to clean up. His rational was that he was returning the next day. When the service person arrived to install our butcher block, he would have installed it upside down if I had not been present. Once that was rectified, I noticed that he was installing it with the front facing the side. Again, it was something that only I noticed. In the end though, all problems and issues were resolved and I would recommend Raywal Cabinets to anyone looking to renovate their kitchen.