Timber Construction- Steve Gillingham
During the past 20 years I have contracted for 4 significant construction/renovation projects. Three of these projects I have been able to hire Steve Gillingham.
In our previous home he converted part of our over sized attached garage into a fully functional studio for my wife to create her artworks in the unique medium of encaustic. The second project was commercial work renovating my new clinic space.
Currently Steve has undertaken my biggest project yet, a Three-phase home renovation. Phase One: Three bathroom make-overs. Phase Two: Kitchen and Great Room Make-over. Phase Three: Conversion of our finished basement into a legal and compliant separate entranced, two-bedroom apartment.
Steve and his team did a complete gut of our main floor ensuite bathroom involving both plumbing and electrical changes. He pulled the monster old beige tub out, that we rarely used. We now have a luxurious double sink vanity, large glass and tile shower, new tile floors and tons of storage that desperately needed.
Our main floor laundry room was converted into stackable a washer and dryer making room to add a toilet and stone top vanity so our guests have a main floor powder room use. He did custom storage cabinets to help keep the room functional as a laundry room while still looking beautiful as a powder room. He laid new ceramic tile floors. Our second-floor bathroom got a face lift with a new stone top vanity and ceramic tiles flooring to replace the old builder grade vinyl.
The second phase has also been completed. A kitchen makeover and lighting in our open concept cathedral ceiling great room to feature Mauras personally created artwork in a way they show best. Steve took care of the new backsplash, pantry cupboard installation, new under cabinet lighting, plumbing and appliance installations. The great room lighting and ceiling fan installation required scaffolding for his electrician to work on the cathedral ceilings run wiring up the walls to the new fixtures.
The third phase is underway in the basement. It is a disaster at the moment because it is in the demo phase. Egress windows and new entrance stairs and door to the separate apartment will be going in. All fire code compliant drywall and doors will be part of the finishing stages. Electrical, plumbing and some heavy construction work are all part of this phase.
What I have liked best about working with Steve through all three projects that I have hired him to do is that he consults with us as the project progresses to make sure that things are turning out to fit our vision. He has been open to and takes on additions, as we come up with ideas we would like done in the house that were not in the original contract (at a fair price). If something is not right or a behind the wall surprises comes up, he makes it right and makes it look good.
If Steve has a flaw, it is the same flaw that I have encountered with every construction project and every contractor I have ever hired. The work always, always takes longer than predicted. In all other aspects he does good work and we have been happy with the finish product.
J. Lustig Peterborough On
- Approximate cost of services:
- $78,000.00