Julia in Kingston

I have a small semi-detached built in the early 1900s. The original fireplace is very shallow and was built to use coal and then wood. I've been researching inserts for a number of years. I wanted one that would work if the power was out for an extended period and an insert that was Canadian made. Valor just came out with a 'portrait' gas insert that would fit the original fireplace. Shawn Amiri and his team installed the Valor unit and I love the results. It was worth every penny. The installers were very professional, vacuumed at each step. The installation required quite a bit of fiddling, brick chipping etc but the installation team kept at it and did it with good spirits. I recommend them highly.

I had used Waterworks Plumbing before & was very satisfied. When I found the water under my sink, I called them and Michael came the very next morning. His work was done efficiently and for the cost stated. I'm very happy with the company & will recommend them to my friends.

In 2005,I contracted HomeDepot to replace my eavestroughs and install aluminum soffits & fascia for my house plus install siding in one section above the front porch. Two nights ago, one end of a fascia section came loose. With the winds we had that night (40-60km)the piece must have torn away. The next day,I went into the store to ask about an emergency repair(which I intended to pay for) - well, I called their 1-800 numberand was told they don't do repairs. When I found a roofer to do the fix, he toldme that the aluminum was just pin nailed-no screws. So,in the spring, I'mgoingto have to have someone come and replace the piece of soffit that came loose because it was wrinkled with the battering from the wind, plus I'll have them inspect and properly secure the aluminum sections. This could have been a disaster if the piece (which is about 25'long) had come loose and hit a pedestrian. I think the installation should have been more secure to start with and HomeDepot should establish standards for their subcontractors. I won't be using their contracting services again.

Years ago my neighbour & I landscaped our front yards with 2 Honey Locust trees and an ornamental crab apple. They have grown to be almost twice the height of the house and provide privacy and shade to the house. As part of water main replacement Toronto, the mature trees were threatened because the plan was to dig too close to the trees. Despite emails to my city councillor and Urban Forestry, there didn't seem to be any way I could negotiate to save the trees. Michael negotiated with the city contractor to put a new line under my parking pad. This should save my trees and retain my property value. The staff at Water Works are polite, efficient and very professional. Now that I've found Water Works, I plan on using them to replace some bathroom fixtures that don't work very well.