Mike Garner from Ottawa

We had our existing sidewalk replaced with stonework (large pavers and stone edging). We had seen other work in the area done by Champagne's company and were impressed. We talked to the people who had the work done and they highly recommended this company. We got various quotes and spoke to the bidders to determine how confident we would be working with them. Matt from Champagne came across as the most cooperative and informative. He explained in detail the job he would be doing, and took into account our particular concerns (making the front edge of the steps a different shade than the flat surfaces to stand out a bit for safety, adjusting the height of the step going into the house since it was not well spaced vertically, etc). When we were confused about colour selection for the walkway, Matt volunteered to meet us at the stone supplier and spent an hour talking with us about stone selection. Matt's crew had laid one pattern close to the driveway and asked if it was OK as they laid it; we said it was but later in the day changed our minds, so Matt adjusted it - no problem, no extra cost. We needed some unexpected brickwork at the area where the old step met the house entrance and Matt arranged to have a mason do that work at no extra expense to us, no hassle. The final product is excellent. This was a hassle-free, highly cooperative contract. A lot of companies can lay stonework; we're glad that we went with a contractor who is highly cooperative and easy to get along with, someone we trust; it takes the anxiety out of the process.

We bought a fridge, stove, dishwasher (all WiFi connected), and a microwave from Canadian Appliance Source (CAS) on Merivale Road in Ottawa with the assistance of salesperson Som. We checked other suppliers for prices, and all were competitive. After some back-and-forth we got a much better price at CAS. Som was really helpful - knowledgeable, without being condescending or pushy. I would recommend him as a sales person. Hopefully the delivery, scheduled for a few weeks from now, goes as well.

We had carpets and couches cleaned by QuickDry - two brothers who are enthusiastic, polite, and friendly. They had done the neighbour’s house done first - carpeting on three levels for $349 (plus HST), and included a family room rug and sprayed the furniture with an anti-cat smell compound for no extra cost. They did such a great job we felt comfortable having them do our living room and dining room carpets and two love seats also, for $200 (plus HST) - and they threw in two cherry wood-trimmed chairs and the front hall mat for no extra charge. Their prices are reasonable, and service is great. They came when the said they would. There were no “hidden surprises” in adding extra costs - what they quoted is what they charged, even after doing the little extras. I highly recommend them…!!!

On 10 July 2015 (Friday) I asked, through a rep at Costco, for an appointment to talk about furnace and A/C replacement. The appointment was set for Tuesday at noon, and Jonathan, from Francis Home Environment, representing Costco, arrived on time. With the Costco incentives, their price was better than a competitor. I ordered the units and they were installed on Friday 17 July by Pat and Jake. These two guys were on time, polite, and got everything done that day with very little noise - hardly knew they were there...and the installation is very neat...really a great installation. Overall, Costco and Francis Home made this a wonderful experience, and provided good value for the money.