References
Dermot & Barb O'Connor
Dear Hillson Crew (Dan, Brian, Dave, Steve),
We have always voiced our delight over hiring Hillson Homes to build our home. It is long overdue but time to put it in writing. In a booming market place we didn't think it was possible to get the outstanding service delivered by you guys.
From budgeting to ensuring high quality, to always being available for questions, to being flexible to modifications, the Hillson Crew was always there. It was a very stressful time in our life with a new baby, and my new job.
We recognized and appreciated how you always went the extra mile. It is sad to say but finding people with integrity these days is not a given. From the stories we have heard, there are few other builders that measure up to your standards.
Anytime you need a reference or to show our house; your work: please let us know. We are very proud to say our house was built by Hillson Homes. Prior to hiring you guys we thought we would not want to go through this building process ever again!!! You changed our mind. Based on this experience we would build again but only with Hillson.
Best regards always.
Barb and Dermot O'Connor
Eric & Indiana Collins
Dear Calgary Herald,
You had asked for some reader comments on home renos in last Friday's paper and I have one I would like to share. We had originally wanted to finish our basement and went off a referral from a neighbour down the street, asked some questions and got a quote which was extremely reasonable in my opinion.
When we had asked our questions the contractor had sent us his standard contract which answered most of our questions such as whether or not they supported holdbacks, etc. He told us he was very busy with two projects but would be able to get to us in about 4-5 months. We got down to setting things up, doing drawings, etc. and were ready to sign the contract when I asked about holdbacks not being broken out as a part of the payment process. The moment I raised the question, the contractor started backpedaling saying he didn't allow holdbacks. If I could borrow a phrase from Mike Holmes (a favourite show of mine) "red flags" started going up of course and in the end he ran away from us refusing to do the work, which in the end was a good thing.
Of course we were not very happy having lost six months by this time. We then went out and solicited bids from about a dozen companies. Some of them (even some of the top renovators who won SAM awards this year) gave us what I call stinky bids - way too high for the work specified. Others had really good prices but the appearance of their bids were not what you might expect - not polished, simply a price, no details, etc. But in the middle of the prices appeared what turned out to be a shining star. We received a quote from Hillson Homes and it wasn't as low as some of the quotes, but it wasn't in the stratosphere, either.
They even identified a couple of issues that others missed such as the basement window did not meet code requirements for escape for a bedroom, etc. They also provided some options for upgrades which many others failed to do as well. We of course went with them and their site supervisor, Brian, is simply wonderful to work with. He paid attention to detail and found cost savings for us when possible and is finishing up ahead of schedule.
I can't sing higher praises for this company - they more than met our needs.
Thanks,
Eric Collins
Chris & Joan Logan
Dear Brian,
It is with pleasure that we can offer you this unsolicited letter of endorsement and thanks for the wonderful partnership we enjoyed with your company, Hillson Homes as we built our two-unit townhouse this past summer. With your exceptional stewardship, the project was efficiently and effectively completed ahead of schedule and below the original estimated cost. During a time of very busy construction in the city and the difficulty getting trades by all contractors, you still pulled it off and in excellent style.
Throughout the building process you were visible, helpful and the advice you gave was first rate. We ended up with a better product than we thought possible for the price we were quoted. Your ability to work with trades people, the neighbors we built near, and us, was greatly appreciated. All went harmoniously and smoothly. Each day that we visited the site, trades people related to us how much respect they had and the integrity they felt while working with you. Obviously you have garnered great respect in the building industry and you truly exemplify the Master Builder designation that I know you have achieved.
Brian, thank you for helping us to achieve our dreams and goals in the completion of the complex. Your honesty, willingness to be flexible and offers of support are truly appreciated. We would welcome any further opportunity to work with you and for sure would be most willing to offer a reference whenever and wherever it would be sought. Thank you too, to your wife Judy, who took our calls and handled the inquiries in such a caring and professional fashion. You truly are an incredible team!
Sincerely,
Joan and Chris Logan
Paul Hardy & Cathy Brown
Dear Brian,
We are writing to tell you how pleased we have been with the process of buying and building a home through you and the Carriage Home staff. Buying a house can be stressful and having one built even more so. However, from the start of the buying and building process, you, Carol, Jennifer and Lynda made us comfortable and confident with our decision. From the selection of the floor plan through to the first few months of getting used to a new house, our questions and concerns were quickly responded to and dealt with. We have been impressed and appreciative of how readily available you and Carol have been.
We have also been impressed with the tradesmen you have hired. Walter and Gord did an exceptional job of the painting and were back to do finishing touch-ups within a few days of our our moving in. Dave has also always been very helpful and he, like all your staff, continues to provide any assistance we might need even now.
Thank you Brian for doing a superior job and for making what could have been a stressful experience an enjoyable one.
Paul Hardy, Cathy Brown