Inverness Design Build Group Ltd

We met Peter Locke of Inverness Design Build Group at the fall 2014 home show in Toronto when we were looking into a renovation of our kitchen, dining room and living room. He showed an immediate interest in us and our plans. Over the next several months, we discussed and refined our plans with Peter and he came up with a design for a significant renovation that would completely change the look of our house from inside and out. While a larger project than we had envisioned, we were very impressed with the design. At the same time, we were working with another firm on an alternate design but we decided to go with the larger project that Peter had proposed. We signed a very detailed contract with Inverness in March of 2015, which included several higher end details that we wanted, as well as allowances for some of the major cost items like windows and doors. Construction started in July of 2015 and progressed quickly, although our original goal of being finished before Christmas was not achieved – we moved into our new kitchen, dining and living rooms in February of 2016.

Peter and Debi worked hard to get and keep the trades on the job as needed. As we stayed in the house during the reno we were able to meet all of the trades people and they were very professional and dedicated. Inverness worked with the kitchen company to perfect the design and Debi also was there to oversee every step of the kitchen installation, including when some pieces had to be moved and/or replaced.

There are always some glitches in a large project and this was no exception, but Inverness was always prompt in responding to our concerns. There were some extra costs as a result of choosing higher end products in some places and also making changes to the plan along the way, but I think this is also to be expected for most homeowners as it is difficult to foresee every step of such a large project.

After living in our newly renovated home for several months now we are extremely happy with the job that Peter and Debi did for us and do not hesitate to recommend them to others.

Bill & Sally Wilbur

Toronto

When we were “ready” for our renovation project, we called a few construction/renovation companies and were underwhelmed. Some had a patronizing attitude and others were all talk and no action. Yes and some came out to look at our project and never got back to us. We were tempted to give up but decided to go to the Home Show and see what we could find.

We talked to the people at several booths and we were impressed with one company and invited them to come out and give us a quote and although we were optimistic, we decided to look around some more.

When we came across the Inverness Group’s booth it was not manned but we looked anyway and were impressed with the photos of their work. But it looked too “high end” for us — very nice work but bigger houses than ours. While we were looking and dreaming, a lady appeared and she introduced herself as Debi from Inverness and could she help us. We talked a bit and she assured us that they worked on normal people’s projects too. We were impressed with Debi and asked her to follow up with us.

The other company from the Home Show called and made an appointment. They arrived and looked at the project and proceeded to tell us what they would do even though we had quite specific ideas of what we wanted. As many other companies had done in the past, they did not seem to want to listen to us and came back with an estimate that was way over our budget and not really giving us what we wanted.

Then Debi from Inverness called and said that she and Peter would like to come and talk about our project. It was immediately apparent that Inverness was different. It was a good thing that we were not on a tight schedule because when Peter arrived he didn’t jump right in and ask what we wanted but rather took some time to get to know us as people a bit. It was very refreshing. He listened to us and looked at our sketches and seemed to get what we wanted.

When Peter came back with his ideas and quote we were both pleased and shocked. The price was too high but the ideas were great. We talked some more and had a realignment of views and at the end felt comfortable in moving ahead.

The project was quite extensive made more complex because we decided to live in our previously renovated basement. But living with the renovation allowed us to meet the masons, the carpenters etc and wow — what a nice bunch of people. And knowing that we were living in the mayhem they showed great respect and consideration. We really appreciated that.

And as you know nothing ever goes without problems or missteps but with Peter and Debi there was never any finger pointing or excuses. They simply made adjustments and righted things. This was huge and made dealing with them easy and a real pleasure.

We absolutely love the outcome. Our new house is beautiful — almost exactly what we were hoping and planning for. 'Almost', because even months after completion there have been little glitches like sticking doors and small cracks but you know what, just a quick text and Inverness sends someone to fix the problem. It really has been a wonderful execution of our renovation project. We cannot recommend Debi and Peter more highly. Inverness is the best.

David and Sally Rice

Toronto

Our 1985 builder kitchen was in desperate need of an update into the current era. We struggled to find a contractor that we could trust to bring our ideas to life and deliver on schedule. We really lucked in with Peter and Deborah Locke of the Inverness Design Build Group. They were exactly what we were looking for. We agreed upon a design which included complete renovation of the kitchen, powder room, flooring throughout main floor, lighting, painting, etc. Peter and Deborah were very receptive to fitting our ideas into their design. They provided a pretty accurate estimate and time line. The standards of workmanship shown by Peter and Deborah and their entire crew were incredible Both Peter and Deborah showed incredible people skills and were amazing in alleviating all the normal stress of a renovation. They were always available and handled any unpredictable issues with every consideration to us. The spectacular kitchen and powder room that they created for us are beyond our expectations.

Inverness Design Build Group was contracted to create the design and working drawings for the addition to our home. Inverness coordinated and successfully applied for the necessary approvals from the Conservation Authority and Town's Committee of Adjustment for a zoning variance along with the building permit. Inverness was then contracted to complete the demolition of part of the existing ~1950's house and construction of our ~1000 sq foot addition which encompassed a garage, laundry room, dining area, and second story bedroom and bathroom. The project took approximately one year to complete and it involved multiple trades, crews, vendors, etc.

We are extremely delighted with the final product as the addition was beautifully built and complemented our existing home. The design and finishing details that Inverness incorporated ensured that we achieved the final look that we wanted. Throughout the entire project, Inverness was responsive to our questions and/or concerns and they kept us up to date on the project and any changes in plans. They were professional and courteous in their communications and interactions with us and the trades. Their enthusiasm for the project was contagious - they treated our addition as if it was their own and continually looked out for our best interests and ensured that we were at ease with the choices and decisions made. While no renovation goes 100% smoothly or without any surprises, Inverness always made us feel at ease and continually looked for solutions when unforeseen problems surfaced. Inverness utilized resources effectively and creatively, and directed the trades to make changes necessary for implementing the solution. Inverness respected our budget and worked within it but they expect high quality workmanship. If work wasn't done properly the first time, they made sure that it was corrected to their expectations, without any additional charge. They did an excellent job for a fair price that was extremely competitive compared to other contractors we had contacted.

We are extremely pleased with the design, value, and quality of work of our home's addition completed by Inverness Design Build Group. We would not hesitate to hire Inverness again or to recommend them to our friends and neighbours.

The design process included several changes until it was right for us, all permits and approvals, including Urban Forestry, Injury to trees, Committee of Adjustment and Building permits, the hiring of contractors for the excavation, foundation, framing roofing and siding. All interior finishing was done by us, the owners. This was a particularly difficult build due to the time of year and the extreme winter conditions experienced between Nov 2013 and Mar 2014. Peter was an active builder being on site most of the time and being actively involved in the supervision of the trades. He was open to suggestions and easy to talk to.

My wife and I employed Peter Locke, now of Inverness Design Build Group. Ltd., in the 1990s to do a complete reno and remodelling of our home, more than doubling its size. No room was left untouched. Peter listened carefully to us and designed the home we wanted, not what he wanted, which was a problem with other reno companies we approached. His designs were innovative and practical, his prices very competitive and he was honest and forthright with us. When problems arose he made sure they were fixed promptly and at every step of the process we knew exactly what we were paying for and why. While a major home reno is a taxing experience, and there are inevitable delays and other bumps in the road, Peter got us through it and we were (and still are) very pleased with the results.