Queen Street Carpentry and Contracting

We called on Queen Street Carpentry to help us hang a heavy stained glass panel in our dining room as well as an old barn door. Both pieces have significance for us and the panel has a historical story. Understandably, we wanted to be sure they would not fall from the walls where they would be installed. Gary was meticulous and brought his sensitivity to art to this small project. He took the necessary time and the final result was exactly what we were looking for. Thank you to Gary for his skill and respect for our home and the work and to Jake and his organization for a job extremely well done. I would not hesitate to recommend them.

We were so impressed hiring Jake and his team to finish our basement. He was very organized keeping a computer project management system which allowed us to communicate effectively with him. Other people with their reviews have to realize that when you change things once it's started , it does delay. So glad he offered the heated floors, wasn;t that much more ion cost, he added a section for a indoor sauna I picked up and gave us a great idea to build floating shelves around the fireplace TV console. We love our basement sooo much now. I hope to post some pictures. Our basement was barebones with a concrete floor prior. We got a bedroom, sauna, bathroom (heated flooring a must), laundry room, closet storage (could be an office as well) and the fireplace is a must. This review was delayed but definitely 5 star.

Contacted this contractor upon the reviews and got the initial response to provide additional info which I did and then waited over 2 weeks to get a response, which did not come. Is hard to commit working with such contractors when from the initial phase they are not responsive. How would they handle the project? Doubtful on time and on budget. Yes, I may be better served by other contractor as you said Jake.

“I am a big fan of Jake and his team. In 2016 I bought a property holding two buildings - with a vision of having a family home with an income property. To get the end game - it took some moves but once the planning and building permits were in place, Jake took the vision and made it real. It was a big reno so you need to like your contractor and their team - because you become partners - cannot say enough about the results. We now have a home with an attached area to run our B&B - Carriage House on Kent in Queenston Ontario. I had the opportunity recently to reflect on my experience with my real estate advisor - he is one of the easiest references I do because he lives up to it!

We have had an on-going relationship with Queen Street Carpentry for going on 10 years. Our home was built in 1869 and so when it comes to renovations things are not always as anticipated. Jake and his crew are there to handle these challenges. We have opened up our attic space which required constructing a dormer, moving a wall and doorway to allow for the new staircase and really beefing up the structure. Our next major project included gutting our kitchen, blowing out the back wall of the house and building an addition. I simplify of course, but in both cases the projects were done ON TIME, ON BUDGET and working with Jake and his crew was a pleasure. WE LOVE OUR NEW SPACES even years after the work was completed.

Strongly recommend Queen Street Carpentry for managing any of your projects. It is great to have someone knowledgeable on the work side of your project and organized on the business side of your project. With Queen Street you can feel confident about the work and you make the choices about the work/cost before it gets done. Jake and his team were clear on what we could do, what we could expect, what it would cost, why they would recommend a certain direction. When Queen Street brought in sub contractors, they'd tell you why and help you get the best quality for your buck. Never easy to run a project when it's your home, your money, and there are a lot of moving parts however I feel lucky we found and worked with Queen Street. I am happy to be a reference.

Jake Elstone came to our house and provided a very comprehensive estimate of the work required to upgrade our bathroom. He was also able to give us a time line for the completion of the work. We were able to pick all finishes and Jake delivered all materials to our house. Cody, who did the majority of the work was considerate and professional. He tiled our shower and it is beautiful . He did a magnificent job on the shower floor. The bathroom turned out wonderfully. Queen Street Carpentry is reliable and trustworthy. The couple of small issues that were brought to Jake's attention were dealt with and fixed in a timely manner. I would use this company again for further renovations.

Dealing with Queen St. Carpentry was one of the most disappointing experiences of my life.I was so excited to hire Jake, as I felt he could really envision our idea of restoring and upgrading our 100-year-old home. He seemed to understand the importance of timing and budget for our specific situation and assured us his company could meet our needs and deliver top service and product at a mid- range price point.Unfortunately, the reality was the exact opposite. The project was plagued by time overages due to acknowledged mismanagement. We were assured again and again that the project would be back on track the following week only to have nobody show up for days at a time. Communication was minimal, and downright snarky at times.Although the finished product looks good from afar, looking slightly closer one will find uneven line work and even simple items like kitchen hardware misplaced by inches.Although the core crew are lovely and hard-working, many of the sub-contractors were disrespectful of the home, including but not limited to spilling drywall mud all over baseboards and radiators and not bothering to clean it up, scuffing a brand new bath tub by wearing work boots inside it, and finding it acceptable to cap open plumbing by simply inserting a used Tim Horton’s cup in the drain.When we approached Jake regarding the considerable expenses that we incurred due to project overruns, we were advised that since we did not specifically write into our contract that these fees would be covered by Queen St., we would not be compensated. With great difficulty (and withholding much of the final installment until an agreement was reached) we managed to secure a small amount of what we spent in credit against the final bill.This whole experience has left a terrible taste in my mouth and has caused me to rethink most of the improvements I had planned to invest in after this large-scale project was complete.

Once again, Jake took on the challenge of installing a stained glass window and a new door on our 118-year-old outbuildings where nothing is square and did an outstanding job. From rebuilding the front stairs on our historic home to creating specialized furniture to making our outbuildings outstanding, Queen Street Carpentry is the company we trust.

As a Design and Planning Specialist, I need stellar performance from partner's that build the projects I design. With Queen Street Carpentry I am working with a business that understands that contracting renovations and additions requires, not only exemplary results, but a relationship of openness, trust, and careful listening. Jake, your record with my clients has been well above expectations. Thank you.