N-Product | Dominic Coballe

If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire…The A-Team.

When home renovations require work that involves equipment, training and experience that extend beyond watching a weekend marathon of Holmes on Homes. You need professionals. You can act the part of Hannibal, but you better find your very own B.A. Baracus, Murdock and Faceman.

This job required a lead contractor and a cast of others for various projects. When sourcing a lead contractor, select the one who is clear about quotes (not estimates) and a stickler for schedules and deadlines. Sound the trumpets, introducing Andre Ferraton (Ferraton Construction Ltd), contractor extraordinaire. Andre would be responsible for consultation on the design, demolishing and build of the entire space. He was always prompt, neat and courteous. Something of a oasis in a desert of deadbeat contractors. If you can find him, lock him in your tractor beam.

In the world of service delivery, there exists 3 elements. Fast, Good and Cheap. You get to pick 2 out 3 (hint-hint to clients reading this). We were banking on Fast and Good. Let’s be honest, we have all been screwed over countless times by contractors. We have done our homework, check references, withhold payments, ensured detailed quotes and still, we have left the experience with a taste of bile on our tongues. Home renovations involving a contractor is the only form of Russian Roulette that has government-issued rebate incentives.

Andre Ferraton delivered on the quoted price and more importantly the 10-day turn-around. Once you get over th sticker shock, you really understand the value of paying for a quality craftsmenship. The rest of the crew included John Farley (Threshold Design) on countertops, Kent Schroeder (Ottawa Powder Coating) had cabinets and finally Jonathan (Rideau Bathtub Reglazing) on the sink. More detail on each later on.

Like any good leader, you have to have a plan, motivate your team and get shit done. As George Peppard would say every damn episode. “I love it when a plan comes together.” And that would conclude the final A-Team reference in this post.

Now that I have all the pieces in place, time for the mind-numbing slash excrutiatingly fun part! Sourcing materials, picking finishes, and playing interior designer. Putting to good use all those countless years of research watching the smorgashborg of This-Old-Extreme-Trading-Makeover-Property-Outdoor-Curb-Appeal-Spaces-House.

To be continued…