Jay visited the site, assessed the problem, then made a recommendation. Initially, he looked at all the problem locations, then studied our architectural drawings to determine the structure behind the bricks. He identified the cause of the problem: water seeping into the exterior bricks that had been left uncapped. He provided a referral to a masonry company, and discussed the problem with the company on our behalf. Then he oversaw that the work took place correctly and to our satisfaction. The representatives of the company he referred us to were courteous, reliable and professional
We had an ongoing plumbing/technical infrastructure problem, originating from the faulty design, inferior materials and inaccessibility and compounded by extensive wear. Having only limited capital budgets and limited funding, we needed a solution that would provide us maximum value given resources we had at our disposal.
Our Experience:
Jay Charendoff gathered all of the relevant information and was able to come up with solutions we had not even thought about…he provided out-of-box alternatives that were specific and doable. He prioritized our plans, with most crucial items being specified along with the alternate options and then other lower level priorities being left to be done with remaining money.
The Results:
Jay provided us with optimum solutions that will provide us with the maximum bang for the limited dollars we have available to solve the lingering and most complicated problems. In due time the work will be fully executed as envisioned by Jay.
Jay recommended that we have a proper energy audit done to determine the exact condition of these areas. He pointed out that we also would benefit with reduced heating and cooling energy bills if we addressed the issues properly, and gave us a few options on ways to improve thermal capacity that involves no interior demolition.
The completed energy audit confirmed Jay’s initial findings and gave us great confidence in dealing with a consultant such that we would not be “taken for a ride” by unscrupulous contractors. Jay followed up with a written report and a phone call. It is nice to know that we can rely on Jay and get a thorough, knowledgable, and hones assessment of the problem and a practical solution.
I’d like to think that our house problems are a thing of the past, but experience tells me this is likely not the case. I have a feeling we will be relying on Jay’s expertise going forward. We are grateful to know of someone that we can trust.
After submitting our construction contract to Jay, he analyzed every item on my contract that would be a concern or issue. He also pointed out other important issues that I should include in the contract such as revision of payment schedule and insurance coverage. His report was compiled within three days and was eight pages long! We were able to use the suggestions that Jay gave us and incorporate them into our contract. Overall, I believe that his advice made my contract stronger (from a client perspective) and reduced my risks. I think that my new contract also demonstrated to my contractor that I was an educated client that expected a high level of work and fairness.
From the first time Pam and I spoke to Jay we knew it was the best thing we had done concerning the reno. We told Jay of our plans and he helped advising us with the best options. When the proposed contract was presented to us Jay was instrumental in helping us make sure we got the best deal and that our concerns with cost, time frame, product quality & payment schedule were all properly addressed. Jay was even able to help get us a six thousand dollar reduction in the final price.
If it wasn’t for Jay’s advice & knowledge I know we would not have been able to ensure that the contractor did not take advantage of our naivety with construction & renovation issues.
We had paid the contractor, and were unclear how to proceed. Jay suggested we remove the tiles and drywall. Upon a detailed inspection, we discovered that there was no insulation or vapour barrier on this outside wall. As a result, condensation was occurring in the cold space behind the drywall. We had a new contractor install the correct wall system and new tiles, and the problem has not recurred. This was an incredibly helpful conversation that saved us time, effort and aggravation! I plan to consult with Jay again should we run into any further problems with our house.
This was a major undertaking for us. Simply trusting that all would unfold as it should seemed liked a foolish way to approach an expensive enterprise. I quickly discovered that calling in my architect to assess the contractor’s work on a regular basis would escalate the costs of the project astronomically. So, how to proceed effectively without breaking the bank? As luck would have it, I met Jay Charendoff, a trained architect and project manager who offered his services at a fraction of the cost of my architect. Hiring Jay was the best move I could have made. After the contractor had finished his work daily, Jay would show up and assess the job and give me detailed notes on what needed to be changed, adjusted and\or improved. And each morning when the contractor arrived, I was able to intelligently discuss the work that was required. I quickly became “an expert” in the minutiae of construction. Now my wife has “The Best Built” Artist Studio in Toronto, thanks in large measure to Jay Charendoff.