FINDING RELIABLE CONTRACTOR KEY FIRST STEP
Skyrocketing Toronto real estate prices are motivating many existing homeowners to improve their homes rather than replace them.
“We’re seeing a big trend to add value to homes through renovations and to increase living space by building ‘ up or out,’ ” said Kris Potts, president of Toronto’s Norseman Construction & Development. “In doing so, existing homeowners are achieving the living space improvements they would normally seek by moving to another home, but at a much lower cost.”
Whether the homeowner’s goal is to add living space by ‘ building up or out’ or just to bring kitchens, bathrooms and other rooms up to 2017 standards, their biggest challenge is often finding a contractor who can be trusted to do the job right — on time and on budget.
With an impressive 83 per cent score on the consumer rating site HomeStars. com, Norseman Construction & Development is one such contractor. Established in 2005, this family-owned-and-operated company listens to its customers throughout the design and build process, keeping them constantly informed about their project’s progress until it is completed and ensuring each customer receives exactly what they asked for.
“We do our best to take each homeowner’s vision and make it a reality, ensuring that the finished product exceeds their expectations,” said Potts. “We do this by keeping on top of the perpetual advancements in the field, and by addressing the constantly changing needs of local homeowners. Add Norseman’s wealth of experience, superior workmanship and unparalleled attention to detail, and we are able to provide our customers with innovative solutions, competitive pricing and timely results on all their home improvement projects.”
Norseman’s attention to customer needs starts with the company’s consultation process. “Book an appointment on our website and one of our skilled estimators will come to your home to provide a free quotation on whatever you have in mind,” said Kevin Potts, Norseman’s operations manager. “We will do our best to come up with a plan that not only meets your needs but also fits within your budget and schedule.”
Once the home improvement project is underway, Norseman keeps customers in the loop about the project’s progress on a daily basis.
“Our people use a program called Buildertrend to upload status reports and photos of each day’s work,” Kevin Potts said. “Our homeowners can log into it as often as they wish to see firsthand how their build is going, and to get answers to any questions they may have.”
“Today’s homeowner is very savvy, thanks to all the home improvement shows on TV,” said Becky Potts, Norseman’s marketing manager. “Here at Norseman, we respect this level of awareness by giving homeowners open access to information about their projects at all times. Check out our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages, and you will see our customer-first values in action.”
‘ Customer- first values’ is a phrase that means something at Norseman Construction & Development. It is why the contractor provides a two- year warranty on its work — many other contractors only provide a year’s coverage.
It is also why the Potts family insists on alerting customers to project- related issues should they occur. All construction projects carry with them some element of the unknown. Opening walls or floors can bring to light new information not present at the project’s beginning.
“Setbacks happen,” said Kris Potts. “When they do, we tell the customer about them upfront, and we fix them in consultation with the customer.”
As well, customer- first values drive Norseman’s approach to its skilled tradespeople.
“Unlike some other contractors who are focused on profits first, Norseman treats its trades fairly,” said Kevin Potts. “In return, we inspire loyalty in the most skilled tradespeople in the industry. The payoff is the best- quality work on our customers’ homes.”
That’s not all: Norseman invests money and time in giving back to the GTA community. Its charitable efforts include underwriting the annual free Messiah for the City Christmas concert for clients and staff of the United Way. This muchloved music is performed by the Toronto Beach Chorale and members of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Norseman also supports Habitat for Humanity, which aids lowincome families in attaining affordable housing; serves hot meals at the Scott Mission; and funds numerous local sports and charity events in the GTA.
“The way we treat our customers and our community underscore what Norseman Construction & Development stands for,” concluded Kris Potts. “When you hire us for your home improvement project you will receive quality- oriented, customer- focused service from a stable firm that truly puts you first, and that cares about the community we all live in.”