"We have done multiple renovations over the years, this was our first renovation with Chris and Bill of 3 Stones Custom Homes and our best experience.
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During the initial interviewing process 3 Stones was highly professional. They did a thorough walkaround, listened to our key requirements, and prepared a detailed budget and timeline. Communication was great for both my husband and I.
With 3 Stones, we used a time-and-materials contract instead of the more typical fixed-price contract. All renovations have surprises and unforeseen issues after the demolition starts and these can cost extra regardless of the type of contract. A time-and-materials contract can be more effective when a homeowner and contractor are collaborative, mutually trustworthy, and decisive.
The original projected 7 month project was fully complete in 7 months + 3 weeks, despite Covid issues and material availability issues due to supply chain disruptions.
Throughout the renovation process, we met with Chris and Bill at least every 2 weeks. They provided detailed times when decisions were required, construction alternatives when various issues arose, useful recommendations based on their past experience, and typical costs associated with the alternatives.
As our renovation happened during Covid, there were a few estimates that were off that could not have been anticipated, but Chris and Bill were effective at helping find reasonable alternatives in each case (e.g. substitute joist type, different vendor, modifying an existing fireplace, etc). At all times we felt we knew how, where, and when money was being spent. This approach let us work out details and changes on the fly that resulted in a much more effective and great-looking renovation.
They continue to follow up effectively on details after project completion. Chris and Bill are highly experienced and have great long term relationships with their trades. They are highly people-focused and a pleasure to work with. We are highly satisfied with the result and highly recommend Chris and Bill.
We feel lucky to have worked with them."
Bayla Blevis and Richard Brath
April 2021
"Renovations are a field of land mines that you have to face every day and if there was anyone you need by your side to calm you down and get the problem fixed and give you the results you need, it’s 3 Stones. Chris and Bill gave us our dream home and in the deadline they promised. They were there at the drop of a hat when we needed help and had creative solutions for any issues we faced. We might buy a new home just to work with them again!"
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John and Tanya Aird
July 2020
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Realistic estimates of schedule
Quick estimates of costs of design changes (we made a lot of design changes)
Openness to changes and to all of the one of a kind details that we designed
Our house now looks beautiful but also feels solid and well made. We can’t recommend them enough."
James MacGillvray - Lamas Architects
September 2019
"We are so pleased with our renovations and highly recommend 3 Stones Custom Homes!! Chris and Bill are a perfect team and an absolute pleasure to work with! They are highly skilled with many years of experience, extremely organized, and truly care about their clients and doing a good job. Throughout the renovations, we always felt confident that we were in very good hands. Chris and Bill worked very well with our designers and have obviously built excellent working relationships with all of their trades’ people over the years as all of them are knowledgeable and work well together in a timely and efficient manner. Chris and Bill are always very responsive. They get back to calls and texts immediately and are good at fixing any small deficiencies in their work without delay. We especially like that Chris and Bill provided us with a detailed break down of all costs and expenses, along with a chart setting out the timing for different parts of our various projects, so that we could keep up to date with exactly what was being done and how much was being spent. They scheduled regular check-ins to go through progress, solicit feedback and provide updated charts so that we continuously felt satisfied that things were getting done in best way possible to meet our needs. The results speak for themselves! Our top floor master bedroom with A-frame ceiling, creatively hidden AC unit, walk-in closet with custom built-ins and ensuite bathroom with skylights is particularly lovely. Thank you 3 Stones!!"
Natasha Moore
February 2019
"3 Stones Custom Homes are everything excellent contractors should be : honest, responsible and reliable. Their way of working is transparent and accountable. Any unforeseen issues were resolved quickly and amicably. We feel Three Stones Custom Homes are singlehandedly restoring the reputation of contractors."
Harry Stroud
November 2018
"We did an extensive renovation project with 3 Stones that included fully gutting and rebuilding the basement and third floors and rebuilding our front porch. Chris and Bill always provided expertise and great advice as we went, which was especially helpful during the permitting process with the city. Of the three quotes we got at the beginning of our project, they actually came in the highest, and we were nervous about that, but in the long run we were reassured by their open-book budgeting process, which meant we knew exactly what we were spending, and on what. Remarkably, they came in slightly under budget, despite some scope changes along the way.
Overall, it was a real pleasure working with Chris and Bill. They and their tradespeople were always efficient, courteous, and kept the place clean as they went. On top of that, they always showed up when they said they would. This was a real change from our previous renovation experiences! They brought a great depth of knowledge and imaginative solutions to their work with us. We can't recommend them highly enough."
Kate Stewart
July 2018
Andy Ridpath
March 2018
"The 3 Stones team was great to work with. We found Chris and Bill to be very good communicators throughout the process.
When we encountered unexpected situations (like mold in basement), they explained to us the various options and worked with us to find one that would best suit our requirements and budget.
They were also supportive of getting multiple quotes for the most expensive items in our scope of work, rather than sole-sourcing to their preferred trades.
At the conclusion of the project, they did a thorough job of documenting any remaining deficiencies and have kept their commitments to resolve them in a timely manner.
Whenever we had any issues / concerns, we felt that Chris and Bill would listen to our perspectives and work with us to find a solution that suited both parties.
All-in-all, we would recommend 3 Stones."
Helene T.
October 2017
Tessa Steenstra
April 2017
Carlo Timpano
April 2017
"I would recommend 3 Stones without hesitation. Bill and Chris possess a truly remarkable combination of craft, attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and most importantly, dedication. Our project (kitchen, furnace & AC, flooring, fireplace) came in on time and under budget. Any setbacks or bumps in the road that we encountered (They are inevitable, no matter who you've hired.) were dealt with swiftly and easily. From the time we first met with 3 Stones until the time the last bit of drywall dust was swept up, Chris and Bill's sincere desire for our best, most satisfactory outcome was always evident."
Michael Takasaki
September 2017
"We were delighted with the entire renovation process with 3 Stones Custom Homes. This was our first major renovation, and Bill and Chris took the time to explain (in great detail) the entire process & anticipated costs. It was so helpful to have a step by step calendar which outlined exactly what would be happening at any given time - with detailed deadlines for homeowner decisions/input/payments. We also received week to week status reports, so there were no surprises. Dealing with Bill & Chris was a true delight, and our home (built in 1913) looks like a new home.
I also appreciated the knowledge they shared which allowed us to cut costs.
The tradesmen who did the work on the house really took pride in their crafts, and the results show this attention to detail.
We had a tight timeframe for the house reno (3 months) and although we added several additional jobs (new flooring, additional air conditioning, etc.) we were still able to get the work done in 3 months.
I think having open, honest communication was key to the process.
I can't recommend 3 Stones highly enough.
Mara McSweeny
June 2016
"After meeting with several potential local builders we decided to hire the 3 Stones Custom Homes team to plan and renovate our two bathrooms. From the outset, Billy and Chris were amazing. We were happy with the results. Not only, did they deliver excellent work but proved to be incredibly flexible and responsive as we made changes in direction and requirements. I strongly recommend 3 Stones Custom Homes for any project where delivering on time and budget is just as important as the quality of the work completed."
Erwin Tumangday
November 2016
"With 3 Stones, it doesn't matter the size of your project. They approach each job with care and handle it all with professionalism, efficiency, honesty and integrity. Their attention to detail is one of the things that sets their design/build projects apart from "the other guys." If you're looking for the kind of builders and renovation experts that will make your life easier, Bill, Chris and their team should definitely be at the top of your contact list for your next renovation."
Michael Wacholtz
May 2015
"Chris and his team are incredible. They renovated both our Master and Kids bathroom the first time then 10 months later we called on them again to re-do our hardwood floors, install wainscotting and paint our entire house. The final results are amazing! The team is reliable, honest and easy to communicate with, providing input when needed while staying with our detailed vision. Demolition was neat and quick and work proceeded steadily without delay. It was a pleasure to work with them. I will recommend 3 Stones Custom Homes to everyone. You won't be disappointed."
Charity Ahola
August 2015
"We recently purchased a newly 'flipped'" home that was renovated by 3 Stones Custom Homes, and have nothing but positive things to say about our entire experience with the company. In particular, we have been very pleased by the diligence, service and attention to detail provided by Chris Lawrence (a partner at the company), especially in the months *after* we purchased our home.
From our first visit during an open house, this home stood out from many other "flips" we saw during our search. It was clear that 3 Stones put much thought into the renovation. From the reconfigured layout of the home down to the every design detail, not an item was overlooked. This home was thoughtfully designed and beautifully refinished to be a functional family home.
In the months since we have moved in, Chris has been a phone call away at anytime we have found ourselves needing guidance or information (even on things that fall outside of his official purview). As first-time homeowners, this support has been invaluable.
We would highly recommend 3 Stones Custom Homes for any new buyers looking to purchase a renovated home, or homeowners looking to do some renos of their own. We love our home, and can't speak highly enough of our experience with the company and their work."
Ali Haider
November 2015
"3 Stones built a 3rd story addition to our home on time and budget. Their high level of communication, respect, and high level of workmanship made for the perfect job. I would highly recommend 3 Stones for any size or scale of project."