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Testimonials

Wendy from Newmarket

Kitchen Renovation
During the renovation of my forty year old kitchen, the owner of Upfront Renovations Inc. (Marlon Galea) displayed the patience, skill and wisdom of Job. The COVID pandemic and restrictions presented added challenges to the time involved in the manufacture and installation of new kitchen cabinets and an island; the custom built counter top; the re-wiring for the ceiling pot lights and accent lighting under the cabinets; additional power outlets; and the upgrading of the electrical panel that is now up to code. Despite the added challenges presented by COVID restrictions, Marlon Galea was diligent in co-ordinating the various sub-contractors required to ensure the kitchen was completed to a highly professional standard. This included the meticulous installation of backsplash tiles, drywall patching and re-painting.

It took me decades to finally commit to having my kitchen renovated. Fortunately, when I decided to proceed I chose Upfront Renovations Inc. I am exceedingly pleased with the esthetic and functional outcome of my kitchen renovation. I am grateful to Marlon Galea for his perseverance in completing the kitchen project to such a high standard and for his choice of skilled professionals. You transformed my kitchen into a showpiece. Thank you.

Jessica from Brampton

Bathroom and Kitchen Renovations
My husband and I hired up front renovations to complete our very first home reno and we could not be more pleased. Our Bathroom turned out exactly the way I envisioned it. With our initial success using Up Front we immediately engaged Marlon yet again to tackle our Kitchen reno as well.

Marlon has been patient and understanding in guiding us through the renovation process and answering our many questions. He is always available for a "quick chat" and honestly made us feel as though we were part of the team - not just the client.

Tony's attention to detail is spot-on and he was able to deal with minor difficulties quickly while maintaining the project timeline to our satisfaction. He has an obvious passion for the work and it shows in the quality of the final result.

Overall we found the entire team professional and personable - a joy to work with. I would highly recommend Up Front Renovations for your next project.... I know they'll be working on mine.

June from Newmarket

Kitchen and Bath Renovation

This is the third Reno I've had done by Marlon and his team. One was a full condo Reno for handicapped accessibility. The second to repair much damage done by our handicapped person, and prepare that home for sale. This, the third, to redo a full new kitchen, and two bathrooms. This last one ran into problems that needed correcting from the roof down through two floors, from the original construction.

Marlon babysat that correction that involved a third contractor until it was right. He went way beyond what we contracted for.

If And when I need another renovation done, I will definitely wait for Marlon to do it.

I am available to answer any questions.

Dave from Bradford

Removal of Structural Wall, New Ceiling Lighting, New Deck Stairs, New Floor

I have to say that Up Front Renovations are the most professional, competent, knowledgeable contractors that I have ever dealt with! Their attention to detail is amazing! They did everything that I asked as well as it could be done. They did the job from start to finish without any interruptions. They corrected problems that the casual observer would never have noticed. For example, some of the new ceiling lights were not lined up perfectly by the electrician. Tony took the time to line them up properly even though they were only out by less than an inch.

They ran into a few challenges but instead of wailing about how much more work it would require, they simply got on with the job and did it right.

I spent a good part of my career selling home improvements, and I have had to deal with a lot of sub standard contractors. Marlon, Tony and Alex are head and shoulders far above almost every contractor who I have dealt with. In fact there is no comparison!

I would also like to say that their pricing was fair, in fact it was a bargain considering the quality of their work!

Marlon and his crew will be back when we need more work done. That is probably the best endorsement that I can offer.

David from Newmarket

Bathroom Renovation

We hired Marlon and his crew at Up Front Renovations to replace a leaking shower in our ensuite washroom.

We were impressed with the quality of service and workmanship that we received. The crew was very conscientious towards keeping the rest of the house clean and useable during the renovation. The job was completed on time, and on budget. Marlon was continually checking in with us to provide clarification on the progress of the job and to solicit feedback from us. Our suggestions were valued and implemented in a timely manner.

We couldn’t be happier with the quality of service we received from Up Front renovations and would whole-heartedly recommend them to our friends, family and neighbours.

Anne from Toronto

Laundry Room Renovation

In short, we had a great experience with Up Front Renovations and have since recommended Marlon and his team to others who have also had highly positive experiences.

We needed to renovate to put front load machines into our basement laundry room. Our real estate agent recommended Marlon and after speaking with several contractors, we selected him.

Marlon was easy to work with, helpful and HONEST from the get-go. I was home on maternity leave through the process and Marlon and his team made me feel comfortable the whole time, walking me through progress daily (and always available by email and text), and were incredibly respectful of our home. They sort of became extended family!

The project was finished on time (although technically 10 days delayed because WE decided to order cabinetry after we started) and on budget (with the added cabinetry and some modest electrical work added to bring us up to code since the previous owner mistakenly thought he was handy).

We look forward to hiring Up Front for our future renovations.

Joe from Maple

Basement Renovation

We are 1 week into our renovation and very pleased thus far on progress and workmanship. Marlon has been very helpful with all our questions and has been readily available whenever we need him. We are on track with our established schedule and haven't encountered any issues.

Crystal from Newmarket

Main Floor and 2nd Floor Home Renovations

Amazing, quality work and workmanship. Our "job" was completed on time to our complete satisfaction. Marlon is a very trusting, upfront and honest man. We would recommend Upfront Renovations to any of our friends, family or frankly anyone looking for recommendations and it referrals.

June from Newmarket

Condo Renovation

We were renovating an apartment to accommodate wheel chair access an were so lucky to find Up Front Renos, especially Marlon Galea. I had some ideas, but needed designing. Marlon listened carefully, and designed an affordable plan for us.

We have done numerous renos, and additions ourselves, but now needed someone with vision, and the ability to manage the whole project for us. Marlon fulfilled all those requirements and more.

He kept us informed as to progress, and met with us several times a week, for updates. His research into using the right products, and insuring safety for the disabled one of us, was priceless. He helped me choose materials and design elements, making suggestions along the way. Something I could not have done myself anymore.

I highly recommend Marlon and his company, and am willing to share my excellent experience.

Irene, from Markham, Ontario

Basement Renovation

I was planning on listing my house for sale and I wanted my basement to be converted into an apartment. I've had a few bad experiences with renovation companies before this project, making promises and giving me quotes that they couldn't keep. So I was very weary...until I hired Up Front Renovations to renovate my basement into an apartment. The amazing experience began with the free estimate from Marlon. He came to my home and was courteous, knowledgeable, and spent a great deal of time with me. He answered all my questions with complete honesty but because I was burned before I was still insecure. However, once the crew started and I saw how passionate Sonny was and how they treated my home like it was theirs, my fears were laid to rest. I could not be happier with the results! Thank you for everything guys. You have reinstated my faith that there are honest and hardworking contractors out there! I will refer you to all my family and friends with glowing compliments. I sold my house and purchased a new one...you will be hearing from me soon!

George, from Toronto, Ontario

Full House Renovation

I live downtown in an old three story house that needed extensive updating. Up Front Renovations renovated almost the entire house. From underpinning and waterproofing the basement, to renovating the interior third floor and converting the basement into an apartment...the list goes on and on. This should have been a stressful time....yet it wasn't. All my needs were met with patience and a smile. My home was completed on time and I was very pleased with the results. Thank you Marlon and Sonny. Their combined teamwork with the crew and their attention to detail and respect for my home was greatly appreciated.

Desmond, from Toronto, Ontario

Bathroom Renovation 

Front Renovations Inc. renovated my second floor bathroom and my roof. They worked diligently every day and were highly professional. Marlon was amazing with his attentiveness to my needs and communicated with me promptly. Sonny, the on-site supervisor, was enthusiastic, organized, paid attention to detail and kept the work area clean. They are definitely renovating my basement next! Thank you for making my experience stress free! You guys are the best!

Sheona, from Toronto, Ontario 

I recently used Up Front Renovations Inc. to renovate my front hall, which was a job involving demolition, drywall, electrical and tiling, as well as co-ordination with other trades. The crew showed up every day at the same time, ready to work and with the required materials in hand. They also finished work each day at a time that worked for our family. The work was done beautifully, with great attention paid to the finishing details. The tile work was superb. The crew was very careful not to make more mess than necessary, and it was cleaned up at the end of each day so that it was not tracked through the rest of the house. They also tried their best not to impact on our busy household and kept their work centralized. They were very respectful of our family life. The quote from Up Front Renovations was comprehensive and competitive and the project came in exactly as projected. I did add some extras of my own as I was so pleased with the workmanship. Because of a delay with some doors I had special ordered, Up Front Renovations was not able to complete the project on time. They followed up the progress of the door order, and the crew was willing to come back after the doors arrived to finish the job in time for the holiday season, which was well beyond the scope of the job and most appreciated. Marlon took full responsibility for the job and was on top of the progress at all times. He responded to calls very quickly. Sonny, the on site person who managed the crew and provided a high level of skill and professionalism at all times. Overall, Up Front Renovations gave me excellent service at a competitive price.

Mary from Toronto, Ontario

My husband and I just completed phase 1 of a major renovation with Marlon Galea and the Up Front Renovation team. Without hesitation I can say that this was the most positive experience with results far beyond our highest expectations. We were incredibly apprehensive about finding a contractor to do our addition, waterproofing and 2nd entrance creation in anticipation of the 2nd phase (basement reno and finishing). Previous experiences had made us so wary and had actually delayed the work for months even though it was totally necessary. From the first meeting with Marlon (6th contractor to come in), I began to feel at ease and confident that he would do the very best job with our family's safety and happiness as most important. We will be having them back later this year to move on to the next phase of the work and couldn't be happier. The project felt like a total collaboration between us and the entire team. We met with Marlon and his project manager as often and at any time we needed and as a result there were no unpleasant suprises or frustrations on either side. The expertise of the team is obvious when we look at the quality of the finished product particularily in terms of the challenge of tying in the new with the old (house is 95 years old)

Kate from North York, Ontario

Basement Renovation

We found Up Front Renovations through www.HandyCanadaian.com and hired them to renovate our basement in May 2009. The job involved demolition, new electrical wiring, new dry walls, new flooring (engineered hardwood and tiles in laundry room), pot lights, new doors and painting. The project went smoothly from beginning to end and was finished on time despite of some unexpected complications resulting from previous work done by others in the basement. Both Marlon and Sonny are highly organized, really take pride in their work and we were very pleased with the workmanship. The quotation / contract was very comprehensive and the pricing was competitive. They responded to all our calls, e-mails and requests promptly. The crew kept the site as clean as possible and even worked weekends to complete the job on time. We received detailed updates from Sonny at the end of each work day including valuable advices regarding various aspects of the project. Overall we are very happy with the work done by Marlon, Sonny and their crew and will definitely use their services for our future renovation projects.

Carmela from Bradford, Ontario

Bathroom Renovation

Marlon is friendly, down-to-earth guy that makes you feel safe that things will get done. He went above and beyond and we are really satisfied with our bathrooms and backsplash. With every renovation, there could be unforeseen bumps in the road, but Marlon was on top of it and got the job done. I would definitely hire him again. Already thinking about taking down the wall between kitchen and dining room :-)

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