heron & burke Construction

Alan Heron Homes is outstanding to say the least. Their assessment and planning of the project is thorough and efficient, their costing is fair, and their timing true to their word. Their opinion and advice is honest and practical, and one can count on them to provide nothing but the best in terms of method and finish. Seeming challenges are met with positive and ready solutions, and nothing is impossible. Most of all, they are conscientious about every aspect of their work and considerate of the personalities with whom they must deal. Alan and Steve were right there for us throughout two crammed and stressful months that resulted in a perfectly beautiful and livable surrounding just as we took possession of our first-ever condo. The renovations were fairly extensive, but everything was done on time. The few added touches that completed the project were handled with incredible good will and grace. We cannot recommend them too highly.

We have currently worked with Alan Heron on a restoration and addition to an important 1920’s home in Toronto. The process was wonderful and the quality of the end result met our high expectations. We look forward to working with Alan Heron Homes again.

-Brian Gluckstein, Gluckstein Design

The whole crew, from the salesman to the workers and the site supervisor worked with pride and efficiency. My wife and I believed that you took an interest in the quality of the work. We are very pleased with your caring attitude and we highly recommend your company to our neighbours.

I was extremely pleased with the work and the follow-up. Steve is very customer oriented and reliable. I have already recommended your company to several friends and would not hesitate to call upon you again for more jobs.

The presence of the site super at all times, his willingness to offer new ideas, make changes at our request rapidly gave both my wife and I tremendous confidence in the quality of work being done. The finished product far surpassed our expectations. I will, without hesitation, refer him and this company to anyone wanting a superb job. We intend to undertake another project with Alan in the near future.

Lee and I would like to thank you and your associates for the excellent job you did on our recent home renovations. The job was done in less time than we were originally quoted. The workmanship and quality of materials was top-notch. The mess was far less than we expected, because you took the time to seal off areas, and vacuum at the end of the day. We were especially impressed by the little extras that went beyond the contract specifications, such as putting matching doorknobs and trim on the doors in the hall. You even went so far as to put the garbage out when we forgot! The men who worked on our house for 4 weeks were friendly and helpful. We will definitely recommend Alan Heron Homes to other people who are considering doing home renovations.

We were recommended Alan as someone who had a high degree of integrity and had an organized operation. When we started talking with Alan, there were no hidden issues and he was open, honest and straightforward. Once we started working with him, there were several times when we discovered kinks in the renovation plan that Alan had already anticipated in the budget. This was very helpful for us. In our previous house, we had completed a few smaller projects, but there were many times we shared the thought that few others could have pulled this together on time, within the budget and with minimal anxiety.

Several years ago our garden was redesigned and landscaped but because there was a "mudroom" off the kitchen with only a small window looking out on the garden and stairs down to a side door opening out onto the driveway, there was a real disconnect between the house and the garden. Alan Heron Homes came well recommended, first by our watching a new house that they were building just up the street which seemed to progress like clockwork. We also called a real estate agent who both knows the area and whose opinions we value and he recommended Alan Heron Homes. Initially, we had some pretty grand ideas but after getting a few quotes realized we didn't want to spend that much money at this stage of our lives. Alan came up with a brilliant idea of opening up the kitchen to a small addition (now the breakfast area) with French doors opening onto a good sized deck with steps leading down to the garden. When work began I met Steve and subcontractors Jimmy and Ron. You always hear horror stories about renovations going wrong but our experience was just the opposite. These men have not only done a great job but were also a delight to have around. All the many ways they helped us, everything from putting on laundry (for a little while there was no access to the basement laundry room), to carrying heavy grocery bags from the car to the house and even bringing jumper cables to start our car when the engine died. The building site was always left completely tidied at the end of every day. The addition, though small that it is has absolutely transformed our home and our enjoyment of it. The kitchen is now bigger and brighter and is so completely connected to the garden, we find ourselves not only enjoying breakfast there but most other meals as well. Even a great place to entertain. Thank you Alan and your whole team.... the dream is now a reality!

We wanted to thank you and your team for building our custom new home. We cannot say enough about the positive experience we have had with Alan Heron Homes. You lead us through the process, with extensive involvement every step of the way. You had excellent contacts with all of the trades and the City, were able to maintain construction on schedule, and had excellent design ideas throughout the process. Any glitches encountered in building the house were rectified in a professional and efficient manner. You had valuable recommendations throughout the process and we never felt that anything you recommended was to benefit you, but only was looking out for the best interests of ourselves. In addition to the quality and pride of workmanship you demonstrated in building our home, everyone on the Alan Heron Homes team went above and beyond the call of duty, from helping us move, helping us install appliances in our rental house, helping us at the drop of a dime with moving a heavy object, and even babysitting our children periodically so we could visit the construction site!! The after-service has been truly phenomenal as well! There is no such thing in your minds after you’ve moved in, so we’re finished with you, and you’re continually assisting and following up on any loose threads, and answering our calls even on the weekends. As I am sure anyone who has gone through a renovation/house build can tell you, it is an extremely stressful event. You and your team members truly helped minimize the stress. Given the nightmare horror stories out there with contractors, we were truly pleased to have found you. If we ever build another house or have another renovation project, Alan Heron Homes will definitely be our builder!

We would like to express our thanks for the excellent work Alan Heron homes did on our complete gut-renovation. Having been personally referred to us, Heron was on-board from the beginning of our search for the perfect fixer-upper, earlier this year. The place that we settled on, a 100 year old Edwardian home in Riverdale, had tremendous potential but was in dire need of professional attention. The house had been split into several rental units, and had undergone many shoddy do-it-yourself projects over its lifetime. Alan and Steve’s experience and knowledge were a valuable resource in developing the room layout and overall renovation plan. They helped us to stay within our budget by focusing our spending on the most important elements. In several instances they suggested changes to our original vision that greatly improved the final product. Over three and a half months, professional trades-people completely transformed our house. From electrical, plumbing, carpentry, drywalling and painting to tiling, we received top of the line service that is reflected in the final product. I’d like to give special mention to the detailed carpentry work. It is that detailing that we’re most pleased with. The job came in on budget and 2 weeks ahead of schedule. We will gladly recommend Alan Heron Homes to friends and we’ll be in touch when we’re ready to redo the front porch! We give Alan & his team our warmest gratitude for the house we are now proud to call home!

It has been a real pleasure working with the team at Alan Heron Homes. Their experience, creativity, and professionalism played a key role in the successful completion of our home renovation project. We always felt like they were working with us as a partner, looking out for our best interests, and not acting like a typical supplier/vendor. When we encountered unforeseen construction challenges (which were infrequent), we could always count on Alan to provide us with a straight-forward and honest assessment of the situation and with options to consider. And when it comes to onsite project management, you’ll find no one better. His personal attention to detail and skillful management of the sub-trades eliminated a tremendous amount of stress and concern for us. We’re very pleased with the quality of their work, and would absolutely use them again on future projects.

Thanks for a great job. Our experience with Alan Heron Homes over the past year has been rewarding. The vision we had for our home is now a reality, the work was done on time and on budget. Alan and Steve had great ideas for our reno. We found them to be punctual, professional and trustworthy. Even after the major work was done, they still came back every day to finish the smaller things. All in all, we look forward to doing future business with Alan Heron Homes.

I just wanted to let you know how delighted we are with our new addition. It is exactly what we wanted. We particularly appreciated the attention to detail, and the way you were able to complete as much of the work as possible when we were out of the country, by keeping us in the loop through email. We would have no hesitation in calling you for any future projects.

We first used Alan Heron Homes in 2001 to build an addition onto our home. We live in a 140 year old Victorian historical home so it was not an easy project. Not only were we completely thrilled with the results, but it was on budget too. Any problems that arose were dealt with quickly and efficiently. Alan gave us options but sound advice in areas where we were inexperienced. Since 2001, they have renovated two bathrooms, built an outdoor kitchen, a two car garage, and renovated a basement for us. We have always been thrilled with their workmanship and any sub-contractors have also been of the highest quality. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Alan Heron Homes for any building projects you can imagine.

We are now nicely settled into our condo apartment, and want to express how very pleased we are with the renovations and improvements which your company completed earlier this year. We appreciate the high quality of workmanship reflected in the final result, and we consider ourselves fortunate to have the Heron team work with us on this project. Alan and his crew were terrific in managing the unique challenges of working in a condo building, and also were very skilled in helping my wife and I deal with our stress levels through the whole process. Their patience, understanding, and involvement in every detailed aspect were really quite amazing. Please feel free, Alan, to refer any prospective client to me. And we will certainly recommend Alan Heron Homes to any friends, family, or neighbors who are planning future home renovations.

We love our new home! Thank you so much for playing such an important role in making our dream come true. We are especially grateful for your professionalism, your attention to detail and your commitment to quality. Alan was an awesome day-to-day contact and his advice was always spot-on. Thank you for keeping the worksite so clean and for always remaining respectful of our neighbours. You made the whole experience worthwhile.

I selected Alan Heron Homes Inc based on their years of experience, knowledge of the industry and previous projects similar to mine that I had observed being completed. My project was the demolition of my 90 year old house being replaced with a three story, five bedroom home that was selected to compliment the lot size and neighbourhood. Alan Heron Homes worked under difficult circumstances as much of the exterior work and bricking was completed in winter weather and in confined spaces due to the lot size. Their workmanship has been excellent and they have been accommodating to the neighbours while working within budget constraints. They were always able to address any concerns with adequate answers and solutions. The sub-trades they used were diligent workers, often in trying circumstances given the weather and narrow confines between houses. We are extremely pleased with their work to date, and would highly recommend them to others undertaking similar work.

I have had the utmost pleasure of working with Alan Heron for many years and on many projects. Alan always displays professionalism, opportunities and a "can-do" attitude. Being a subcontractor to Alan Heron Homes has always been a rewarding experience for me. Many of his customer/clients always have such wonderful things to say about him and the trades he employs. When Alan is presented with a problem, he is able to find a solution because of his vast experience and exposure in the construction and building industry. And when he doesn't have an immediate solution, he is able to draw from his large network of industry professionals. I wouldn't hesitate to refer Alan for any custom building or construction project one may have. It is ALWAYS a pleasure dealing with Alan Heron and Alan Heron Homes!!!

I have been in the design industry for over 20 years and have worked internationally and received many design awards. I have had the pleasure of working with Alan Heron and his team on three projects to date and find his work ethic, quality, commitment to detail to be of 5 star quality. I would not hesitate to refer him to my clients.

We had the pleasure of working with Alan and his crew recently on our downtown rental renovation. Alan was very knowledgeable and helpful with lighting, flooring and basically how to make the house appealing to renters without having to break the bank. We had a budget and deadline and Alan was able to have his crew work quickly and efficiently. The place looks great!

We were referred to Alan Heron Homes when we were in the midst of a major home renovation and were left with no alternative but to terminate the existing Designer/Contractor. Contrary to our past experience it is refreshing to deal with a company and individuals whom are skilled professionals and demonstrate integrity and honesty. They have been responsive and their staff and sub-trades are skilled, honest and conscientious professionals. Alan Heron Homes has renewed our faith that there are professionals and honest individuals in the business. Alan, thank you for your honesty, guidance and assistance in turning a bad experience into a positive one. Steve, thank you for turning every potential problem into great recommendations and solutions. We have no reservations in recommending Alan Heron Homes.

It was a pleasure to work with Alan & his team. My house in Kleinburg was built smoothly from the ground up. I was involved in every aspect of the home & my requests & needs for the home were always met. All of the trades that he used were excellent & professional. Alan was not just a name, he was on site often to see the progression & to make sure things were being done to his specifications. It was a pleasure to deal with Alan Heron Homes.

My wife and I decided to demolish our home of 5 years and build custom in our old neighbourhood of Newmarket. After interviewing several builders, we felt very comfortable with Alan's approach to our project and he was sensitive to our concerns. He laid out an actual budge for us, based on our working architectural drawings we had previously commissioned and then showed us clearly how he would make his profit. We really liked the cost + approach, rather than the straight $/square foot approach, as it allowed us to go custom in some areas and standard in other. Alan's communication was fabulous too. Our project was on schedule and from demolition (July 4, 2016) to the day we moved in (February 17, 2017). Also, our neighbours, for the most part, were very happy with Alan's team and sub contractors as they were very respectful to the established neighbourhood. We have been very happy with the process and would recommend their services for anyone considering a custom build within the GTA.

On time, on spec and on budget - I am thrilled with my experience with Alan Heron Homes. The communication was timely, the invoicing accurate and the crew was a pleasure to work with. In fact, they were so polite, tidy and considerate that several of my neighbours are thinking of working with them. I highly recommend Alan Heron Homes and will use them again myself in the future.

After interviewing a least four other contractors we just didn't feel that any of them understood our vision of our future dream home (which was partially our fault because we couldn't seem to articulate it very well). Then Alan showed up and we clicked with his easy going manner and his ability to listen and interpret. We went with Alan and have no regrets. His sub-trades were fantastic and in the end we got exactly what we wanted. They battled the elements, material shortages and other obstacles to complete a successful project. Definitely a professional with an incredible amount of experience and resources.

Sincerely, Fernando Malendez

Alan Heron is a true professional. He managed time, tradesmen, and expectations in a thoroughly effective way. I appreciated his honesty and dependability. He was accessible to both myself and the trades people throughout the entire process, at all hours of the day/night. He worked with the inspector to ensure everything was to code and City requirements were fulfilled. Converting a heritage, Victorian, sorority building into a legal, 6 apartment multi-unit with a commercial first floor was no easy task. Alan explored cost-effective options to pull this off, without ever compromising quality. I have referred him to others as I have confidence that he will provide them the same level of service as he did to me. If any of you want to talk or see his work - you can contact me and I'd happy to let your explore the opportunity further. Thanks again Al, I look forward to working with you on the next project!

Over the 20 years we have worked together on projects, both residential and corporate, I have been impressed with the proficiency of your company, Alan Heron Homes. As peers, we have always had good communication in discussing information throughout our shared endeavours. The finished product reflects the consideration of your company in following up with our business and home owner's expectations. I have always been pleased with the final results of your efforts. It has truly been a pleasure to work with you and I hope we have many more years of association in design and build opportunities.

Sincerely, Donna Pascoe, President of Donna Pascoe Architectural Design Inc.