Local and not-so-local contractors/companies we would work with again - Part 1

Since building our home, locals have asked us for recommendations of local trades.  We have decided to compile a list of contractors/companies we would work with if we build again.

Bear these in mind:

1. We do not take putting our names behind the credibility of these individuals lightly.
2. These people are human beings.  They are not perfect because none of us are perfect.  However, we feel they provided value-for-money and high standard of service.  They made mistakes but were humble enough to apologize and make it right.  In fact, some of them had to make right mistakes made by other individuals.
3. We do not recommend them because they are the cheapest.  In fact, they are slightly more expensive than others but they get the job done right.  It is more expensive (money, time, emotional cost) to hire another trade to rectify someone else's subpar work.

Name and location of contractors/companies:

1. Ben Taylor-Gregg, Rossland. 
   
   Ben, who enjoys cross-country skiing in winter, mountain biking in summer, and a really good cup of espresso all year round, did the tiling for our house (and many more in Rossland) using the Schluter System.  Had we seen the carpentry work he did at a friend's house before starting this project, we would have hire him to build the house too.  He takes pride in his work and it shows!  Action definitely speaks louder than words.
   He works closely with Mike Bennett and Ken Pistak (Red Seal Carpenter).  Ken Pistak is contactable at 250-921-4577 or email at kenpistak@gmail.com.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Paul Van Wijk, Salmo
   
   Paul (who loves his chocolates), Kay and their son, Michael worked as a team to build our custom kitchen cabinets, stair rails, and Douglas Fir sills.  We spent loads of time discussing the different types of wood and what type of wood would be suitable for the stair rail.  Paul recommended maple because it is more pleasant to touch.  He did a beautiful job making window sills out of old Douglas Fir to match our European Douglas Fir window frames.  A family-owned business and a fun team to work with.  Contact them at 250-357-9581.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Blind Ambitions, Rossland
   
   We ordered our custom interior blinds from Deb Cescon.  She brought folders of sample material, took the time to listen to our needs and offered suggestions of what would work.  When the blinds arrived, Dario, her husband installed the blinds.
   Evan Cescon (architect), their son, has since taken over the business.  Email him at blindambitions@allindesign.ca or visit his webpage at http://www.allindesign.ca/