Testimonials
Scott & Jennifer
"Over the course of a few years DSBG Building Group has completed three large scale construction projects for us; a main floor and kitchen renovation, a basement renovation and a full backyard/landscaping and swimming pool construction project. They consistently demonstrated a hands on and very detailed approach with every facet of each project including design, construction and full completion. The owner, Nick Malfara, was involved with each of the projects overseeing the scheduling, site staff and trade coordination. DSBG Building Group has the ability to efficiently manage their team and get the job done promptly, on schedule and on budget. They exceeded our expectations while managing multitudes of suppliers, trades and employees. DSBG Building Group Ltd is a class act company with integrity and a dedication to high quality work and satisfying their customers. We wholeheartedly recommend DSBG for any custom home or major renovation project."
P&Z Oakville
"We have settled into our home in the past few months and we admire on a daily basis the work that was completed by DSBG. And we have had this pleasure, not just once, but twice, in a span of four years! Working closely with Christine McGee of Jaqueline Glass and Associates on the design, and with your team for the execution of the vision we had collaborated on was a pleasure. Both you and Christine have high standards, and the end results are beautiful, functional and inspirational. DSBG completed the large scope of both projects in very tight time frames which required the orchestration of trades, master craftsmen and specialty skills. In addition, we appreciated your willingness to listen to our list of “must-haves” and making them happen. While the renovations did have some hiccups, as most of them do, we also liked your open lines of communication in the process. Tony’s quick response to concerns were also greatly appreciated, and his personal follow up and handling of situations was reassuring."
Joanne & Lou in Woodbridge
"We hired Nick and the DSBG team to finish our basement 2 years ago. The renovation also involved replacing our 100 amp service with a 200 amp service, levelling the entire basement floor, and opening up the main floor access to the basement and replacing the existing utility stairs with a new Oak spiral staircase . Nick and his team were a pleasure to work with. Nick was very professional, thorough, trustworthy, and accessible. He kept us informed at every stage of the renovation, and kept the job within budget and on time. We are extremely proud of the finished product – It’s done to code and it shows great workmanship."
Anthony
"Great company with professional team. DSBG is a great choice if you are looking to build a custom home or new additions."
Lisa & Matt
"Thank you to DSBG Building Group Ltd. for a wonderful renovation and wonderful renovation experience. DSBG renovated our entire main floor of our house which involved moving walls and installing complex steel beams in the ceiling. We now have an amazing open kitchen and family room. Our number one fear going into this renovation was that our house would be pulled apart and then the work would slow or stop preventing us from moving back into our home but that was not a worry with DSBG. They assigned us a dedicated site supervisor as well as a dedicated project manager. Both were friendly and very responsive to our needs and questions. We really felt like we had not only a team working for us but friends who cared as much as we did about our renovation. Every day they showed up and we’re working on our house which was a great comfort to us. The other thing that we love about DSBG was their full service approach to renovations. They provided us with an architect and worked with the city to get all our permits. Once they started they were able to take full control of the project. And best of all their workers and craftsmen took a lot of pride in their work and we feel that the construction work on our home is excellent. We are back in our home now and we are loving our new space. But it’s more than just loving the changes. Our home functions better and feels better Even though we didn’t expand the space it seems to flow and our new kitchen is wonderful for parties and large family get-togethers. This was our first renovation and we were nervous but DSBG was a perfect partner. We would recommend them to family and friends and would be excited to have them renovate for us again on future projects."
Alex
"We used DSBG recently for our home renovation project and Nick and his team were very professional and reliable with every step along the way. The in-house design team and architectural drawings reflected exactly the look and feel we were going for and they gave us some great ideas !! You get the secure feeling right off the bat that they will be committed to your project from start to finish. Very reliable and very honest! It helps take the stress out of renos. We would definitely recommend them!"
DSM
"Always a pleasure dealing with DSBG. They have now completed phase 2 of our dream home project and we couldn’t be happier with the outcome. We look forward to the start of phase 3 of our dream home project in the spring of 2019 !!! Thank You Nick, Stephanie, Melanie and Kyle for your continued dedication and vision !"
Ara in Scarborough
"DSBG is very professional and does the work in the time alotted. they took very good care of our property and the clean up was very minimal based on the job that took place. Work is very detail oriented and diligent. Nick and his team spend the time to explain what you need and they take pride in their work. Thanks guys the house looks great!" 🙂
Paul Raff
"We’ve enjoyed working with the team at DSBG – they’ve been able to execute on a high level and the results speak for themselves."
Sandra & Donato
"The decision to renovate our home came after much research and deliberation. We knew there would be surprises, particularly when building a second-story addition on an existing 88 year-old bungalow. A trustworthy, working relationship with a general contractor is the foundation for a successful project. Clear and direct communication prevents misunderstandings and false expectations that can ultimately lead to a breakdown in any renovation project and can be financially disastrous. In these regards, we made the right choice hiring you. Your experience, knowledge, and contracting skills formed the basis for our successful renovation. Throughout our project, there were a multitude of subcontractors, change orders, payment schedules, and day-to-day decisions. We relied heavily on your judgment, direction, and sound advice. Communication was pivotal in getting it done right the first time. Keeping accurate and detailed transactions for every aspect was daunting. However, with the assistance and support of your office staff, this made our financial accounting efforts manageable. If at any time, we believed something was not accurate, there was an immediate review and quick resolution to the matter. Before finalizing our contract, you provided us names and addresses of previous clients. Their praises for your work were in every contact we made. We trusted our instincts and clearly, we made the right choice. Our completed home is safe, functional, and beautiful. You never ignored what we wanted as clients, nor did you ignore what our home needed throughout each stage during the renovation. Our project has officially completed, yet you continue to respond to our general questions. Seeing our children’s happiness and having their seal of approval, strengthened our appreciation of DSBG Building Group’s standard of excellence, expertise, and professionalism. We would not hesitate to recommend you and your team to anyone. With great appreciation, Sandra Roiati & Donato Antonucci Hi Nick! I love how the house looks now. I’m so happy that I finally have my new room. I like the accent wall, but now it’s covered with all my band posters and drawings. The kitchen island is one of my favourite places because it’s where the family gathers together. I’m so glad that we stayed in the same area. I never want to leave. It’s like change, but in the same place. All the memories are still here, and there will be more to come. (Zoë, age 14) Hi Nick! I just wanted to thank you for the amazing design you gave our new house. I love everything you did. Especially my green bedroom. I love it when me and my family all watch a movie on our TV above the warm fireplace. I feel that our strong family bond gets stronger and stronger every time I wake up. I want to thank you again for this lovely home. Everything you did really helps us in our new home. It’s all here, thanks to you. (Max, age 10)"
Sean & Stephanie
"My wife and | recently decided to undertake a renovation of the entire main floor of our home, along with the main bathroom on the second level. We live in an older Semi-detached home in the North Leaside area of Toronto, and we hoping to find a contractor that was familiar with the homes in the area, to try and keep any unforeseen conditions to a minimum. We searched online and asked around, and our search led us to DSBG Building Group. We contacted them and met with Nick, the President of the company. I found the initial meeting with Nick to be productive and clear. We articulated our design requirements and landed on a high level scope of work for the project, and also identified order of magnitude numbers for the work. Nick also provided us with an overview of the process that his group follows; from initial design, detailed design, finishes and construction. We were provided with a detailed agreement which identified all items that were in and out of scope for the project, along with an end date for the work based on the scope identified. We also identified cash allowances for all items that hadn’t been fully costed, so that there weren’t any surprises. The team that was assigned to us was fantastic. We worked with a designer, Stephanie, who helped us with the design of the space, as well as all of our finishes. She also assisted as a coordinator with the site supervisors to ensure that the finished product reflected the design. The site supervisors, Kyle and Jake that were with us for the duration of the project were also both extremely knowledgeable and communicative. | was even impressed by the quality of the trades that worked on the project. Overall, our experience with DSBG was an excellent one. Nick was extremely responsive throughout the project and always available for any questions. We couldn’t be happier with the work that has been done. We would definitely recommend DSBG to others, as we have already done."
Frances
DSBG brought our dream home to life! Always professional, the team was friendly, accommodating and all had the same goal: making us happy. Custom builds always present challenges but we knew we could overcome anything with the right people on our side – and we did! DSBG was truly a valued partner and we could not have done this without them."
Alex
"DSBG helped my husband and I build the home we’ve been dreaming about for 15 years. It was clear from the onset of the project that DSBG had our interests at heart. They managed the project amazing well, helped us keep costs under control and always made us feel that our happiness was their number one priority. The site was always clean and their staff onsite were always extremely professional and accommodating. We had an excellent experience building with DSBG and if we built again, we would hire them back."
MD
"DSBG came recommended to us by friends who used their services for a main floor renovation. When it came our time to consider builders, we included DSBG in a shortlist of 3 firms. After a thorough review of firms we felt comfortable DBSG would be able to manage our project well, our main areas of focus were timeline and quality. A project manager was identified in addition to a site supervisor, work started at a quick pace and kept on moving. The PM ensured materials and key decisions were made in order to maintain the schedule and the site supervisor managed all relationships with the trades and kept me apprised of any on site issues (and decisions) and provided detail into the work being planned in the upcoming week. | was completely astonished by the professionalism! No costs were charged to me without rigorous discussion and MY approval. | always felt there was a high calibre of knowledge and capability when dealing with issues, which inevitably come up when you open walls of an 80 year old house. Our family lived in the house during this time and we were all treated respectfully and with great care. Everyday before the end of the shift a clean up was done. | cannot say enough how incredible the team is, | essentially had to live with the team for 4 months and would have them in my house for another project again and again. I have recommended DSBG to my friends and look forward to working with them again."
Redant
"Amazing company. Very skilled and knowledgeable. Highly recommended for custom home building projects."
Jane
"We recently renovated our basement after contemplating the idea for a number of years. The idea of strangers coming into our home for an extended period of time to complete a big job like a basement made us nervous, but Nick Mafra’s team at DSBG Building Group was a dream to work with throughout the project. The team was professional, friendly, tidy, and meticulous. We are very happy with the finished product. The millwork we had done in the basement bathroom and bar area looks fantastic. The rooms are bright and spacious. We are excited to be able to share this space with friends and family. I don’t think we could imagine hiring anyone else for future projects. We highly recommend DSBG to anyone renovating their home."
Joanne
"We hired DSBG to finish our basement in 2010 and renovate our master ensuite in 2019. Both jobs resulted in a phenomenal finished product thanks to the DSBG team. We are so pleased with how both projects turned out. They made the whole process straight-forward from start to finish. We really appreciated the constant communication, design help, clear price quote, and their total professionalism. Any changes or issues that came up were addressed quickly. They were open and responsive to any needs and concerns we had along the way. We would highly recommend DSBG to anyone looking to do a major renovation. We are very thankful we found Nick and his team."
Sean & Stephanie
"In 2016, we had Nick and DSBG fully renovate the main floor of our home and also a bathroom on the second floor. We live in an older Semi-detached home in the North Leaside area of Toronto, and we hoping to find a contractor that was familiar with the homes in the area, to try and keep any unforeseen conditions to a minimum. It was clear from the initial meeting with Nick, that we had made the right choice in bringing DSBG in to renovate our home. The full process of developing specifications to the final finishes was clear and well defined. We were provided with a detailed agreement which identified all items that were in and out of scope for the project, along with an end date for the work based on the scope identified. We also identified cash allowances for all items that hadn’t been fully costed, so that there weren’t any surprises. The team at DSBG, from the ownership, office staff, as well as the Site Supervisors and Project Managers were all top notch and fully invested in delivering a quality product. The trades that DSBG uses are all extremely professional and consistently delivered a high end product. If we were ever in a position to engage a contractor in the future, we would not hesitate to work with DSBG in the future and recommend them to our friends and family."
Chris & Tiziana
"It is always the little things that truly make a good experience a great one. We knew we were getting a high quality contractor when we decided to invite DSBG in to our home, we had done the research, however, Nick and team managed to still exceed our high expectations. An attention to detail, and a well organized, well coordinated game plan, designed to adapt to the countless and often unexpected tasks and demands, ensured our experience was a successful one. Renovations are very disruptive, but what was most appreciated was the overall sensitivity to our family’s lifestyle and home experience that Nick’s team exhibited."
Sylvia & John
"It was Our great pleasure to have worked with you and your team for our main floor renovation. Every aspect of the job was dealt with professionally, skillfully and as specified in the original proposal. Your crew was always on time, respectful (as we were living in our home during the renovation) and knowledgeable of all tasks at hand. Most notable was the cleanliness of the job site at the end of the day. We were very satisfied with the whole process and the end result. All work was completed in a timely manner and to the highest standards. What a transformation! We would highly recommend DSBG and we look forward to working with you again in the near future."
Jennifer R Beaches Toronto
"We met Nick Malfara at the home show in 2011. At that time, we had just started speaking with contractors. We interviewed a number of companies as well as smaller contractors and Nick remained our favourite. He worked closely with us to understand the details of the project and helped us plan accordingly. What we liked best: Nick helped us plan and design every part of the project. He worked with us to develop a realistic budget (we had very little overrun). No surprise extra costs. Our house is old so he prepared us that there might be things that we cannot plan for and would incur additional fees. professional tradespeople on site and on time EVERYday regular project status updates and took the time to explain billing outside of items beyond his control, there were absolutely NO delays. We had asbestos removed which delayed work by one day. Nick was able to arrange an abatement contractor immediately Nick is very professional and very customer service focused. He is responsive to emails and voicemails. My husband and | do not have a construction background and Nick was very willing to help us understand the technical parts of the project. He arranged all of the proper permits for the project as well. Most people do not say that they enjoyed a renovation and have all kinds of complaints about delays and unfinished work. My husband and | both found the process to be very smooth and every last detail was taken into account before they left the work site. We will hire DSBG again without hesitation."
Hugo from Toronto
"My wife and | interviewed 10 well-reviewed contractors for our first major home renovation. We had heard many horror stories about home renovations and we were determined to try and mitigate our risk though extensive due diligence. After interviewing the 10 candidates, we narrowed our choices down to 5 possibilities and then went and interviewed and visited their references. After going through that two month process, we ended up with Nick Malfara and his team at DSBG and I am happy to report that we have found our contractor for life (absent Nick deciding to pursue another career!). What immediately struck us about Nick was his level of professionalism, responsiveness and willingness to spend time with us and understand our needs and ideas about our living space. The level of customer service was exemplary — no problem was too small, no question was irrelevant, no time of day was off-limits, we always felt like our concerns were being properly addressed and prioritized. Over the course of several months Nick gained our trust, admiration and friendship for his honesty, integrity and his commitment to our project and to us, not only as clients, but as people. Not only did Nick introduce us to other service providers (e.g. architects and interior designers) that provided us with terrific service at exceptional prices, but he and his team regularly went above and beyond to guide us through the process and make our experience a positive one. We changed our building specifications several times and Nick was always very helpful in answering questions, offering ideas and drawing in the appropriate members of his staff to do the same. Our renovation experience did not have a typical ending. Just as major construction was ready to begin another house in our neighbourhood came up for sale and my wife and I decided that we could not pass up the opportunity to put an offer in. We told Nick that we had to put a hold on our renovation and, if successful in our bid for the new home, we would have to abort the renovation as all of our cash would be tied up in the purchase. We were amazed and extremely appreciative of Nick’s understanding and supportive reaction. Not only was he not upset, he offered to come and walk through the new home with us on bid day (a Saturday!) and give us his thoughts on the structure and ballpark estimates on improvements that we might want to make down the road. His advice and thoughts were insightful and helped us better formulate our bid price on the house. Ultimately, we won the bid on the new home. It was an exciting time for us, but we were concerned about what it would mean in relation to DSBG. We had kept all of our payments up to date with all of our service providers but DSBG had yet to issue an invoice. Nick and his team had put in months of time and effort and countless hours helping us — participating in meetings with architects, designers, electricians, plumbers, engineers, taking us to other DSBG projects to look at examples of ideas and materials, pricing out a range of options for materials, heating and cooling systems and design features, talking me off a ledge when | was ready to spend $40,000 on new appliances in advance of having the kitchen design finalized etc. We assumed that there would be an invoice forthcoming and, quite honestly, we wanted to make sure that Nick and his team were fairly compensated for their efforts. On the night that we won the bid on the new home, we asked Nick to our home so that we could break the news to him in person. He was genuinely happy for us and, to our complete surprise, he refused to accept any payment for all of the services that he had provided to that point. He told us that he viewed the work that he had done to date as business development, that he was happy that he was able to help us and that he hoped that we would hire him when we decided to do the renovations on the new home. INCREDIBLE! We were completely taken aback and deeply appreciative of Nick’s integrity and kindness. We are planning to start renovations anew next summer and we know that we will only have to make one call to hire our contractor!"
E & P
"After a number of years working on the design of our home and imagining every detail, we were anxious to find a partner that would be as passionate about bringing our vision to life as we were and, in 2018, we finally found that with DSBG. Beyond the initial meetings with Nick in which we discussed the detail of the project, we were naturally concerned that all the reassurances we were given would translate through to the DSBG staff and specialist sub-contractors required to deliver the finished product. Although technically a renovation, the scope of the project was significant and required a thorough knowledge of the total build process, from soil conditions and structural implications through to the quality of the final finishes. As we moved into the finishing phase and finally saw our vision come to life, we were struck by the dedication of the DSBG team and their meticulous attention to detail to deliver the highest quality product, particularly as quality can often be compromised as time becomes a critical factor. Throughout the entire process, DSBG worked collaboratively with us, providing guidance and feedback at every stage, which meant that there were no major issues that we had not anticipated. In short, a genuine, transparent, quality-driven company that I would not hesitate to work with again or to recommend to friends and family. It is very rare that a builder and client would become and remain friends after such a mutually stressful process, but that is exactly where we ended up – a strong validation of our initial decision and a real testament to DSBG’s culture – they are not happy until their client is happy. We dreamt it – DSBG built it – we love it!"
DSM
"DSBG has now completed all 3 phases of our dream home project and we are extremely happy with the outcome. Thank you Nick, Stephanie, Melanie and Kyle for your continued dedication and vision ! We would highly recommend DSBG to our friends and family!"
B Shakeel
"After deciding to undertake a whole home reno, we researched general contractors with design/build capabilities, starting with RenoMark contractors doing work in our area. We also added several non-RenoMark contractors, for a total of 6 contractors, including DSBG. Reviews of DSBG were almost unanimously positive, except for one negative review. After discussing scope of work and other matters in my first call with Nick Malfara of DSBG, | asked him about the negative review. Nick was forthright, open and honest in his response, which bode well for the dealings which followed. With so many positive reviews and a reasonable explanation for one negative one, it was very easy to accept that the negative one was an aberration / exception. At our first meeting / walk-through, Nick gave us honest advice, a realistic minimum budget for our scope of work and desired quality level, as well as a realistic timeframe for our project. He was prompt in his follow-up, including a detailed rough budget and written scope of work. After interviewing 5 other general contractors, we shortlisted DSBG and 2 others and subsequently narrowed it down further to DSBG and 1 other (also a RenoMark contractor). In a follow-up meeting with Nick and DSBG’s project manager Tony, my wife remarked that she felt like she was with “family”. They gave us straight answers to all our questions and left us feeling comfortable and confident about the reno. Nick took us to several DSBG client sites / projects and gave us numerous past clients as references to contact. Based on everything we saw and all that we heard, DSBG was an easy choice. We selected them in August 2014 with the condition that they be ready to hit the ground running at the start of January 2015. After working through the fall of 2014, all the design work was completed and permit approvals submitted for approval. Exactly as planned, DSBG started work on the first business day of January and worked diligently every single day until we re- occupied our house this past summer 2015."
Backstage Hair Salon
"Nearly a year has passed since we completed the building of our second location with DSBG Building Group in Oakville and we are sorry for the delay in getting this to you so late. However, we did want to share with you our appreciation for the work you and your team of project managers, trades and employees did in building out our entirely new salon, especially Senior Project Manager, Tony. Everyone was courteous and professional and addressed our numerous questions and the changes made by our interior designer. The quality of the finished product was exceptional, on time and on the established budget for the project. DSBG’s ability to liase with the mall developer and their requirements to maintain a LEED certified development was also well coordinated. In the end, it all came together very well and we receive ongoing compliments from our customers, both new and existing, about how well designed and built the space is and how it feels comfortable. We would wholeheartedly recommend you and Desig-Spec Building Group Ltd. to any business owner requiring professional and well executed construction and project management."
Denise
"Nick and his team performed a high quality & intricate renovation to our home timely and efficiently. Nick and his team managed the entire project and ensured that all our questions throughout were addressed and kept us involved during the whole process. If there is one word that I would use to describe DSBG it would be 'Trustworthy.' "
Bruce
"We contracted with DSBG to build a home for us. From the beginning Nick and his team provided excellent advice at the planning stage and during construction. They recommended high quality contractors and trades and supervised their work. Nick and his team were always available to resolve issues and regular project management updates. The project was completed on time and on budget to a high quality. We are very pleased with our experience with DSBG."
Michele
"DSBG Building Group was recommended to me by some tough customers and I could not have made a better choice. They have been professional, informed, thorough and most importantly, bring pride and integrity to every detail. Their trades were timely, efficient and personable. In all, I felt that my massive renovation was in the hands and minds of skilled craftsmen and suppliers of long standing and top quality. They have my eternal gratitude for shepherding my vision to the best possible version of my home."
Kohn Shnier Architects
"We worked with DSBG on a complex addition/renovation project. As architects, our design work is contemporary and restrained. We avoid the use of moldings and trims and demand very small tolerances in the relationship between materials. Our details are minimal and therefore it is easy to see when work is not done to exacting standards. When we met them, we were skeptical about DSBG’s experience in executing a project to our standards. We were therefore very pleased indeed when their considerable efforts resulted in a work that stands up to these standards. | believe that DSBG really puts a team effort into each of their projects. Their project manager Tony was a pleasure to work with and their administrative staff were always there to take our calls and assist in sorting out issues as they invariably come up on a complex building project."
Teresa
"I have had DSBG renovate my home in 2 Phases, In Spring, 2014 and Fall, 2016. The advise, professionalism and Nick’s expertise was beyond my expectations! My projects were completed to perfection. I’m looking forward to a future Phase 3! Thank you Nick and the amazing Teams working with you!"
Gemma
"This past summer, we once again had the pleasure of hiring DSBG. This time it was to complete our backyard renovation (that was left unfinished from a nightmare of a contractor). Nick and his team were brought in mid reno to complete our cabana and to built our two tiered arbor, to specification that had previously been designed. Joe and Austin were the woodworkers assigned to our project. They were knowledgable, meticulous and precise with all they built and repaired. We were happy they managed to complete the work within two weeks. We are very pleased with the quality of work and craftsmanship they provided us. The DSBG team once again delivered great customer service while staying on budget. Thank you Nick!"
Athena & Renato
"We hired Nick and the DSBG team for our complete home renovation 2 years ago. Our project was extensive and included a complete gut and re-design of the kitchen and 3 bathrooms, installing additional light fixtures throughout the house, upgrading the electrical service, new flooring, trim, casings and crown molding throughout, scraping the popcorn ceilings, replacing our two-sided gas fireplace and updating the surround, sanding and painting/staining the staircase, as well as moving several walls, closets and bulkheads. Our timeline was tight, but Nick ensured a full team was on site every day, and was able to complete our project in just under 3 months. Both Nick, and our site supervisor Joey, kept the lines of communication open, and presented us with options when any unexpected situation arose. Nick and Joey also worked closely with our Designer and her assistant, which helped keep the project moving with minimum delays. Two years later, we are very happy with our home renovation and would readily recommend Nick and the DSBG team."
Bruce
"We want to thank you and your team for the excellent project management of the construction of our new house. From our first meeting to the final inspection you and your team were always available for consultation and provided honest and well informed advice on selection of contractors, materials and resolution of the inevitable on -site issues. We appreciate your commitment to selecting good trades who do quality work at competitive prices. Issues with the trades were resolved quickly and we always felt your team was working for us to produce a high quality project. John’s daily on site supervision and Tony’s regular project inspections ensured the project was managed well. The overall project was completed on schedule and close to budget. We are very pleased with the quality of the completed project and are happy to recommend you to others."
Liz
"Nick and the DSBG team are consummate professionals. DSBG did a main floor and basement reno for us in the Spring of 2016. Our house is 70 years old, so we had to deal with some left over asbestos, and lots of irregular angles, to change our dated Leaside semi into the modern space we wanted. As with many of you, we struggled with the cost of getting the results we desired, and the sacrifices to the dream to fit what we could afford. Throughout the process, Nick & team provided clear, detailed information, and alternative suggestions where possible. Everything was handled in writing, and all changes were done through approved change orders. More importantly for us, however, every single one of Nick’s direct employees is amazing to deal with. Everyone is professional, friendly and went out of their way to make the project go smoothly. We would definitely recommend DSBG to any of our friends (and have already done so)."
CR
"We recently completed a renovation of our second floor which consisted of two new baths, new flooring, new doors and pot lighting as well as installation of built-in cabinetry. The work extended into our main floor and basement since our home has an open foyer – we redid the staircase and removed wall paper throughout impacting all three levels of our home. So what seemingly started out as a cosmetic update actually turned out to be a fairly big project. We had worked with our own interior designer on the bath and millwork designs and then selected DSBG as our general contractor to bring the project to life. Nick and his entire team take their business very seriously and are focused on delivering a quality product in a timely manner and to long-term customer satisfaction. We liked their approach to project management — there was structure to the process and timelines to set expectations. We were also impressed with the manner in which they protected areas that were not being touched by the project. Before any of the serious work began, they spent a lot of time preparing the site which speaks to their level of respect for a customer’s home. The entire team always demonstrated the utmost professionalism as well as pride in their employer. We especially liked having an on-site project lead (Adam) here every day to keep the project moving along, supervise trades people and very competently answer or escalate any of our questions. Between Adam, Nick and a number of other contacts, there was always someone available if we needed to talk. We love our new space, would use DSBG again and would highly recommend them to others. Thanks Nick, Adam and the whole DSBG team!"
JIhamaki
"DSBG was professional and true to their word every step of the way. From the thoroughness of our contract, to the daily updates, and the knowledge and friendliness of the team, nothing was left to chance and there were no surprises. We are thrilled with the quality of work and would recommend them."
Alica
"With all the day-to-day pressures, there never seems to be a moment to stop and reflect on accomplishments. Having reached a major milestone with the completion of our new headquarters, | would like to pause for a moment. You and | have worked closely together over the past seven months, and although you have probably gotten more than your fill of me, | have been able to see – in a myriad of ways – the exceptional effort that you and your team routinely do. DSBG has taken an extremely difficult project and completed it in a thoroughly professional manner. You have taken a 100-year-old neglected heritage building and turned it into a modern headquarters that will serve my company for many years to come. You understand my vision and always made decisions with our best interests in mind, understanding that it takes highly qualified personnel to maintain good relationships."
Jane
"A few years ago, the professionals at DSBG completely renovated my basement. It was a large unfinished space with seemingly endless possibilities in terms of finishes and details. While renovating a large space can feel overwhelming, Nick Malfara’s team worked patiently with me to find all the right choices and finishes, and we are thrilled with the results! Communication is key with any renovation, and in my opinion, Nick gets full marks in this area. Whether in person or by email, Nick addresses your questions/concerns in a respectful and timely manner. The basement now gets used all the time. After a few years of use, it still looks fabulous. Nick’s team is thorough, friendly, and polite. If you are considering renovating, I would highly recommend DSBG for your project."
Maryanna
"I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for the efforts of your team to oversee our vision through to fruition. As any home owner can attest, living through an invasive renovation is always a challenge. The professionalism and experience of your contractors gave us the confidence to execute this project, including the underpinning our 85 year old Toronto home. The local craftsmen were amazing, truly paramount to respecting our homes heritage and our design. Thank you for your patience with our endless design changes, we are thrilled with the final results."
Testimonials
Scott & Jennifer
"Over the course of a few years DSBG Building Group has completed three large scale construction projects for us; a main floor and kitchen renovation, a basement renovation and a full backyard/landscaping and swimming pool construction project. They consistently demonstrated a hands on and very detailed approach with every facet of each project including design, construction and full completion. The owner, Nick Malfara, was involved with each of the projects overseeing the scheduling, site staff and trade coordination. DSBG Building Group has the ability to efficiently manage their team and get the job done promptly, on schedule and on budget. They exceeded our expectations while managing multitudes of suppliers, trades and employees. DSBG Building Group Ltd is a class act company with integrity and a dedication to high quality work and satisfying their customers. We wholeheartedly recommend DSBG for any custom home or major renovation project."
P&Z Oakville
"We have settled into our home in the past few months and we admire on a daily basis the work that was completed by DSBG. And we have had this pleasure, not just once, but twice, in a span of four years! Working closely with Christine McGee of Jaqueline Glass and Associates on the design, and with your team for the execution of the vision we had collaborated on was a pleasure. Both you and Christine have high standards, and the end results are beautiful, functional and inspirational. DSBG completed the large scope of both projects in very tight time frames which required the orchestration of trades, master craftsmen and specialty skills. In addition, we appreciated your willingness to listen to our list of “must-haves” and making them happen. While the renovations did have some hiccups, as most of them do, we also liked your open lines of communication in the process. Tony’s quick response to concerns were also greatly appreciated, and his personal follow up and handling of situations was reassuring."
Joanne & Lou in Woodbridge
"We hired Nick and the DSBG team to finish our basement 2 years ago. The renovation also involved replacing our 100 amp service with a 200 amp service, levelling the entire basement floor, and opening up the main floor access to the basement and replacing the existing utility stairs with a new Oak spiral staircase . Nick and his team were a pleasure to work with. Nick was very professional, thorough, trustworthy, and accessible. He kept us informed at every stage of the renovation, and kept the job within budget and on time. We are extremely proud of the finished product – It’s done to code and it shows great workmanship."
Anthony
"Great company with professional team. DSBG is a great choice if you are looking to build a custom home or new additions."
Lisa & Matt
"Thank you to DSBG Building Group Ltd. for a wonderful renovation and wonderful renovation experience. DSBG renovated our entire main floor of our house which involved moving walls and installing complex steel beams in the ceiling. We now have an amazing open kitchen and family room. Our number one fear going into this renovation was that our house would be pulled apart and then the work would slow or stop preventing us from moving back into our home but that was not a worry with DSBG. They assigned us a dedicated site supervisor as well as a dedicated project manager. Both were friendly and very responsive to our needs and questions. We really felt like we had not only a team working for us but friends who cared as much as we did about our renovation. Every day they showed up and we’re working on our house which was a great comfort to us. The other thing that we love about DSBG was their full service approach to renovations. They provided us with an architect and worked with the city to get all our permits. Once they started they were able to take full control of the project. And best of all their workers and craftsmen took a lot of pride in their work and we feel that the construction work on our home is excellent. We are back in our home now and we are loving our new space. But it’s more than just loving the changes. Our home functions better and feels better Even though we didn’t expand the space it seems to flow and our new kitchen is wonderful for parties and large family get-togethers. This was our first renovation and we were nervous but DSBG was a perfect partner. We would recommend them to family and friends and would be excited to have them renovate for us again on future projects."
Alex
"We used DSBG recently for our home renovation project and Nick and his team were very professional and reliable with every step along the way. The in-house design team and architectural drawings reflected exactly the look and feel we were going for and they gave us some great ideas !! You get the secure feeling right off the bat that they will be committed to your project from start to finish. Very reliable and very honest! It helps take the stress out of renos. We would definitely recommend them!"
DSM
"Always a pleasure dealing with DSBG. They have now completed phase 2 of our dream home project and we couldn’t be happier with the outcome. We look forward to the start of phase 3 of our dream home project in the spring of 2019 !!! Thank You Nick, Stephanie, Melanie and Kyle for your continued dedication and vision !"
Ara in Scarborough
"DSBG is very professional and does the work in the time alotted. they took very good care of our property and the clean up was very minimal based on the job that took place. Work is very detail oriented and diligent. Nick and his team spend the time to explain what you need and they take pride in their work. Thanks guys the house looks great!" 🙂
Paul Raff
"We’ve enjoyed working with the team at DSBG – they’ve been able to execute on a high level and the results speak for themselves."
Sandra & Donato
"The decision to renovate our home came after much research and deliberation. We knew there would be surprises, particularly when building a second-story addition on an existing 88 year-old bungalow. A trustworthy, working relationship with a general contractor is the foundation for a successful project. Clear and direct communication prevents misunderstandings and false expectations that can ultimately lead to a breakdown in any renovation project and can be financially disastrous. In these regards, we made the right choice hiring you. Your experience, knowledge, and contracting skills formed the basis for our successful renovation. Throughout our project, there were a multitude of subcontractors, change orders, payment schedules, and day-to-day decisions. We relied heavily on your judgment, direction, and sound advice. Communication was pivotal in getting it done right the first time. Keeping accurate and detailed transactions for every aspect was daunting. However, with the assistance and support of your office staff, this made our financial accounting efforts manageable. If at any time, we believed something was not accurate, there was an immediate review and quick resolution to the matter. Before finalizing our contract, you provided us names and addresses of previous clients. Their praises for your work were in every contact we made. We trusted our instincts and clearly, we made the right choice. Our completed home is safe, functional, and beautiful. You never ignored what we wanted as clients, nor did you ignore what our home needed throughout each stage during the renovation. Our project has officially completed, yet you continue to respond to our general questions. Seeing our children’s happiness and having their seal of approval, strengthened our appreciation of DSBG Building Group’s standard of excellence, expertise, and professionalism. We would not hesitate to recommend you and your team to anyone. With great appreciation, Sandra Roiati & Donato Antonucci Hi Nick! I love how the house looks now. I’m so happy that I finally have my new room. I like the accent wall, but now it’s covered with all my band posters and drawings. The kitchen island is one of my favourite places because it’s where the family gathers together. I’m so glad that we stayed in the same area. I never want to leave. It’s like change, but in the same place. All the memories are still here, and there will be more to come. (Zoë, age 14) Hi Nick! I just wanted to thank you for the amazing design you gave our new house. I love everything you did. Especially my green bedroom. I love it when me and my family all watch a movie on our TV above the warm fireplace. I feel that our strong family bond gets stronger and stronger every time I wake up. I want to thank you again for this lovely home. Everything you did really helps us in our new home. It’s all here, thanks to you. (Max, age 10)"
Sean & Stephanie
"My wife and | recently decided to undertake a renovation of the entire main floor of our home, along with the main bathroom on the second level. We live in an older Semi-detached home in the North Leaside area of Toronto, and we hoping to find a contractor that was familiar with the homes in the area, to try and keep any unforeseen conditions to a minimum. We searched online and asked around, and our search led us to DSBG Building Group. We contacted them and met with Nick, the President of the company. I found the initial meeting with Nick to be productive and clear. We articulated our design requirements and landed on a high level scope of work for the project, and also identified order of magnitude numbers for the work. Nick also provided us with an overview of the process that his group follows; from initial design, detailed design, finishes and construction. We were provided with a detailed agreement which identified all items that were in and out of scope for the project, along with an end date for the work based on the scope identified. We also identified cash allowances for all items that hadn’t been fully costed, so that there weren’t any surprises. The team that was assigned to us was fantastic. We worked with a designer, Stephanie, who helped us with the design of the space, as well as all of our finishes. She also assisted as a coordinator with the site supervisors to ensure that the finished product reflected the design. The site supervisors, Kyle and Jake that were with us for the duration of the project were also both extremely knowledgeable and communicative. | was even impressed by the quality of the trades that worked on the project. Overall, our experience with DSBG was an excellent one. Nick was extremely responsive throughout the project and always available for any questions. We couldn’t be happier with the work that has been done. We would definitely recommend DSBG to others, as we have already done."
Frances
DSBG brought our dream home to life! Always professional, the team was friendly, accommodating and all had the same goal: making us happy. Custom builds always present challenges but we knew we could overcome anything with the right people on our side – and we did! DSBG was truly a valued partner and we could not have done this without them."
Alex
"DSBG helped my husband and I build the home we’ve been dreaming about for 15 years. It was clear from the onset of the project that DSBG had our interests at heart. They managed the project amazing well, helped us keep costs under control and always made us feel that our happiness was their number one priority. The site was always clean and their staff onsite were always extremely professional and accommodating. We had an excellent experience building with DSBG and if we built again, we would hire them back."
MD
"DSBG came recommended to us by friends who used their services for a main floor renovation. When it came our time to consider builders, we included DSBG in a shortlist of 3 firms. After a thorough review of firms we felt comfortable DBSG would be able to manage our project well, our main areas of focus were timeline and quality. A project manager was identified in addition to a site supervisor, work started at a quick pace and kept on moving. The PM ensured materials and key decisions were made in order to maintain the schedule and the site supervisor managed all relationships with the trades and kept me apprised of any on site issues (and decisions) and provided detail into the work being planned in the upcoming week. | was completely astonished by the professionalism! No costs were charged to me without rigorous discussion and MY approval. | always felt there was a high calibre of knowledge and capability when dealing with issues, which inevitably come up when you open walls of an 80 year old house. Our family lived in the house during this time and we were all treated respectfully and with great care. Everyday before the end of the shift a clean up was done. | cannot say enough how incredible the team is, | essentially had to live with the team for 4 months and would have them in my house for another project again and again. I have recommended DSBG to my friends and look forward to working with them again."
Redant
"Amazing company. Very skilled and knowledgeable. Highly recommended for custom home building projects."
Jane
"We recently renovated our basement after contemplating the idea for a number of years. The idea of strangers coming into our home for an extended period of time to complete a big job like a basement made us nervous, but Nick Mafra’s team at DSBG Building Group was a dream to work with throughout the project. The team was professional, friendly, tidy, and meticulous. We are very happy with the finished product. The millwork we had done in the basement bathroom and bar area looks fantastic. The rooms are bright and spacious. We are excited to be able to share this space with friends and family. I don’t think we could imagine hiring anyone else for future projects. We highly recommend DSBG to anyone renovating their home."
Joanne
"We hired DSBG to finish our basement in 2010 and renovate our master ensuite in 2019. Both jobs resulted in a phenomenal finished product thanks to the DSBG team. We are so pleased with how both projects turned out. They made the whole process straight-forward from start to finish. We really appreciated the constant communication, design help, clear price quote, and their total professionalism. Any changes or issues that came up were addressed quickly. They were open and responsive to any needs and concerns we had along the way. We would highly recommend DSBG to anyone looking to do a major renovation. We are very thankful we found Nick and his team."
Sean & Stephanie
"In 2016, we had Nick and DSBG fully renovate the main floor of our home and also a bathroom on the second floor. We live in an older Semi-detached home in the North Leaside area of Toronto, and we hoping to find a contractor that was familiar with the homes in the area, to try and keep any unforeseen conditions to a minimum. It was clear from the initial meeting with Nick, that we had made the right choice in bringing DSBG in to renovate our home. The full process of developing specifications to the final finishes was clear and well defined. We were provided with a detailed agreement which identified all items that were in and out of scope for the project, along with an end date for the work based on the scope identified. We also identified cash allowances for all items that hadn’t been fully costed, so that there weren’t any surprises. The team at DSBG, from the ownership, office staff, as well as the Site Supervisors and Project Managers were all top notch and fully invested in delivering a quality product. The trades that DSBG uses are all extremely professional and consistently delivered a high end product. If we were ever in a position to engage a contractor in the future, we would not hesitate to work with DSBG in the future and recommend them to our friends and family."
Chris & Tiziana
"It is always the little things that truly make a good experience a great one. We knew we were getting a high quality contractor when we decided to invite DSBG in to our home, we had done the research, however, Nick and team managed to still exceed our high expectations. An attention to detail, and a well organized, well coordinated game plan, designed to adapt to the countless and often unexpected tasks and demands, ensured our experience was a successful one. Renovations are very disruptive, but what was most appreciated was the overall sensitivity to our family’s lifestyle and home experience that Nick’s team exhibited."
Sylvia & John
"It was Our great pleasure to have worked with you and your team for our main floor renovation. Every aspect of the job was dealt with professionally, skillfully and as specified in the original proposal. Your crew was always on time, respectful (as we were living in our home during the renovation) and knowledgeable of all tasks at hand. Most notable was the cleanliness of the job site at the end of the day. We were very satisfied with the whole process and the end result. All work was completed in a timely manner and to the highest standards. What a transformation! We would highly recommend DSBG and we look forward to working with you again in the near future."
Jennifer R Beaches Toronto
"We met Nick Malfara at the home show in 2011. At that time, we had just started speaking with contractors. We interviewed a number of companies as well as smaller contractors and Nick remained our favourite. He worked closely with us to understand the details of the project and helped us plan accordingly. What we liked best: Nick helped us plan and design every part of the project. He worked with us to develop a realistic budget (we had very little overrun). No surprise extra costs. Our house is old so he prepared us that there might be things that we cannot plan for and would incur additional fees. professional tradespeople on site and on time EVERYday regular project status updates and took the time to explain billing outside of items beyond his control, there were absolutely NO delays. We had asbestos removed which delayed work by one day. Nick was able to arrange an abatement contractor immediately Nick is very professional and very customer service focused. He is responsive to emails and voicemails. My husband and | do not have a construction background and Nick was very willing to help us understand the technical parts of the project. He arranged all of the proper permits for the project as well. Most people do not say that they enjoyed a renovation and have all kinds of complaints about delays and unfinished work. My husband and | both found the process to be very smooth and every last detail was taken into account before they left the work site. We will hire DSBG again without hesitation."
Hugo from Toronto
"My wife and | interviewed 10 well-reviewed contractors for our first major home renovation. We had heard many horror stories about home renovations and we were determined to try and mitigate our risk though extensive due diligence. After interviewing the 10 candidates, we narrowed our choices down to 5 possibilities and then went and interviewed and visited their references. After going through that two month process, we ended up with Nick Malfara and his team at DSBG and I am happy to report that we have found our contractor for life (absent Nick deciding to pursue another career!). What immediately struck us about Nick was his level of professionalism, responsiveness and willingness to spend time with us and understand our needs and ideas about our living space. The level of customer service was exemplary — no problem was too small, no question was irrelevant, no time of day was off-limits, we always felt like our concerns were being properly addressed and prioritized. Over the course of several months Nick gained our trust, admiration and friendship for his honesty, integrity and his commitment to our project and to us, not only as clients, but as people. Not only did Nick introduce us to other service providers (e.g. architects and interior designers) that provided us with terrific service at exceptional prices, but he and his team regularly went above and beyond to guide us through the process and make our experience a positive one. We changed our building specifications several times and Nick was always very helpful in answering questions, offering ideas and drawing in the appropriate members of his staff to do the same. Our renovation experience did not have a typical ending. Just as major construction was ready to begin another house in our neighbourhood came up for sale and my wife and I decided that we could not pass up the opportunity to put an offer in. We told Nick that we had to put a hold on our renovation and, if successful in our bid for the new home, we would have to abort the renovation as all of our cash would be tied up in the purchase. We were amazed and extremely appreciative of Nick’s understanding and supportive reaction. Not only was he not upset, he offered to come and walk through the new home with us on bid day (a Saturday!) and give us his thoughts on the structure and ballpark estimates on improvements that we might want to make down the road. His advice and thoughts were insightful and helped us better formulate our bid price on the house. Ultimately, we won the bid on the new home. It was an exciting time for us, but we were concerned about what it would mean in relation to DSBG. We had kept all of our payments up to date with all of our service providers but DSBG had yet to issue an invoice. Nick and his team had put in months of time and effort and countless hours helping us — participating in meetings with architects, designers, electricians, plumbers, engineers, taking us to other DSBG projects to look at examples of ideas and materials, pricing out a range of options for materials, heating and cooling systems and design features, talking me off a ledge when | was ready to spend $40,000 on new appliances in advance of having the kitchen design finalized etc. We assumed that there would be an invoice forthcoming and, quite honestly, we wanted to make sure that Nick and his team were fairly compensated for their efforts. On the night that we won the bid on the new home, we asked Nick to our home so that we could break the news to him in person. He was genuinely happy for us and, to our complete surprise, he refused to accept any payment for all of the services that he had provided to that point. He told us that he viewed the work that he had done to date as business development, that he was happy that he was able to help us and that he hoped that we would hire him when we decided to do the renovations on the new home. INCREDIBLE! We were completely taken aback and deeply appreciative of Nick’s integrity and kindness. We are planning to start renovations anew next summer and we know that we will only have to make one call to hire our contractor!"
E & P
"After a number of years working on the design of our home and imagining every detail, we were anxious to find a partner that would be as passionate about bringing our vision to life as we were and, in 2018, we finally found that with DSBG. Beyond the initial meetings with Nick in which we discussed the detail of the project, we were naturally concerned that all the reassurances we were given would translate through to the DSBG staff and specialist sub-contractors required to deliver the finished product. Although technically a renovation, the scope of the project was significant and required a thorough knowledge of the total build process, from soil conditions and structural implications through to the quality of the final finishes. As we moved into the finishing phase and finally saw our vision come to life, we were struck by the dedication of the DSBG team and their meticulous attention to detail to deliver the highest quality product, particularly as quality can often be compromised as time becomes a critical factor. Throughout the entire process, DSBG worked collaboratively with us, providing guidance and feedback at every stage, which meant that there were no major issues that we had not anticipated. In short, a genuine, transparent, quality-driven company that I would not hesitate to work with again or to recommend to friends and family. It is very rare that a builder and client would become and remain friends after such a mutually stressful process, but that is exactly where we ended up – a strong validation of our initial decision and a real testament to DSBG’s culture – they are not happy until their client is happy. We dreamt it – DSBG built it – we love it!"
DSM
"DSBG has now completed all 3 phases of our dream home project and we are extremely happy with the outcome. Thank you Nick, Stephanie, Melanie and Kyle for your continued dedication and vision ! We would highly recommend DSBG to our friends and family!"
B Shakeel
"After deciding to undertake a whole home reno, we researched general contractors with design/build capabilities, starting with RenoMark contractors doing work in our area. We also added several non-RenoMark contractors, for a total of 6 contractors, including DSBG. Reviews of DSBG were almost unanimously positive, except for one negative review. After discussing scope of work and other matters in my first call with Nick Malfara of DSBG, | asked him about the negative review. Nick was forthright, open and honest in his response, which bode well for the dealings which followed. With so many positive reviews and a reasonable explanation for one negative one, it was very easy to accept that the negative one was an aberration / exception. At our first meeting / walk-through, Nick gave us honest advice, a realistic minimum budget for our scope of work and desired quality level, as well as a realistic timeframe for our project. He was prompt in his follow-up, including a detailed rough budget and written scope of work. After interviewing 5 other general contractors, we shortlisted DSBG and 2 others and subsequently narrowed it down further to DSBG and 1 other (also a RenoMark contractor). In a follow-up meeting with Nick and DSBG’s project manager Tony, my wife remarked that she felt like she was with “family”. They gave us straight answers to all our questions and left us feeling comfortable and confident about the reno. Nick took us to several DSBG client sites / projects and gave us numerous past clients as references to contact. Based on everything we saw and all that we heard, DSBG was an easy choice. We selected them in August 2014 with the condition that they be ready to hit the ground running at the start of January 2015. After working through the fall of 2014, all the design work was completed and permit approvals submitted for approval. Exactly as planned, DSBG started work on the first business day of January and worked diligently every single day until we re- occupied our house this past summer 2015."
Backstage Hair Salon
"Nearly a year has passed since we completed the building of our second location with DSBG Building Group in Oakville and we are sorry for the delay in getting this to you so late. However, we did want to share with you our appreciation for the work you and your team of project managers, trades and employees did in building out our entirely new salon, especially Senior Project Manager, Tony. Everyone was courteous and professional and addressed our numerous questions and the changes made by our interior designer. The quality of the finished product was exceptional, on time and on the established budget for the project. DSBG’s ability to liase with the mall developer and their requirements to maintain a LEED certified development was also well coordinated. In the end, it all came together very well and we receive ongoing compliments from our customers, both new and existing, about how well designed and built the space is and how it feels comfortable. We would wholeheartedly recommend you and Desig-Spec Building Group Ltd. to any business owner requiring professional and well executed construction and project management."
Denise
"Nick and his team performed a high quality & intricate renovation to our home timely and efficiently. Nick and his team managed the entire project and ensured that all our questions throughout were addressed and kept us involved during the whole process. If there is one word that I would use to describe DSBG it would be 'Trustworthy.' "
Bruce
"We contracted with DSBG to build a home for us. From the beginning Nick and his team provided excellent advice at the planning stage and during construction. They recommended high quality contractors and trades and supervised their work. Nick and his team were always available to resolve issues and regular project management updates. The project was completed on time and on budget to a high quality. We are very pleased with our experience with DSBG."
Michele
"DSBG Building Group was recommended to me by some tough customers and I could not have made a better choice. They have been professional, informed, thorough and most importantly, bring pride and integrity to every detail. Their trades were timely, efficient and personable. In all, I felt that my massive renovation was in the hands and minds of skilled craftsmen and suppliers of long standing and top quality. They have my eternal gratitude for shepherding my vision to the best possible version of my home."
Kohn Shnier Architects
"We worked with DSBG on a complex addition/renovation project. As architects, our design work is contemporary and restrained. We avoid the use of moldings and trims and demand very small tolerances in the relationship between materials. Our details are minimal and therefore it is easy to see when work is not done to exacting standards. When we met them, we were skeptical about DSBG’s experience in executing a project to our standards. We were therefore very pleased indeed when their considerable efforts resulted in a work that stands up to these standards. | believe that DSBG really puts a team effort into each of their projects. Their project manager Tony was a pleasure to work with and their administrative staff were always there to take our calls and assist in sorting out issues as they invariably come up on a complex building project."
Teresa
"I have had DSBG renovate my home in 2 Phases, In Spring, 2014 and Fall, 2016. The advise, professionalism and Nick’s expertise was beyond my expectations! My projects were completed to perfection. I’m looking forward to a future Phase 3! Thank you Nick and the amazing Teams working with you!"
Denise
"Nick and his team performed a high quality & intricate renovation to our home timely and efficiently. Nick and his team managed the entire project and ensured that all our questions throughout were addressed and kept us involved during the whole process. If there is one word that I would use to describe DSBG it would be 'Trustworthy'. "
Gemma
"This past summer, we once again had the pleasure of hiring DSBG. This time it was to complete our backyard renovation (that was left unfinished from a nightmare of a contractor). Nick and his team were brought in mid reno to complete our cabana and to built our two tiered arbor, to specification that had previously been designed. Joe and Austin were the woodworkers assigned to our project. They were knowledgable, meticulous and precise with all they built and repaired. We were happy they managed to complete the work within two weeks. We are very pleased with the quality of work and craftsmanship they provided us. The DSBG team once again delivered great customer service while staying on budget. Thank you Nick!"
Athena & Renato
"We hired Nick and the DSBG team for our complete home renovation 2 years ago. Our project was extensive and included a complete gut and re-design of the kitchen and 3 bathrooms, installing additional light fixtures throughout the house, upgrading the electrical service, new flooring, trim, casings and crown molding throughout, scraping the popcorn ceilings, replacing our two-sided gas fireplace and updating the surround, sanding and painting/staining the staircase, as well as moving several walls, closets and bulkheads. Our timeline was tight, but Nick ensured a full team was on site every day, and was able to complete our project in just under 3 months. Both Nick, and our site supervisor Joey, kept the lines of communication open, and presented us with options when any unexpected situation arose. Nick and Joey also worked closely with our Designer and her assistant, which helped keep the project moving with minimum delays. Two years later, we are very happy with our home renovation and would readily recommend Nick and the DSBG team."
Bruce
"We want to thank you and your team for the excellent project management of the construction of our new house. From our first meeting to the final inspection you and your team were always available for consultation and provided honest and well informed advice on selection of contractors, materials and resolution of the inevitable on -site issues. We appreciate your commitment to selecting good trades who do quality work at competitive prices. Issues with the trades were resolved quickly and we always felt your team was working for us to produce a high quality project. John’s daily on site supervision and Tony’s regular project inspections ensured the project was managed well. The overall project was completed on schedule and close to budget. We are very pleased with the quality of the completed project and are happy to recommend you to others."
Liz
"Nick and the DSBG team are consummate professionals. DSBG did a main floor and basement reno for us in the Spring of 2016. Our house is 70 years old, so we had to deal with some left over asbestos, and lots of irregular angles, to change our dated Leaside semi into the modern space we wanted. As with many of you, we struggled with the cost of getting the results we desired, and the sacrifices to the dream to fit what we could afford. Throughout the process, Nick & team provided clear, detailed information, and alternative suggestions where possible. Everything was handled in writing, and all changes were done through approved change orders. More importantly for us, however, every single one of Nick’s direct employees is amazing to deal with. Everyone is professional, friendly and went out of their way to make the project go smoothly. We would definitely recommend DSBG to any of our friends (and have already done so)."
CR
"We recently completed a renovation of our second floor which consisted of two new baths, new flooring, new doors and pot lighting as well as installation of built-in cabinetry. The work extended into our main floor and basement since our home has an open foyer – we redid the staircase and removed wall paper throughout impacting all three levels of our home. So what seemingly started out as a cosmetic update actually turned out to be a fairly big project. We had worked with our own interior designer on the bath and millwork designs and then selected DSBG as our general contractor to bring the project to life. Nick and his entire team take their business very seriously and are focused on delivering a quality product in a timely manner and to long-term customer satisfaction. We liked their approach to project management — there was structure to the process and timelines to set expectations. We were also impressed with the manner in which they protected areas that were not being touched by the project. Before any of the serious work began, they spent a lot of time preparing the site which speaks to their level of respect for a customer’s home. The entire team always demonstrated the utmost professionalism as well as pride in their employer. We especially liked having an on-site project lead (Adam) here every day to keep the project moving along, supervise trades people and very competently answer or escalate any of our questions. Between Adam, Nick and a number of other contacts, there was always someone available if we needed to talk. We love our new space, would use DSBG again and would highly recommend them to others. Thanks Nick, Adam and the whole DSBG team!"
JIhamaki
"DSBG was professional and true to their word every step of the way. From the thoroughness of our contract, to the daily updates, and the knowledge and friendliness of the team, nothing was left to chance and there were no surprises. We are thrilled with the quality of work and would recommend them."
Teresa
"I have had DSBG renovate my home in 2 Phases, in Spring, 2014 and Fall, 2016. The advise, professionalism and Nick’s expertise was beyond my expectations! My projects were completed to perfection. I’m looking forward to a future Phase 3! Thank you Nick and the amazing Teams working with you!"
Alica
"With all the day-to-day pressures, there never seems to be a moment to stop and reflect on accomplishments. Having reached a major milestone with the completion of our new headquarters, | would like to pause for a moment. You and | have worked closely together over the past seven months, and although you have probably gotten more than your fill of me, | have been able to see – in a myriad of ways – the exceptional effort that you and your team routinely do. DSBG has taken an extremely difficult project and completed it in a thoroughly professional manner. You have taken a 100-year-old neglected heritage building and turned it into a modern headquarters that will serve my company for many years to come. You understand my vision and always made decisions with our best interests in mind, understanding that it takes highly qualified personnel to maintain good relationships."
Jane
"A few years ago, the professionals at DSBG completely renovated my basement. It was a large unfinished space with seemingly endless possibilities in terms of finishes and details. While renovating a large space can feel overwhelming, Nick Malfara’s team worked patiently with me to find all the right choices and finishes, and we are thrilled with the results! Communication is key with any renovation, and in my opinion, Nick gets full marks in this area. Whether in person or by email, Nick addresses your questions/concerns in a respectful and timely manner. The basement now gets used all the time. After a few years of use, it still looks fabulous. Nick’s team is thorough, friendly, and polite. If you are considering renovating, I would highly recommend DSBG for your project."
Maryanna
"I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for the efforts of your team to oversee our vision through to fruition. As any home owner can attest, living through an invasive renovation is always a challenge. The professionalism and experience of your contractors gave us the confidence to execute this project, including the underpinning our 85 year old Toronto home. The local craftsmen were amazing, truly paramount to respecting our homes heritage and our design. Thank you for your patience with our endless design changes, we are thrilled with the final results."