Keystone Developments

Gianluca is a top notch contractor, and we highly recommend both Gianluca and his outstanding team. Here’s why. Our house was reasonably well built in 1985 but after 40 years of kids, parties, pets, wear & tear, our home was sliding into serious disrepair. We began planning for extensive renovations. We had already updated some of the main floor, but the second floor was in bad shape, and our kitchen needed an update. Threadbare carpet with folds, creaky squeaky stairs and floors and a bathtub that leaked etc. The kitchen laminate counter was worn, tile back splash amateurish and styled from the 80’s. In my job I do a fair bit of project management so I approached this reno in a similar fashion. First: what did we want? We created a spreadsheet of things that we wanted fixed, added or improved, and the priority. Was it a deal breaker or a nice to have? Here’s an abbreviated list of our needs: - Fix squeaky floors & stairs - Gut bathroom - New window on wall above stair landing - Remove popcorn ceilings - Upgraded trim - Built-in bookshelves - Closets & shelving - Upgraded carpet - Kitchen quartz counter tops, tile, sink - Paint throughout Next: budget. We had no idea on what this reno would cost. We found an excellent reno resource out of Waterloo. Paul Demrovski has a number of superb tutorials (www.pdrenovations.ca/the-blog/). Paul divides renovations into basic (e.g. Ikea), mid-range with good quality materials, high end for people that wish the best. We chose upper mid-tier, $80 to 100 per square foot. Hence our 800 sq ft would be about $100k including contingency of 10% and HST. Houzz recommended 3 contractors. Gianluca immediately stood out. Our list of needs in hand, he toured our house, brimming with ideas, filming with a head mounted camera (“So I can review everything later” he said) . Customer reviews were detailed & highly complementary. We wanted a fixed bid, Gianluca agreed, a contract signed. Gianluca’s team (subcontractors) were extraordinary. Fabulous work, done on time and budget. If there was something not to spec, they fixed it. Gianluca was organized, insightful, listened and offered recommendations on materials. I worked very closely with Gianluca in designing aspects that were very important to us such as the new window (needed professional engineer’s drawings and town approval), bathroom and closets. Tight cooperation resolved problems quickly & shed light on possible issues early, enabling us to avoid potential problems & save time & money. Our project took about 6 weeks. We love it and our family, visitors & guests have been awestruck! We recommend these steps: - Identify the things you want & rank them must have or nice to have - do your research, e.g. open houses, vendors, magazines - sweat the details e.g. colours, materials, functionality - set a realistic budget - ask for a fixed bid - make a detailed schedule - plan where you will live during the reno - work closely with Gianluca to minimize delays B&N

We have had the pleasure of working with Gianluca for many years, beginning with the construction of our home a decade ago. From the outset, what stood out was the exceptional quality of his workmanship, attention to detail, and commitment to doing things the right way. The level of craftsmanship delivered throughout the project was outstanding, and years later, that quality continues to be evident in every corner of our home. The trust that was established during that experience has endured over time. To this day, Gianluca is our first call whenever we are considering an upgrade, addressing maintenance, or undertaking repairs. His knowledge of the home, practical advice, and dedication to finding the right solution provide us with complete confidence that the work will be completed to the highest standard. What truly sets Gianluca apart is that his commitment to his clients extends well beyond the completion of a project. He remains responsive, dependable, and genuinely invested in helping homeowners protect and enhance their investment. Whether the task is large or small, he approaches it with the same professionalism, care, and attention to detail that earned our trust in the first place. It is rare to find someone whose craftsmanship leaves such a lasting impression that, years later, they remain the only call you need to make. We would recommend Gianluca without hesitation to anyone seeking exceptional quality, integrity, and a true commitment to excellence Kelly and Michael Shackell

We have just finished our third renovation project with Keystone Developments 21 and couldn’t be happier with the results. The first two were relatively minor jobs, but the care with which Gianluca attended to them and the quality of his team’s workmanship and choice of materials convinced us he was the right person to take on a massive job – the installation of an elevator in the heart of our 19th century Annex home. This installation required the demolition of a back staircase and excavation of the basement floor, the relocation of the main sewer and water lines, construction of an elevator shaft, and renovation of hallways, two bathrooms, utility room, and a library that were in the path of that shaft. Needless to say, it was a far trickier project than building a new home from scratch. The care with which Gianluca protected our home -- and our sanity! -- throughout the months-long process was extraordinary. He went above and beyond to ensure that the work was as unobtrusive as possible. He was constantly on site meticulously monitoring every detail from supervising the pouring of tons of concrete down to ensuring that dust was kept to a minimum. Gianluca’s tiling, flooring, carpentry, and painting crews are masters of their crafts. The elevator and affected rooms are consequently works of art that blend seamlessly into the original home. Thanks to Gianluca’s obsession with perfection you’d never know that that elevator hadn’t always been there. What a triumph. And what a comfort knowing we can now age not only in place but in style.

We worked with Keystone Developments to renovate our home, transforming both our upstairs and main floor into a space that is not only more functional but also thoughtfully designed and beautifully finished. From our first conversation, Gianluca was professional, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable. He took the time to understand how we live day to day and offered valuable insights that helped refine our ideas and elevate the final outcome. The renovation scope was extensive and included a full transformation of the upstairs, with brand-new bathrooms, updated flooring, new windows, and a custom closet designed specifically for our needs. On the main floor, Keystone Developments reimagined the kitchen and dining area into an open-concept space that is perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. Every detail was carefully considered, and the craftsmanship throughout the home is exceptional. The entire process was well managed and clearly communicated, which gave us confidence and peace of mind from start to finish. If you are in the Greater Toronto Area and considering a home renovation, we recommend Keystone Developments. Their commitment to premium quality, thoughtful design, and honest, expert guidance sets them apart and made our renovation experience a truly positive one.

We hired Keystone Developments to transform our condo loft from a one-bedroom plus den into a three-bedroom unit, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience or the final result. From our very first conversation with Gianluca, through securing city permits and condo board approval, to project completion, everything was handled with professionalism and care. Gianluca worked diligently to obtain the required permits, which is no small feat in a condo setting, and kept the project on track from start to finish. The renovation was scheduled to take two months, and he delivered exactly on time. We even decided to add a bathroom renovation partway through the project, and it didn't extend the overall timeline. But what really stood out was how thoughtfully Gianluca considered the entire home, not just the visual design. He paid close attention to critical functional elements such as HVAC and lighting, ensuring that the new bedrooms are comfortable year-round and that the lighting throughout the space is both practical and well-designed. He also helped us optimize the kitchen design provided by another company, offering smart suggestions that made the best use of storage and counter space. Gianluca truly understood our vision and executed it flawlessly. He's very knowledgeable about all aspects of home renovation, and we really valued his input on design decisions. His team’s craftsmanship is of the highest quality, and it’s clear that he takes great pride in delivering a premium product, as if it were his own home. The end result is a beautifully designed space that gives our kids rooms of their own while maintaining the modern aesthetic we were hoping for. I can't believe we get to live in this beautiful space - it's better than I could've imagined. We would highly recommend Gianluca and Keystone Developments to anyone looking for a reliable and skilled contractor.

I recently had Keystone complete a renovation of my home, and I am highly satisfied with the results. Gianluca and Alex were professional and delivered a great experience from start to finish. The renovation covered several areas of my home, including a new kitchen, bathrooms, windows and flooring to name a few. The quality of their work was impressive, and I'm thrilled with the final outcomes. Throughout the process, communication with them was smooth, and they promptly addressed any concerns I had. On time and on budget I highly recommend Keystone to anyone in need of a reliable and skilled contractor.

I recently had the pleasure of working with Keystone Luxury Homes to completely renovate my newly purchased home, and I am extremely satisfied with their work. The team at Keystone were professional, reliable, and skilled, and they worked tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the project was completed to the highest standards. From the initial consultation to the final walkthrough, Keystone demonstrated their commitment to excellence and attention to detail. They listened carefully to my vision and provided valuable insights and suggestions that helped bring my ideas to life. They also kept me informed and involved throughout the entire process and were always available to answer any questions or concerns I had. The finished result exceeded my expectations! My home looks stunning and has received numerous compliments from family and friends. I am grateful to Keystone for their hard work and dedication, and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a high-quality builder.

I’m very satisfied with the home that Keystone Developments built for us. They delivered the project on schedule and within the agreed budget, and maintained a high standard of quality and craftsmanship. They communicated effectively and resolved any issues quickly and professionally. My home is very functional and meets our expectations. I highly recommend Keystone to anyone looking for a dependable and experienced builder.

As our children transitioned into teenagers and young adults, it was time to renovate our home of twenty plus years. We contacted Gianluca from Keystone, when we met with him my wife and I immediately felt comfortable; it was almost as if I had known him my entire life. He understood our needs, our wants and our budget. Keystone transformed our home so much so that when family visit they don't recognize the place. On budget and on time, they delivered a beautiful finished product. If you're looking for a contractor this is the company for you.

Keystone completed extensive renovations to our home which included 3 bathrooms, upper floor, and upgrades to electrical and HVAC. Not only was the quality extremely high, but the finished product was beautiful and continues to impress us. The work completed was exactly to our specifications with minimal follow up from us, and was well communicated throughout. We were able to choose finishes that were exactly what we wanted, and we felt they really listened to our requirements. We would welcome Keystone once again to our home for future projects and hope to continue our home renovations in the spring of 2023 with Keystone. Thank you very much for your assistance through the process - we are overjoyed with our outcome!

Gianluca is more than a contractor and it shows. He is very good at what he does. He has fostered exceptional relationships with top-notch trades. He listens and is very responsive. His standards are exceptionally high. He is proactive, and he understands how best to work with clients and guide them through the renovation process. This was our first renovation experience. We changed the flow of the main floor, gutted and expanded the kitchen, moved a wall, windows and a fireplace, and gutted the bathroom and main bedroom closet. Carpentry, drywall, painting, plumbing, HVAC and electrical were required. We interviewed several contractors, checked references and hired the contractor we thought could do the job. As the project progressed, we realized it was not working out. Mid-job the mistakes and delays became apparent and after much frustration we had to part ways. The project was a mess. One of our suppliers suggested Gianluca. What a relief – the difference was night and day. He quickly and thoughtfully assessed the situation and uncovered problems we did not know we had. We looked forwarded to working with Gianluca and his team each day they arrived on site. Gianluca provided accurate assessments of the work required and completed the work on time and on budget. The results were what we had hoped for, and in some areas better than we expected. Gianluca, all we can say is thanks.