You may have been led to believe that we sold one of our customers an unfinished, low-quality home but that is not the case.
The clients entered into a cost-plus contract for the construction of their home. Per the cost-plus contract, Fourteen Estates was essentially hired to provide general contractor services for the construction of the home. All other costs were to be borne by the clients, per the contract. The clients occasionally opted to retain sub trades that were not recommended by Fourteen Estates and which were managed by the client, rather than Fourteen Estates. There were significant delays caused by issues encountered as a result of the clients’ choice to attempt to retain and manage sub trades – as is often the case when prospective homeowners attempt to manage construction projects and utilize sub trades not recommended by Fourteen Estates.
Fourteen Estates acknowledges that the home was not complete. Fourteen Estates was forced to withdraw from the construction of the home due to non-payment by the clients. Fourteen Estates was not under any obligation to complete the construction, given the non-payment.
Fourteen Estates was not able to complete what would have been an exceptionally-built luxury home. An unfinished home, such as this, will inevitably have problems that a finished one does not. By leaving their home unfinished, the clients assumed those risks.
This website is intended to inform people of our side of the story and showcase all of the beautifully finished homes our team built that customers were happy with.
“Between houses, barn, boat house and now a complete renovation this is the seventh project you have done for Maureen and me .This has to say something of the relation you build with your clients.
Each of these projects were completed on time and to our complete satisfaction!! The sub trades you use have been with you for years and are extremely professional . We are able to speak with them onsite about our thoughts to which each trade has always been receptive.
A further testament to the ability and resourcefulness of your company had to do with creating a cathedral ceiling from an existing truss roof. It took a few days and ideas before you decided how to refabricate the trusses , but it came off without a hitch. A neighbour was doing a similar ceiling after seeing ours, however his contractor could not figure out how to tackle it and asked for your assistance , which you graciously offered.
Because this is a condo community , the condo board must approve all major projects. The board said they would not have approved our plans had they not met you, seen your portfolio and viewed our current home that Fourteen Estates had done.
Rick , hopefully this is our last home, however if we ever build again you can be sure we will be calling you!”
Jim & Maureen Middleton
“Ten years ago while planning to build a new home, I came upon a beautiful Victorian style home built in Pickering by Fourteen Estates. Our desire to build a home of this style led me to call company president Rick Rondeau, and the rest is history.
Our beautiful home was built the following summer in Port Perry and I have nothing but praise for the professional manner and quality workmanship which Mr. Rondeau and his company provided during the planning and construction stages.
In fact, we were so happy with the results of our home, when we decided to build a new office building for the Port Perry Star about four years ago, I once again called on the services of Rick and Karin Rondeau and their staff.
Their assistance, from the architectural renderings until the last wall was painted and the floor carpeted was invaluable. Their care to detail and superior workmanship resulted in a magnificent building, which we are not only proud of but is a landmark in the community.
I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Richard and Karin Rondeau of Fourteen Estates if you are considering to build a new home.”
J. Peter Hvidsten
My family and I would like to thank you and your fabulous team for such careful attention to our beautiful home. It was a long journey but it was worth it in the end. We are just about settling in and we couldn’t’t be happier. It was a pleasure working with you, with our site supervisor Randy and your tradesmen even though at times of stress, we were able to rectify the situation in a calmly manner. The manner in which customer problems are handled separate adequate companies from superior companies.
Thanks again to all Fourteen Estate Homes for building us a home we will love and enjoy for years to come. We have told everyone who has asked how pleased we are with our home, and will continue without hesitation to praise and recommend your company."
Best regards,
The Mercier/Mitchell Family
"The beautiful estate homes at Barclay Estates caught our attention the first time we drove by them.
Stylish and contemporary, these are extraordinary homes that captivate and inspire. A unique architectural style that exudes brilliance.
Our dream house became a reality with Fourteen Estates. In fact it exceeded all our expectations both for elegance and quality. It has been more than three years since we moved into the new house, but the excitement remains the same as on day one.
We were extremely fortunate to have come into contact with Fourteen Estates. This is a company run by dedicated people who are always there to offer any support the clients may require. The relationship forged felt like being part of the family rather than the conventional client-builder relationship. Rick Rondeau, Karin and Shawn were there each step of the way during the construction phase, offering valuable guidance and never compromised on quality.
Without any hesitation, I would recommend Fourteen Estates to anyone planning to build. They will be our first choice for the next project.”
Nazia & Haroon
“Words absolutely cannot express how grateful we are in having chosen Fourteen Estates as a builder.
We are deeply appreciative for not only the extent of support you’ve given us to help finance this project during construction but for being top class in addressing our most recent building issue the way you have.
That alone speaks volumes to your character, ethics and overall expertise and in showing how much you truly care about your customers and your product; ensuring its outstanding quality and success as a product you stand up for.
Your decision to not even question reworking an alternative when an issue arises, speaks volumes. This has touched us deeply and we simply are very grateful and moved by it all.”
Elize and Greg
“Good Afternoon Shawn and Nick,
I want to thank you again for resolving the grading issue for us. Fourteen Estates have been so very good to our family from day one when we purchased our lot (summer of 2015) to the present and we so appreciate your amazing work in building our dream house. It immediately felt like home when we moved in and we love it more and more everyday!
All of our friends and family who have visited our house have been so impressed by the community, the property and our custom built Fourteen Estates house, including the design, quality of materials, workmanship and stunning features. We continue to spread the word that Fourteen Estates is the best custom home builder to work with. We couldn’t be happier. I still can’t believe I get to live in such an awesome house and on such an awesome property!
Thanks again Gents!”
Paul
“Paul and I just wanted to let you know how pleased we are with our new home. As a real estate sales person, I have seen many homes and known several builders. Naturally we wanted the best quality and finest workmanship. On a weekly basis we watched you complete a house in Newmarket and noticed the high-quality materials being used which are not necessarily visible in the finished project. We decided you were the builder for us and we were not disappointed.
Paul and I would be pleased to recommend Fourteen Estates to anyone contemplating building a home if they desire quality, built on time with no headaches.
Thank you and your highly skilled foreman and trades people who worked diligently and with a certain pride reflected everywhere in our home.”
Hilda Gelina
“When we decided to build our dream home it was a very big step in our lives and we are grateful to have had the Team at Fourteen Estates help us make it a reality and more.
Upon meeting with Rick Rondeau he welcomed us into his home where we met his wife Karin and son Shawn. He walked us through his home and explained the types finishes used in their builds which allowed us to get a true feel of the quality of home we would receive. Rick and the team made the experience very easy and at every step they were with us to assist in our selections as well as to provide invaluable expertise guiding us to make the right choices. They responded to our personal taste and offered valuable suggestions that we would not have thought of ourselves, making the experience truly custom.
All of the trades that we worked with were extremely helpful, knowledgeable and very friendly; the workmanship is exceptional and Shawn made certain it was completed at the highest level. Everyone was very helpful when we chose our finishes and we had an interior designer included in the build. Rick and Shawn were helpful in keeping us within our budget; we never felt encouraged to upgrade but rather stay within allotted amounts for finishes which were well above average! Everyone that sees our home is amazed at the quality and beauty, they exceeded our expectations!...
Igor, Michelle, Nikolas, Sofia & Dusan
“No matter how much I say about Fourteen Estates, it will not be enough.
We were very fortunate to get to build our dream house with this builder. This is one of the best builders you can find in the Durham Region. The workmanship is second to none, with unique designs and big windows which you will surely fall in love with.
We had a great experience and a wonderful time during this journey. Thanks to the entire team at Fourteen Estates who worked very hard to achieve results up to and beyond the level of our expectations. Thank you Rick Rondeau for being an amazing person and great builder. Our special thanks to Shawn Rondeau who treated us like family, worked very hard and helped us to make great choices throughout this process.
We are very happy with our beautiful house. God bless you Shawn, and your entire Fourteen Estates family!!!”
Freshta Said
“Thank you very much for building us the home of our dreams! It is everything we wanted and so much more.
Right from the very start you welcomed us with open arms to Barclay Fieldstone Estates. Custom building a house is a giant leap forward but you made us feel at ease and confident with all our decisions. You guided us along with your experience and expertise. You remembered all the little things that we wanted to include in the house. Each time we had to choose something for the house you sent us to excellent people who had superior products. We never felt that we wasted time. You made this journey feel so easy and we truly had fun!
As we went through the process we realized that not only did we but you also wanted everything to be perfect. Your attention to detail has made our house stand out as something special and unique.
Peter was very fortunate to work along side all your tradesmen. He got to know them very well and quickly realized that they all took great pride in their work and strive for perfection. Safety was always taken into consideration. Whenever I visited the site the men were very friendly and answered any questions that I had. Your crew was fabulous and you must be proud of them.
Working with you has been a great pleasure. We always looked forward to our meetings and getting to know you better. We have become good friends and hope that it continues in the future.
Thank you again for all the time, effort and hard work that you put into building us a beautiful home. We would not hesitate to do it all over again with you — someday.”
Linda & Peter Vachon
“I would like to take this time to say how Fourteen Estates did a tremendous job at building our home. Rick and Karin Rondeau took special care and pride in their work and do not cut any corners. Rick and Karin took a lot of time out of their way to spend with us to ensure all work was to our complete satisfaction.
I would like to thank Rick and Karin for all of their special devoted time they have given to us and would recommend Fourteen Estates to all those considering buying or building a home from them.
P.S. Our home has enriched our lives.”
Clair and Serson Rotidale
“I am currently the tile and marble installer for Fourteen Estates and have been since 1992.
A 26-year working relationship is not all that common in the industry, except at Fourteen Estates. I know of a couple of trades that have been here longer, and the majority are all 10 years or better. This I believe speaks volumes to the integrity and quality of this company’s practices. They have always delivered a quality product to a long list of satisfied customers and are continually winning awards for their work.
Working for Fourteen Estates has been and will continue to be a positive experience; in 26 years I have never seen them leave a project unfinished.”
Lou Orlandi, Lou Orlandi Contracting
"I have been painting Fourteen Estates custom homes for the last 13 years, since 2005. Over this time I have established a great working relationship with Rick, Karin, Shawn, and many of their extended family. Truly a great relationship!!! We have completed countless projects together over this time. All with great success!!...
Jamie Brock, In Living Colour Painting & Decorating
“We have been working with Rick, Karen and Shawn Rondeau for 14 years. We have built a great relationship with the principle owners and their employees, working towards the ultimate goal of complete client satisfaction for their customers. Fourteen Estates always ensures their jobs are completed in a timely manner and that a quality standard is met equal to each home they build. As their garage door supplier, we have always provided a neat, professional installation and provided after service to their clients. Many of their clients continue to use our company for their service needs many years later.”
Sincerely,
Kevin Chappel, Markham Garage Doors Ltd.
“I have been the HVAC, gas fireplace and in floor radiant heating contractor for Fourteen Estates for the last 5 years.
Tranquility Home Comfort Ltd has completed 47 of the last 48 homes we started with Fourteen Estates, who has also completed the last 47 of 48 homes. The Jensen’s is the only one.
One of the reasons I like working with Fourteen Estates is the long term relationship has given us a better understanding of what Shawn Rondeau and Rick Rondeau expect from us. It goes the same with working with the same trades from house to house. I can speak for all us in saying we are very proud of the work we do for Fourteen Estates. They are the most beautiful, majestic homes any of us have seen in our careers...
Peter Watson, Tranquility Home Comfort Ltd.