Questions and answers

What geographical area does the company serve?
I work mainly in some parts of the city of Gatineau, and most of my projects can be found in the Aylmer, Hull and Gatineau sectors. This geographic concentration allows me to provide faster service to my clients by avoiding long trips for my teams and me. It also enables me to become very familiar with the territory I serve: zoning laws, land conditions, regulations, etc. I execute projects for the residential sector: single-family homes, semi-detached homes and certain types of apartment buildings. Contact me to inquire if I can help you carry out work on your property. Certain conditions apply.

Does the contractor hold the required permits and licenses to legitimately operate their business?
I hold a license from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) in the general contractor category and other specialties. This means that you are covered by government safeguards, such as the full protection of your deposit and the certification of my skills by the RBQ (successful completion of all courses and continuing education). I am a member in good standing of the APCHQ, which guarantees my bond with the RBQ.

Is the contractor familiar with the standards, regulations, policies and other legal requirements in their field and do they comply with them? 
I love my job and I keep myself informed of any changes, improvements or new developments in my fields of expertise. Whether it concerns standards, policies, protocols, regulations or any other requirements, I keep up to date with any changes and developments at the municipal, provincial and federal levels. Quebec is the most regulated jurisdiction in America. By scrupulously respecting these standards, I assure you of a job well done and in compliance with all regulations, and help you avoid disappointment, headaches and financial losses. I build my own projects myself, following the most up-to-date standards, and I apply the same standards for your project.

What are the terms of payment?
Work is generally paid for by personal cheque or Interac bank transfer. In very rare cases, to satisfy the client, we will accept a cash payment, always including applicable taxes, as indicated in the estimate. I don't offer financing because, in my experience, the rates offered to merchants are generally too high. Instead, I suggest that clients contact their financial institution in order to negotiate a reasonable interest rate. This allows them to save money.

What warranties does the contractor offer?
Depending on the type of project, the warranty ranges from one to five years. The warranty–which is minimal–is included in quotations and contracts. I provide excellent and time-tested after-sales service. Fortunately for my customers, I receive so few service calls that the percentage is almost nil. There is no hidden secret to this success. This is the result of my careful selection of staff, associates, manufacturers and specialists who are all extremely competent and who all share the same vision as I do: to sell and install quality, long-lasting products. This is one of the main reasons why my clients trust me and entrust me with a wide range of their projects over time. For us, honesty and integrity are priceless values.

Is the contractor familiar with my region, my city?
I am a native and resident of the City of Gatineau, in our beautiful National Capital Region. I am therefore familiar with the different soils encountered in the region and how best to handle them, taking into account our unpredictable and variable weather conditions. All our construction techniques are optimized for performance, longevity and efficiency according to the particular conditions of your property. If you are new to the Outaouais, I would like to welcome you to our region. I can certainly be an essential resource person for you.

What are the timeframes for project completion?
One of the reasons for the success of my company is transparency. I don't take on projects that I know I can't do. Many of the projects I am asked to take on are outdoor projects that need to be completed during the summer months. If it is impossible this year, I notify the client and it is agreed that the project will be on schedule at the beginning of the season the following year. My company has a lot of experience in project evaluation scheduling, and we carry out our projects as promised in the contract, to the utmost satisfaction of our clients. 

What property-casualty insurance does the company maintain?
As a responsible contractor who cares about his clients, I hold liability insurance that protects you against accidents or incidents that may occur on your property while the work is being carried out. To date, I am pleased to say that we have never had any claims. I am proud of this fact, given the many construction sites my company has worked on over the years. It is a guarantee of safety and peace of mind for you. 

Does the company offer only one service or can it handle several landscaping and renovation projects for my property over the years, in order to develop a long-term , trusting relationship?
I like long-lasting relationships. In my business, this translates into multiple complementary services related to a residential property, including complete landscaping services, general renovation, and in-stalling garden sheds. After all, the elements that comprise a house are interconnected. It is not always desirable to look at these elements individually, without fully understanding them. The benefit for you? I have a good understanding of the mechanics of a property, and yours as time and construction work progresses. This is to our mutual advantage. I am able to advise you on the project you are considering. I can advise you against undertaking a project that would not really improve your property or could even harm its value. However, I can suggest something else that would allow you to preserve or increase your real estate investment. In order to succeed in various types of projects, my company has assembled experienced teams and specialized tools for residential work. Together, we carry out the many projects you wish to undertake over the years, to your entire satisfaction.

Where can I view some of the contractor's completed projects?
I have been fortunate to have nephews who have created a beautiful website for me and who have been maintaining it for several years. You can find many pictures of my business achievements in Gatineau. This will set your mind at ease with your project idea by seeing similar ones, or it will inspire you for other things. Every winter, I take advantage of the break to refresh my website. I can provide you with addresses where we have done work in your neighbourhood upon request.

Does the contractor support local suppliers, workers and businesses?
The large majority of my suppliers are in the Outaouais region. I believe it is important to encourage local businesses and provide work for local people. Working with local people that you meet regularly and that you know personally is an asset that results in exceptional service for my company. Some great friendships have been created by this approach. This, in turn, allows me to offer superior service to my clients.

Does the company perform all the cleaning work or do I have to do it?
Tidiness, cleanliness and good project management are important to me, my associates and our teams. You can rest assured that your work site will be well maintained throughout the work undertaken on your property, regardless of its nature. Should any work ever require minimal cleaning on your part, we will let you know in advance. However, this is very rare. Moreover, the contractual clauses are described in detail and explained prior to the signing of an agreement. My associates and I have made it a practice to keep things tidy and organized. This also applies to our work. If you are interested in having certain structures (such as an old shed) demolished and disposed of, and in picking up debris (such as wood piles, or various rubbish) not included in my basic work, or if you have any other projects of this kind, please let me know. If it is possible for me to do this work, I will add it to the estimate.

Does the contractor have a code of ethics and work philosophy?
I am passionate about my work from the outset, and my corporate mission has always been: "Aim for excellence, plan and work to reach it." This commitment is renewed every year and is respected by all my teams. We are constantly improving our work methods in order to ensure impeccable results for our many clients. We work on our clients' properties as if they were our own, with diligence and attention to detail. The contractors I work with all share this same vision. Our code of ethics goes so far as to refuse a project that, in our experience, would harm the value of the property or that would require additional work to ensure the quality and viability of the project requested. It is better to lose a sale than to lose our reputation.

What knowledge does the contractor have concerning the value of a property? Is he able to maintain or even increase it?
I have been buying and renovating rental buildings as a private investor for almost 40 years. I am a member in good standing with the Corporation des propriétaires immobiliers du Québec, CORPIQ, and I clearly understand that a landlord who undertakes work expects it to be done efficiently and effectively. This is why I begin by discussing the nature of the work to be performed, its importance on the value of the residence and the best way to proceed. It is important to choose the right projects, use the right materials and have a work process that allows for efficiency and quality. In this way, not only do we maintain the property's value, but we increase it.

What is the contractor's background?
I am fortunate to be a member of a large family of respected and well-known entrepreneurs in the region. My extended family successfully operates businesses in various fields: real estate, the foodservice industry, marketing and advertising, accounting, IT and healthcare, among others. I have been immersed in the business world since I was a child. My father has always instilled in us the idea that the customer is the cornerstone of our business and that they must be completely satisfied with our products and services, without exception. Effective management, cost control and customer satisfaction are part of my DNA. These are just some of the elements that contribute to my success, much to the delight of my clients and the success of their project. 

What experience and network of business and contacts does this contractor bring to the projects?
Over the years, I have had the privilege of collaborating with prestigious companies and institutions that are recognized and loved by the vast majority of consumers in the region and throughout Quebec, Canada and even worldwide. Some of these firms include: Rona Canada (head office) and Rona l’entrepôt de Gatineau (de la Cité boulevard), Costco Gatineau (Promenades de l'Outaouais), Bytown Lumber, Matériaux Pilon PAL, Habitation CAA Québec, APCHQ, ACQ and many others.
I have had the opportunity to participate in renovation warranty programs, such as the APCHQ's Réno-Maître program, the ACQ and Rona programs, as many others at the municipal, provincial and even national levels. These experiences have allowed me to develop a global perspective and to expand my knowledge of the industry. This has helped me to acquire all the essential knowledge to succeed in my company's mission: the successful completion of projects and satisfied customers. 
Moreover, all this knowledge qualifies me to be an excellent consultant, free of charge, for clients who invite me to bid on their project. It's a win-win approach for both parties. In fact, since 2016, I've been creating instructional videos that can be found on my YouTube channel under the theme "Mieux comprendre sa maison" (Understanding your home better. In French only). These approximately 50 free videos have garnered many good comments from clients, homeowners and others. Take advantage of them and learn more about your real estate investment in order to increase its value even more. Many of my tips will help you avoid headaches and save you money. This will ensure that you become more knowledgeable, as you should be. For some, it will be an opportunity to become more familiar with the many responsibilities required of a homeowner. Believe me, it is better to know more than less in order to maintain, or even better, to increase the value of your property.

What training does the contractor have?
Initially, I successfully completed the courses sanctioned by the RBQ in order to obtain my general contractor's license. I believe that you can never know too much to serve your clients well, so I have taken and am still taking courses related to my field: architecture, residential construction techniques, etc. To run a reliable company, you must also know how to be a good administrator: training in accounting, management, human resources, and more. Practicing one's art over many years is also a form of training in itself. I have acquired enough knowledge and experience to be an approved trainer for Emploi Québec. During this rewarding period, my main "client" was Rona l’entrepôt de Gatineau, a major resource for the construction and renovation industry in the Outaouais region and across Canada.

Is it easy to reach the contractor?
Good communication with my clients is of the utmost importance to me. Being easily accessible is also of great importance to you. I believe that communication is the number one tool in order to accomplish our projects successfully. That' s why you can reach me 7 days a week to discuss your project. I respond quickly to a request, even in the evenings and on weekends, when possible, as many of my clients have been pleased to discover.

Can the contractor provide a quote in English?
Of course! I have many English-speaking clients and I will gladly provide the quote in the language of your choice, French or English. My website is also bilingual.

Is it possible to learn about the degree of satisfaction voiced by the company's customers?
Several surveys involving my clients have been conducted in the past by organizations such as Rona, CAA-Quebec Approved Residential Suppliers and the APCHQ's Réno-Maître program. The combined results of these surveys found that 95% of my clients were completely satisfied with the work performed, the materials and my service. I am very proud of this and I want to maintain this exceptional track record. I can also assure you that the few cases where clients expressed less satisfaction were dealt with quickly, as soon as the clients informed me of their concerns. We continue to improve our services, and the last time I checked the Google rating, my company was awarded five stars. I invite you to use this tool to share your opinion with other Internet users searching for a contractor. You will be doing them a favour.

How do you know whether suppliers trust this contractor?
It is not always easy for a consumer looking for a reliable contractor. One way is to find out if the suppliers who work with that contractor are willing to recommend them. If so, the contractor can be found on the supplier's website in the list of recommended suppliers. Indeed, Marc Tassé general contractor appears on the recommendation list of Permacon, a leader in landscaping products, and Cabanons Riopel, a manufacturer of cabanas and sheds sold throughout Quebec and other regions, to name but two companies recognized for the quality of their products. Suppliers do not recommend a contractor at random, as their own reputation is at stake. That's why you can call upon the expertise of Marc Tassé in complete confidence.

What is the contractor's reputation?
I am happy and proud to say that there have been no complaints or lawsuits against my company and myself. And believe me, I will do everything I can to keep it that way! For over 30 years, my team and I have completed projects for more than 12,000 owners here in Gatineau, happy with their experience. You can rest assured that your project is in good hands.

Is the contractor involved in the life of his community?
I am very much aware of the importance of giving back to the community and I am very active in it. My parents instilled this notion in me at a very young age and I followed their example. Among othe things, I was a member of the board of directors of the Club Optimiste de Touraine for several years now, which provides assistance to local youth. Over the years, I have participated in the activities of Centraide Outaouais, the Red Cross (of which I was honoured to be named president of an annual campaign in Gatineau), the Canadian Cancer Society, La maison Mathieu-Froment-Savoie (pal-liative care centre), the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, and others. Our actions and deeds speak louder than our words. That's why I take part in and contribute to the welfare of my community through my positive actions. 

Entrust me with your projects and this will be the beginning of a lasting relationship.

Looking forward to working with you!

Marc Tassé