Copper Island Fine Homes Inc

“We’ve known Greg and Tracy Vistisen personally for many years, and Copper Island Fine Homes by reputation since its inception. That said, we still did a proper search for a contractor when planning a long-overdue, extensive renovation of our beloved but aging lakeside cedar panabode cabin. Greg explained his business approach to this complex task, and after reviewing our options, we selected Copper Island. We are glad we did; the completed project exceeds our expectations and we’re very happy with our expanded, renewed and refreshed ‘lake house’. Greg and his team (thanks, Dean and Heidi!) met with us regularly, kept us updated with progress, helped problem solve the inevitable challenges any renovation presents- (walls, floors and corners that were anything but straight, level or square), and were pleasant and professional. The sub-trade contractors he selected were top-notch. Jeremy led the framing crew and worked miracles with our little old cabin; he also made some very helpful (and diplomatic) suggestions. We were able to keep the best of the old, while enlarging and modernizing the kitchen and adding an entire Master suite and a cozy loft. New raised and vaulted rooflines, windows, interior and exterior finishing, roofing, plumbing and electrical- everything was done just right. Greg’s due diligence regarding the business and financial arrangements was thorough and we never felt pressured or uninformed. He sought our feedback after completion as part of his ongoing effort to refine and improve the process, and we see he’s already made use of our suggestions. All in all, we are completely satisfied customers.

We had a very enjoyable experience working with Copper Island Fine Homes and would heartily recommend them to anyone building in the Shuswap! They did an amazing job of keeping to the schedule even though there were a few permitting problems that slowed down the process at the beginning. The build was completed in a very impressive ten months. The project came in over budget but it was by a reasonable amount and some of the charges were due to the permitting and excavation stages. The Change Order system kept us apprised of any cost overruns. We loved all the employees of Copper Island Fine Homes and found them to be very knowledge, friendly and competent. They would go out of their way to advocate for us with sub-trades and permitting organizations. Greg was particularly helpful at the beginning when the permit process was complicated and onerous. In the field, Dean and Heidi, were also fantastic to deal with and would often come up with ideas to save us money while improving the home. You could tell that they put a lot of thought into the process. We trusted them 100%. We love the quality workmanship that Copper Island insisted on. We are very picky and were pleased by the attention to detail that Copper Island Fine Homes insisted on. We were impressed with the majority of the sub trades that came through our property. You could tell they also had a high sense of quality and solid workmanship. This was a great experience for us and we would recommend Copper Island Fine Homes to anyone who is considering building a quality home in the Shuswap.

Copper Island Fine Homes in one word: Excellence! Our entire experience from start to finished product was simply amazing. The people and the process were truly enjoyable beyond our dreams. From our first meeting with Greg, when we shared our vision and our dream home wish list, we just knew he was the one who would build our home. Greg is professional, knowledgeable, thorough, meticulous, considerate, sincere, and dedicated—and the list goes on. We found many of those same qualities in the entire Copper Island team. Being first time builders, we had complete confidence and peace of mind in our decision to have Copper Island at the helm. While still living fulltime in Alberta, we were able to work cooperatively on every detail, but were assured Copper Island would take full control when needed or as requested by us. Through the planning and build stages, design and cost options were presented, always with strict attention to the budget and our vision for our home. Financial tracking along with regular reporting provided good detail, and included advice and guidance around cost implications as we contemplated changes to our original design. The aura of excellence that the CI Team operates under is undeniable! This culture of superiority also extended to many of the sub-trades. We cannot say enough about the amazing people that were instrumental in building our home. From the framers to the finishing details, every person that we dealt with was top tier. Never have we had the opportunity to deal with such genuine people who take such pride in the work that they do. It was truly a pleasure. Such talent, from the top down! Without any hesitation, we would wholeheartedly recommend the Copper Island team for a project of any scale. Our gratitude is beyond words. Thank you! — The Feser’s

Building our new home with Copper Island Fine Homes was an easy decision for us! From the design process through to our move-in, we were pleased with the professional quality of service we received. Greg's ability to keep the project timeline on schedule, with the changes we made along the way, was impressive. Living six hours away from our new home site wasn't a challenge as Greg and Kyla frequently kept us updated with phone calls, emails and photos. Kyla was our 'saving grace' from start to finish, as her professionalism, attention to detail, and fresh ideas, in construction and interior design, brought the elegant style that we were looking for to fruition. Dean was very knowledgeable, answered our many questions and kept a close eye on things for us. As the finished product of our new home exceeded our expectations, we would definitely recommend Copper Island Fine Homes to anyone wanting to build a quality custom home. Thanks so much Greg, Kyla, Dean and the entire team!

Thank for the exceptional renovation of our summer home! The trust was built on the first phase of the additional rooms to the house, and now with the main floor being done without us even being present is exceptional. All work was performed on time and with great workmanship! To be honest, we do not think we had one issue with the reno and, if anything, they came back to finish off very minor items that we were not even aware of! The design and finishing work is great, communication was excellent, and the team showed a lot of patience with us when we did not respond in time for their work schedule. Everybody is in the wow mode when they come into the house--it's a lot of fun! We highly recommend Greg and his building team. We now look forward to the basement reno. Greg, thank you and your team for a great job well done.

Copper Island Fine Homes, Greg & Tracey Vistisen and the entire team at CIFH are consummate professionals in all they do. Their attention to detail and customer service set them appart from the average contractor. We look forward to continuing our business relationship with CIFH.

Working on site with Copper Island Fine Homes is a real pleasure. Their project management team is right on the ball with keeping up on schedules and bringing trades in at the right time. Each of the team members are very personable and great to work interact with on the job. Sincerely, Murray Tarsiuk Standard Roofing Corp.

Recommending the Copper Island team to family, friends, and anyone would be by far one the easiest decisions for us. This is one of the most organized and skilled companies we have ever dealt with. From our first meeting with Greg, to our last, it was professional, organized and detailed. We had our summer home completely renovated top to bottom, and we cannot express our gratitude for the top quality workmanship and knowledge to their craft that this team brought. We did all our communications through emails and phone calls, and Kyla was a God send--her knowledge of design is impeccable. The system they use to keep you updated on production and financial tracking is user friendly and easy to read. Absolutely anytime there was any question that needed answering, Greg and Kyla were always available and ready to help. The sub trades were efficient and professional at all times. We were given a finish date, and even with a few changes, we were in on time. After doing our pre-occupancy punch list, Dean and his team worked to get any follow up done around our schedule, with our company coming and going, and did it in a timely and organized manner. We cannot express how impressed we were with working with Greg and his team, and would highly recommend anyone to use them!

We at Jemb Systems / Graydon Security have done several projects with Copper Island Fine Homes over the past 10 plus years. Greg and crew are some over our favorite people to work with. Greg's professionalism and attention to detail is second to non. I have recommended Greg to some of our clients and keep a few of his cards in my desk in case anyone asks for a builder I would recommend. If I was building or renovating a home in the Shuswap I would be call Greg to see when they could start.

I have been working with Copper Island Fine Homes for five years. And worked on a lot of different projects with them. I enjoy working with Copper Island because they are professional’s. Everything is done to perfection and on schedule. They are great at communicating with all of the trades and keep their job sites safe and clean. I would recommend Copper Island to anyone. Cory Sabiston Fabrication

My wife and I wished to build a custom designed, retirement home, and decided to employ the services of Copper Island Fine Homes, which came highly recommended. Of primary concern to ourselves, was the fact that we would be residing out of Province while the majority of home construction took place. Greg Vistisen, owner of Copper Island Fine Homes, assured us that this would not be problematic and it wasn't. Greg communicated with us almost daily by email and/or phone. Photos were submitted to us on a regular basis demonstrating the progress of construction, including 'all' phases (from digging the foundation, to framing and eventually finishing our home)! Greg was always open to our queries and comments, and often provided suggestions himself that actually improved upon our architecturally designed blue prints. On those few occasions when we managed to visit our project in BC, we were astounded by the quality of the materials used and workmanship provided. The work site was always tidy, and Greg appeared to have an excellent rapport with all of his trades people. Greg was personally on site most every day, ensuring that all aspects of construction were being done not only to code, but to his own high expectations and standards. Through the entire building process, both Greg and his wife Tracy were extremely 'hands-on' and accommodating. We felt that we were treated in an honest and open fashion at all times, and we were delighted with the finished product. But it doesn't end there! For the next several years after we took possession, if we had any questions or comments relating to our home's construction, Greg was ALWAYS very attentive to ensuring that our concerns were met and SATISFIED! We would certainly use Copper Island Fine Homes again, and can confirm that our sentiments are shared by others we have met, who have also used this same builder. Ken and Margaret Smith

The first time I met Greg from Copper Island Fine Homes in August of 2007 was for a consultation, immediately I realized I was talking to a professional who knew everything about building quality homes. After we discussed my building plans (and wish list) for a couple of hours, I knew Copper Island Fine Homes was going to be the company who was going to build my home. He was upfront with all the costs and expected timelines, nothing was to be assumed. What really locked in my decision was when Greg said to me "I live in the same community as my clients and I need to be able to face them on the street and know I have a satisfied customer. We do not use shortcuts and only put in quality materials and only use experienced trades people." I had several quotes from other builders, some were cheaper, some were not, all meetings were not as professional and relaxed as with Greg. I moved into my bungalow, with a walkout basement on a hillside, in the spring of 2008. While this house being built I was living out of province but still was always kept well informed AND I always felt like I was a part of the team. Not once did I feel that I could not call Greg and discuss a issue or change. During my inspections, not once did I feel intimidated by by Greg or any of Copper Island's employees, and was always treated with the utmost respect by all. It is said that "building a home can be one of the most stressful things a person will do in their lives" but Copper Island Fine Homes made my experience a pleasant journey. Bottom line, I would build with Copper Island again. The (budget) allowances were reasonable and, I felt, realistic. There were no huge unexpected surprises as I was informed of what was going on. Actually the only surprise I have had was the excellent follow-ups which Greg has made during the years (even six years later) to check if I was having any issues with my home, which have been zero. Copper Island Homes is an established quality company which I know will be here tomorrow if ever the need should arise. The work was better than expected. I would like to thank Greg, Tracy, Dean and Kyla for my wonderful warm home. Ted Linden Blind Bay BC