Paige Seburn
The Lake Report

With a combined 80 years of experience, Peter Bernatowycz and Bob McDonald have positioned Stronghouse Contracting as the go-to for challenging chimney and masonry projects in Niagara Region.

Founded in 1995 by Bernatowycz and led with the support of McDonald, Stronghouse Contracting boasts experience from thousands of projects, full insurance, WSIB compliance and a 100 per cent customer satisfaction rate.

In its early years, the company took on various types of work before eventually focusing primarily on chimneys.

They have restored and rebuilt more than 2,000 chimneys and Bernatowycz ensures that all brick rubble is  sustainably reused for driveway bases and other projects.

A typical project starts with clients reaching out online, followed by Bernatowycz assessing the chimney and providing a quote.

“The majority of the time, they want to do it, because they’ve already looked into us. And they see all our five-star reviews,” he said.

Approaching its 30th year, Stronghouse Contracting’s expertise extends beyond residential work.

They have handled heritage sites such as the Breakenridge House at 240 Centre St. in Niagara-on-the-Lake and the First World War memorial in Simcoe.

They also work for Ridley College, various heritage societies around Niagara Falls and several area churches.

Their team of seasoned industry veterans, each with a minimum of 25 years of journeyman experience, has devoted their lives to masonry work. This extensive experience and dedication are vital to the company’s success.

“They do a lot of work to ensure the customer is happy,” said Bernatowycz.

Over the years, they have acquired specialized equipment for hard-to-reach chimneys, enabling them to take on projects other companies avoid.

“Between Bob and I, putting our brains together, we make it work,” said Bernatowycz, who has worked alongside McDonald for many years.

Teamwork is a key factor in the company’s achievements, demonstrated not only by their A+ Better Business Bureau rating and five-star customer satisfaction reviews, but also by their reputation for clear communication and reliability.

“We always keep our clients updated on scheduling and progress,” Bernatowyc said.

To maintain this reputation, the company ensures every project is completed with the highest levels of safety, cleanliness and professionalism.

Caring for the well-being of their workers is paramount.

“Safety is a huge priority to us,” said Bernatowycz. “We always make sure the crew is trained properly, has the right certifications and always works safely.”

When it comes to cleanliness, the company goes above and beyond, he said.

“If you read the reviews, you’ll see that we leave their house cleaner than when we got there,” said Bernatowycz. “I learned from my old employer that you respect someone’s home the same way you respect your own.”

In an industry where trust is essential, selecting insured and compliant contractors is extremely important.

Stronghouse Contracting has $5 million in liability insurance and is WSIB-compliant, setting them apart from many other companies.

Bernatowycz cautions against unlicensed contractors,  emphasizing the importance of verifying WSIB clearance and liability insurance.

He envisions continued growth and specialization for his boutique business.

“We’re right in the middle. The big companies won’t do these jobs. And the little guys can’t do them. That’s the kind of niche we’re in,” he said.

This unique positioning allows Stronghouse Contracting to continue to thrive by offering specialized services that others can’t handle.