Tips for DIY Home Renovations

Focused on customer excellence

In addition to providing significant efficiencies,  sophisticated systems and technologies enable OakWood to provide far more attentive customer service. “No matter what we do during the project, we are always focused on ensuring an unparalleled customer experience from beginning to end,” says Liptak.

Debbie Oaks, an OakWood customer, confirms the highly attentive and professional approach: “I found everyone right from the initial designers to the last person out the door to be extremely professional, hardworking, friendly and very respectful of my home. The weekly meetings to discuss the work schedule, as well as any concerns I had were very helpful and kept me abreast of everything.”

Throughout the renovation process, OakWood ensures that customers see up-to-date scheduling information that is part of an overall Oakwood plan. This detailed plan usually includes all architectural requirements, design elements, construction and schedules, City permits and inspections.

Renovations Planning is the ‘heart and soul’ of OakWood

OakWood believes that planning and project management are two keys to renovation success. “Planning is the heart and soul of what we do” confirms Liptak. “The lack of a comprehensive plan is the number one reason renovation timelines and budgets get blown.” By carefully inserting construction focused, state-of-the art technology into their unique Design + Build process, OakWood has created an incredibly efficient planning and project management machine. “We have spent decades developing a unique and comprehensive Design + Build planning process that covers every facet of a renovation from start-up to final inspection, says Liptak.

26% year-over-year growth from Renovations in Ottawa

The technology investment to support these processes and systems has clearly paid dividends. OakWood has achieved remarkable 26% year-over-year growth for the past four years and powered through a grim economy with no loss of momentum. More importantly, technology enables process efficiencies that translate into real benefits for customers. “What impressed me over and over again was the ability of the OakWood Team to deal with each and every issue that came up in record time,” comments Bethany Johnston on their renovation experience.

Over 50 years of history in the home renovations and construction industry

While technology is certainly an important part of the OakWood story, the real foundation for the company’s success is history. OakWood has enjoyed three generations of Liptak family at the helm. The Liptak family has a long history in the construction industry, dating back to 1956 when John Liptak Sr. used his specialized skills to jumpstart a renovation business that continues to this day under the leadership of his son, John Liptak Jr. “I started working in the industry as an apprentice in the early 1970s and became the youngest licensed carpenter in Ontario at 18 years of age in 1978,” says Liptak. “I like to think that being a licensed carpenter first and then a business owner combined with over 32 years of onsite business experience has given our company a decided edge in the marketplace,” he adds.

Experience drives technology investments

Ultimately it is a half-century of experience in the construction industry that enables OakWood to carefully apply technology to continuously improve the business.  In many cases, technology is deployed strategically to support or improve time honoured best practices that harken back to a bygone craftsman era. Not surprisingly, the real driver for technology adoption and continuous process improvement actually comes from the youngest member of the family: Patricia Liptak. 

“My daughter Patricia joined our business in a full-time capacity as General Manager a few years ago after finishing a degree in Law and Business,” says Liptak. “Patricia has really helped to formalize and improve the systems and processes that we have been refining over the last 50 years,” he admits. “I am a really practical guy who learned this business from the ground up. Patricia learned it professionally and that has helped us incredibly. She is the next generation that is coming. Watch out!” he says.