TESTIMONIAL

OAK BAY—LINDA AND DALE ALLEYNE

After scanning the Victoria listings for several years, while still living in Calgary, we found the perfect property on

a quiet Oak Bay street that was close to the Avenue and to the Ocean. We found a location that we truly loved,

and were prepared to take on the significant challenge of a major renovation in order to bring the house up to a

modern standard, with conveniences to suit our lifestyle and needs.

When selecting a builder, we found that people were very keen to chat about Max and their superb experience

working with him and his team in the past. It was evident that Max had an excellent track record and reputation in

Victoria for high quality craftsmanship, renovation experience and above all, operating with honesty and integrity.

During our first meeting, in which we shared our vision for our home, we were impressed and grateful for Max’s

willingness to openly share his thoughts on the design. He paid very close attention to what we were asking for, but

also offered suggestions to improve upon our plans and shave off areas off the project in order to find significant

cost savings throughout the job. He brought his experience and opinion, and was a straight shooter.

After taking the time to ensure the design plan was functional, doable, and structurally sound and that it met

building codes, engineering requirements, and bylaws, Max presented us a fixed price contract, describing

exactly what he was going to do, how payments were going to be made, what he would be liable for, etc. He

included highly detailed plans, with a breakdown of every single part of the job with fixed prices for materials and

installation of each item; along with a precise timeline for what was going to take place and when. Max was able

to answer all of our questions and was proactive in finding areas where he felt costs could be reduced without

compromising quality. With this comprehensive quote in hand, we had clear expectations, great confidence in Max

and truly felt that our new home was being given a strong foundation.

TESTIMONIAL

Throughout the project, we spoke to Max at least every other day. The level of communication was much more

than we expected. We received regular progress reports and statements so we knew exactly where the project was

at any given time. Max was definitely a process guy—very organized and detailed, which you don’t see that often.

Another benefit we found from working with Max was his keen eye for design. He has great taste and provided his

opinions for colours, layout, and materials throughout the project. We really relied on him for final decisions and

would always go with his recommendation.

Max was also an incredible resource when it came to knowledge and understanding of the rules dictated by the

Oak Bay bylaws—something that we had not anticipated to be so restrictive. Max was very well versed on the

regulations, due to his experience working in the area, and was able to help us navigate through permits and

guidelines as needed.

Max and his entire team showed a definite commitment to quality in every aspect of the renovation. We were very

impressed with the trades, who were direct sub-contractors of Max—guys who he had worked very closely with

for a number of years. They were all really great people, who were nice to have around. We were pleased to see

that our home was given such a high level of attention and hands-on service, achievable due to the fact that Max

only manages a few projects at a time, so we knew he wasn’t spreading himself too thin. The result was meticulous

attention to detail while completing our renovation to the highest standard of excellence.

The project management was seamless. Our renovation stayed within our financial and time constraints while

meeting our needs in terms of quality, function, and design. The final product is a superior and unique home, from

the foundation to the finish. After just one month of living here, it already feels like home. Our kids and grandkids

love it, and as our daughter said “it has you written all over it.” The home has a great open flow to it, with massive

windows maximizing the amount of natural light, and beautiful craftsmanship—but for Max, it’s what you don’t see

that we’re sure he is most proud of.

LINDA AND DALE ALLEYNE OAK BAY

Two years ago, my husband and I found the perfect retirement property on the Saanich Peninsula – with an

expansive, sun-filled yard and plenty of space for gardening it was also close to the Ferries for easy access to our

kids and grandkids. With a vision to build our dream home, we sent out a request for quote for local contractors. As

we were new to the area, and were not familiar with any of the market dynamics or who the major players were, we

had no context for the decision we were about to make. As the responses came in from several local homebuilders,

we learned two things: one, we had underestimated the cost of building a new home, and realized a renovation of

the existing house was quite a bit more realistic; and two, Max Huxley was our builder, for he had really done his

homework.

A stickler for details, I compared the responses line-by-line to see precisely what was included and was very

impressed by the level of detail and breakdown of the construction costs in Max’s bid. Max had actually called

our designer at least 20 times to clarify the drawing details to be sure he had it right – his thoroughness was very

impressive. In addition, the fact that we were provided a fixed price quote was huge – as we had a budget that we

weren’t willing to go over, so this gave us certainty as to what we were getting and how much it was going to cost.

He must have spent 100 hours just on the proposal, to be sure that he understood the project and our needs,

and could give us a fixed quote for the work. From the beginning, he was very ethical and trustworthy, as he was

upfront and honest about any possible issues, and set our expectations.

SAANICH—BONITA AND BRYAN ELLIOTT

TESTIMONIAL

While what began as a plan for a new home was carried out in a custom renovation, Max found ways to work

within the current framework of the house, in order to save costs while still creating our initial vision. He found

that the exterior walls, foundation, everything, were in good shape, and identified any potential issues and

concerns forthright. His ability to anticipate any grief he may come across in the process comes from many years of

experience with home renovations.

The full transformation took six months. During this time, I stayed very close to the project and was at the job

site every day. The crew was an amazing group of guys, who truly took pride in their workmanship and were all

committed to excellence. Every day they hustled and would always go that extra mile. The site supervisor was

very effective in managing schedules, constantly thinking ahead to minimize delays and to look for cost reduction

options as the job progressed. He was also very demanding of the sub-trades and chased down everything, not

resting until it was all done right.

I thoroughly enjoyed working ‘with’ the crew, being actively involved in the process, by asking questions (of which

there were many) as well as personally selecting details every step of the way so that it turned out exactly how I

wanted it.

With our exceptionally high standards and attention to detail, I’ll readily admit we’re tough to satisfy. But my

husband and I are now living in our new home and it is exactly what we wanted and exactly what Max and his

team promised to deliver, all while completing the renovation two weeks early, and on budget. The quality

workmanship, the people, and the experience are what impressed us and made us very grateful that we made the

decision to work with Maximilian Huxley Construction. We’d make the decision to work with Max all over again!

BONITA AND BRYAN ELLIOTT SAANICH

TESTIMONIAL

While what began as a plan for a new home was carried out in a custom renovation, Max found ways to work

within the current framework of the house, in order to save costs while still creating our initial vision. He found

that the exterior walls, foundation, everything, were in good shape, and identified any potential issues and

concerns forthright. His ability to anticipate any grief he may come across in the process comes from many years of

experience with home renovations.

The full transformation took six months. During this time, I stayed very close to the project and was at the job

site every day. The crew was an amazing group of guys, who truly took pride in their workmanship and were all

committed to excellence. Every day they hustled and would always go that extra mile. The site supervisor was

very effective in managing schedules, constantly thinking ahead to minimize delays and to look for cost reduction

options as the job progressed. He was also very demanding of the sub-trades and chased down everything, not

resting until it was all done right.

I thoroughly enjoyed working ‘with’ the crew, being actively involved in the process, by asking questions (of which

there were many) as well as personally selecting details every step of the way so that it turned out exactly how I

wanted it.

With our exceptionally high standards and attention to detail, I’ll readily admit we’re tough to satisfy. But my

husband and I are now living in our new home and it is exactly what we wanted and exactly what Max and his

team promised to deliver, all while completing the renovation two weeks early, and on budget. The quality

workmanship, the people, and the experience are what impressed us and made us very grateful that we made the

decision to work with Maximilian Huxley Construction. We’d make the decision to work with Max all over again!

BONITA AND BRYAN ELLIOTT CARNOUSTIE

TESTIMONIAL

After more than 15 years of enjoying our lovely 1920’s home, we began to feel the need to update and create a

space that fits the lifestyle our family is living today.

We knew what we wanted but were afraid to make drastic changes for fear of losing the charm and elegance

of our beloved heritage home. I was not open to the modern look and treasured the traditional, old world

personality of our home so found it quite stressful and challenging to envision a new design. We also knew that

older homes present many unique challenges when bringing them up to modern standards.

After seeing Max’s work around Victoria for several years, it was evident he had a lot of experience working

on older, heritage homes like ours. This was important to us. His experience gave him the ability to anticipate

potential issues as he understood the construction of older homes. Working together with Victoria designer,

Jenny Martin, Max was able to incorporate new design features into the existing structure.

TESTIMONIAL

UPLANDS SLOPE

During the renovation, which covered almost the entire main floor, we made several difficult and stressful

decisions, the hardest of which was the decision to open up the galley kitchen and dining room into one open

space. After many discussions during which Max and his team provided valued advice and design expertise, we

finally agreed to remove the dividing wall, creating an open space that we now adore. We love entertaining and

the new kitchen and dining area has an incredible flow and sense of connection, so that we can be in the kitchen

but still feel a part of the action. Our home has been thoughtfully opened and brightened up, with much more

light from new windows and doors, and the fresh taupe palette replacing the dark wood throughout has made a

huge difference.

Max was extremely fussy when it came to detail and the quality of the workmanship is outstanding. The

tradespeople that Max had working on our home were amazing – good people and competent at every level of

the project – a team clearly developed throughout years of being in the business.

We are so thrilled with our ‘new’ home; it is exactly what we wanted. Max was able to maintain the essence of the

original house that we loved, and built on it to transform it into a home that meets modern standards and that

we will be happy living in for many years to come.

hOMEOwNEr UPLANDS SLOPE

TESTIMONIAL

TESTIMONIAL

vINEyArd—jOhN grAhAM, ArchITEcT

Building a house is probably the most expensive thing homeowners will ever do, so you’d think they would want to

know exactly what their house will cost. But most builders in Victoria won’t give a “fixed price”, so the homeowner

never knows how much they’re going to spend until the last bill is paid—when it’s too late to do anything about it.

Everyone seems to know someone who has been through this, and the numbers are staggering—40%, 60% even

100% over budget isn’t uncommon.

Max Huxley is different. He’s one of the very few builders I’ve found who can build a good home on a fixed price

contract. In fact he recently finished a project for one of my clients, did it on a fixed price contract, and lived up

to every single thing he promised. And it wasn’t an easy project. He had a demanding architect to satisfy and a

demanding client who had not only built before but was also good at watching every dollar.

Whenever I tell people this, they ask “but if the price is fixed, how do you stop the subtrades from cutting corners

to save money?” The answer is very simple: under a fixed price contract it’s the general contractor’s job to live up to

the requirements of the contract. So if a contractor lets a subtrade cut a corner, the contractor has to make it right

at his own expense. This gives him a great incentive to make sure the subtrades deliver as promised. Max is good at

making sure the trades deliver.

So who watches Max? Well, as the architect, that’s my job, and there’s no substitute for having a skilled person on

hand to make sure the contractor delivers. But when I work with Max I don’t have to worry because he’s proven to

be one of the most straightforward, ethical and professional contractors I’ve ever worked with. And I’ve been doing

this for more than 20 years.

jOhN grAhAM, ArchITEcT vIrgIN grOuNd

TESTIMONIAL

ROCKLAND—RUTH KIRBY

After selling my home, I purchased a 1980’s style townhouse in Rockland, which required major renovations.

I chose Maximilian Huxley Construction Ltd. as I found him to be very knowledgeable, professional and resourceful.

He is an exceptionally good listener, has a critical and keen eye for details, and fosters and promotes the importance

of a client’s personal style and sense of individuality.

A comprehensive detailed budget regarding costs, scheduling, timing and projected expectations was prepared.

The project started on time and was well organized, methodically coordinated, and skilfully managed by the site

supervisor. It was a smooth running cohesive unit throughout.

The crew and sub-trades were courteous, helpful and congenial. They were mindful of the townhouse complex

and the neighbours—no disruptions or inconveniences here.

Thank you and appreciation belong to Max Huxley, Dorian Jeck (site supervisor), and to the crew. They were experi-

enced, reliable and displayed a work ethic committed to care and attention to detail. The importance of collabora-

tion and communication and the respect for the client and customer satisfaction was an uppermost priority.

I was treated honestly and fairly with humour, respect and patience. I was very much spoiled.

Now I am the owner of a contemporary, unique and exceptional townhouse.

It has exceeded my expectations.

RUTH KIRBY ROCKLAND

P.S.—In fact, I personally feel that we could give those “Expert Renos Guys” on HGTV a pretty good run for

their money!

TESTIMONIAL

HERITAGE CHARM—CHARLOTTE WADDELL

We first met Max several years ago at a very difficult time in our lives—when a previous contractor had badly dam-

aged our 100-year-old heritage house during a failed attempt at needed renovations. We had seen Max’s work

in the neighbourhood and called him. He came by right away and we liked him instantly because he was smart,

practical and extremely knowledgeable. He had a wonderful artistic eye too, appreciating the beauty in old houses

and suggesting ways to preserve and enhance this beauty, while also suggesting sensitive ways to gently modern-

ize to make things more comfortable. He proposed a very comprehensive and efficient renovation plan— taking

care of carpentry, masonry, drywalling, electrical systems, roofing, exterior stuccoing, interior and exterior painting,

and gas installation—all for a reasonable budget. We signed him up on the spot.

As the renovation proceeded, we learned that Max’s ability to “curate” the tradespeople who worked with him was

perhaps his most singular gift, in that everyone he employed was highly skilled, highly respectful and a general

delight to get to know. Max himself was also continuously communicative and available, visiting regularly and

actively supervising every aspect of the job. The work was completed not only to the highest standards of quality,

but also on budget and on time.

In essence, our house was transformed—from a renovation nightmare into a beautiful and comfortable home.

Since then, every part of Max’s renovation has stood up well and we have received many, many compliments on it.

Max has also stayed in touch, offering advice on maintaining our beloved old home whenever we ask. As people

who have always loved old houses, but who have known very little about them, Max has educated us—teaching us

how to fish, so to speak. We live here still, very happily. We have also engaged Max twice more to complete minor

upgrades, and we will do so again, as the need arises. In short, we cannot recommend Max highly enough—as a

contractor and as a person.

CHARLOTTE WADDELL HERITAGE CHARM