The cottage’s 12-by 6-foot windows look out on a stunning landscape of blue skies and glistening water. Trees wave in the gentle breeze. Occasionally a bird flies past.
What you don’t see are the windows themselves, or rather the specks and dirt that used to mar the view. These windows are crisp and clear, the result of a detailed and professional clean by Dreamview Muskoka.
Getting windows this clean starts with a detailed examination of the surrounding area, explains company owner Jonathan Barnard.
“I find the safest and best spots to set up and determine what equipment to use,” says Jonathan. “I pay close attention to where everything is – boats, furniture, landscape features – and make a plan of attack.”
Once the supplies and equipment are in place, he goes around every window frame dusting away webs and removing any loose debris.
“It takes a little extra time, but doing that before I start to clean the glass prevents those loose pieces from causing issues,” he says. “It’s one of the ways we go above and beyond to ensure our clients get the best results.”
Then he cleans, using only the best quality cleaning products. His goal is to leave the place looking like he was never there; well, apart for the exceptionally clean windows.
Jonathan specializes in cleaning windows and eaves at high-end residential waterfront properties. He honed his skills working with his brother-in-law, servicing high-value homes in Toronto’s Forest Hill.
“My brother-in-law has been in business for 35 years in the city,” says Jonathan, who previously ran his own tiling business. “I would go down and help him clean windows and eavestroughs and learn the trade.”
After spending 10-plus years helping his brother-in-law, Jonathan realized he really enjoyed the work and opened his own business. Thanks to referrals from a family friend, he soon had nine large cottage contracts.
“It allowed me to get a full scope of Muskoka cottage properties and their needs,” says Jonathan.
Simone Barnard, Jonathan’s wife, is the lead for customer service and administration. She ran her own children’s entertainment business for several years, and the experience is coming in handy now.
“We make a great team,” says Simone. “Jonathan is a perfectionist and takes great pride when a job is done just right. And I really enjoy speaking to clients and helping plan our visits to their properties.”
From start to finish, it’s all about making sure all the details are just right and letting clients enjoy that magnificent view.
TEXT CHRIS OCCHIUZZI
PHOTOS ANDREW FEARMAN
