Our Proud History

A Tradition of Excellence since 1952

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Since 1952, the fireplace center & Patio Shops have installed enough fireplaces and stoves to warm up Kingston, Brockville and the Ottawa Valley.

Not to mention having provided enough patio chairs to comfortably seat everyone in Aylmer, Carleton Place and Smiths Falls.

Vice President Andy Cotnam chuckles at his colorful statistics, but he's proud of the longevity of the company that has made them possible - "all installed one at a time, with care and attention".

This spring the locally owned business is celebrating 54 years of service to the Ottawa-Hull area and looking forward to a prosperous 2008.

Clifton Cotnam, Andy's father, began Advanced Prefabs 1952 Andy credits the company's strength to his staff of 40, including many long-term employees. "Our sp, selling prefabricated buildings and fireplaces from a display court on Richmond Road. Advanced Prefabs is the parent company of the Fireplace Center and Patio Shop.

The 16,000 square foot Boyd Avenue location and 6,000 square foot East end store on Cyrville Road are packed with the latest products for the home.

Many second generation customers bring in repeat business over the years, as they change homes, upgrade fireplaces. install stoves or add leisure furniture. Many customers have returned to buy their second or third fireplace.

Spirit and caring attitude makes the company work," he says. Both the sales staff and fireplace installers are trained and certified, ensuring correct and safe installations.

"These days the growth area is gas fireplaces and stoves," say Andy. "New fireplace sales are about 70 % gas and growing."

The Fireplace Center contract work for builders, as well as many renovators.

There is a trend towards more efficient space heaters and consumers are demanding a product that burns more cleanly. This accounts for the interest in stoves that burn wood pellets or oil, which fulfills both requirements.

Leisure furniture, gas barbecue grills and custom awnings complement the fireplace and stove business, says Andy. "it fills a niche quite nicely in the spring."

Our philosophy is to offer value and take good care of the customer. This approach keeps us strong and the customer happy," says Andy.

The 55th anniversary this spring marks a milestone few companies reach, and they are looking forward to continued growth in the Ottawa-Hull area.

With over 400 years of combined experience, we are well prepared to serve our customers. Dad had a genuine concern for the customer's interest; he taught me to deal with people honestly, and if mistakes are made, rectify them promptly," he says. "It's a philosophy we continue today."