News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

By LeRae Haynes 

Lesley Allgrove from Cariboo Trims and Tile Renovations has been doing carpentry professionally for five years, including work on timber frames and log homes. She has post-secondary education in carpentry and has recently opened her own business in Williams Lake.   

 “I was certainly outnumbered in school as a woman in carpentry. There were three women in my first year, including one older lady and when I got to my second year, I was the only one,” she said. “I like carpentry because it’s always different and you’re always learning---carpentry has so much to it.” 

(Photo: Lesley Allgrove’s new business, Cariboo Trims and Tile Renovations, is taking on residential and commercial projects that update, improve and put the finishing touches on a home or business.)

Lesley’s career is taking her into more finishing work, including things like tiling, trims and moldings. “A lot of people like those ‘home reno’ shows, where they add things like a coat of paint, crown moldings and wainscoting---creating a whole new look for not a lot of money,” she explained. 

Cariboo Trims and Tile specializes in both residential and commercial projects that include various indoor updates and larger renovations, and takes on jobs that involve moving walls, windows and doors. 

“I want to get into doing more tiling: I’m a perfectionist and enjoy the satisfaction of putting down tile and making it look perfect. Sometimes houses and rooms aren’t level, or aren’t square and that just adds to the challenge,” she said.   

“Tile isn’t that expensive and it’s nice to work with,” she continued. “It’s not a cold, hard floor: you can get a heating layer to go under it. It’s durable like concrete, but it’s beautiful.” 

Lesley said that her love for building and fixing came from growing up on a farm in Prince George and having a father who was a heavy-duty mechanic.    

“I wanted to start my own business because I wan the independence and because I want to do a really great job for people---I want to do it right,” she said. “I am flexible and a good listener and hear what people really want and what will work for them.” 

She said that her education and training has definitely included working with local professionals. “A lot of people here have been really great to work with---the professional older guys who have done it for years are not only good at what they do, they’re willing to teach you,” she explained. “I have developed a powerful work ethic and a lifelong desire to learn, to improve and to grow. 

“I want people to have a good experience with me and to know that the quality is top-notch and they got their money’s worth out of me,” she said. “I want to bring quality back into carpentry.” 

For more information about Cariboo Trims and Tiles, phone Leslie at 250-305-4564 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

| More...