Why the lowest basement development price is not always the best option

Recently, someone reached out to us about fixing the mistakes made by another basement development company.

The client chose this company to build their dream basement after they offered to do the work for several thousand dollars less than a quote from a different contractor.

You know that suspicious feeling you get when a price seems too good to be true? Listening to your instinct can be a wise thing to do.

In this case, the basement development was completed with extremely shoddy workmanship.

Not only was this contractor refusing to fix the issues, but they were also demanding to be paid the final amount owing. With the threat of a lawsuit thrown in.

The distraught client sent us photos of the work, and we were shocked at what we saw.

Here are just a few of those photos.

Fireplace Issue

How will the client ever be able to enjoy relaxing in front of the fire, after the contractor installed it off-centre, then refused to fix it?

Fireplace Issue

How will the client ever be able to enjoy relaxing in front of the fire, after the contractor installed it off-centre, then refused to fix it?

Hillcrest Drive basement renovation 3 copy.jpeg

Sink Issues

This basement development included two sinks, one in the bathroom and one in the wet bar. Both were installed without properly centering the faucet above the drain.

Sink Issues

This basement development included two sinks, one in the bathroom and one in the wet bar. Both were installed without properly centering the faucet above the drain.

Mirror & Paint Issues

These photos speak for themselves. The wall paint is already separating from the edge of the bathroom mirror on the left side, while the edge of the mirror does not connect with the metal frame on the right side.

Mirror & Paint Issues

Countertop Issues

The client chose Caesarstone, one of the top brands of quartz on the market, but was not expecting to pay for a damaged countertop.

Whether these cracks were in the quartz previously, or appeared as the result of installation, it doesn’t matter. Cracked counters are not acceptable.

Countertop Issues

The client chose Caesarstone, one of the top brands of quartz on the market, but was not expecting to pay for a damaged countertop.

Whether these cracks were in the quartz previously, or appeared as the result of installation, it doesn’t matter. Cracked counters are not acceptable.

Our Satisfaction Structure

How can other consumers avoid a horrible experience like this? One of the top items to consider when planning a basement development is whether a company will actually stand by its work.

However, it can be challenging to sift through residential construction company websites. Many feature beautiful photos and excellent reviews. But figuring out if those photos and reviews are real can be almost impossible.

Beware: the company that offers the lowest price is not always the right choice.

If you are considering Basement Builders for your basement development, first of all, we’d like to say Thank You.

Next, we’d like to tell you how we build customer satisfaction into every job. In fact, we guarantee it with our step-by-step Satisfaction Structure.

Framing Walk-Through

After the initial framing is complete, we walk with you through the entire basement.
We ensure that the walls are exactly where you want them to be, along with built-in shelves, raised bar counters, niches or anything else included in your dream basement development.
We want to make sure we’ve got it right before drywall is installed.
Electrical Walk-Through

The next step in our Satisfaction Structure is our Electrical Walk-Through.
Our Master Electrician walks through the basement with you to identify where the outlets, switches and lights will go. This is as per your custom requests and needs.
We also offer guidance and recommendations for the best locations.
Quality Assurance Weekend

When your development is done, we don’t do a final walk-through.
Because who wants the pressure of their contractor standing over their shoulder during a final inspection?
We do it differently. We want you to LIVE in your new space for a few days. Take your time. Feel your new basement, as well as see it.
Contact us if you have any concerns and will will fix any issues as soon as possible.
We don’t accept the final 20% of our fee until you’re satisfied.
Cleanliness

We clean up job the site each day and every day. You are welcome to check on the progress of your dream basement development every evening.
We encourage communication about any questions or concerns. Your satisfaction is our top priority.

Framing Walk-Through

After the initial framing is complete, we walk with you through the entire basement.
We ensure that the walls are exactly where you want them to be, along with built-in shelves, raised bar counters, niches or anything else included in your dream basement development.
We want to make sure we’ve got it right before drywall is installed.
Electrical Walk-Through

The next step in our Satisfaction Structure is our Electrical Walk-Through.
Our Master Electrician walks through the basement with you to identify where the outlets, switches and lights will go. This is as per your custom requests and needs.
We also offer guidance and recommendations for the best locations.
Quality Assurance Weekend

When your development is done, we don’t do a final walk-through.
Because who wants the pressure of their contractor standing over their shoulder during a final inspection?
We do it differently. We want you to LIVE in your new space for a few days. Take your time. Feel your new basement, as well as see it.
Contact us if you have any concerns and will will fix any issues as soon as possible.
We don’t accept the final 20% of our fee until you’re satisfied.
Cleanliness

We clean up job the site each day and every day. You are welcome to check on the progress of your dream basement development every evening.
We encourage communication about any questions or concerns. Your satisfaction is our top priority.