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bubbsy · 03-23-2015, 02:32 PM

We are embarking on a new project to get our basement developed in the coming months. We have had a few contractors that come from references (ie. friends/coworkers) who have come in and given very very budgetary estimates without really getting into much detail.

As we were doing this, we noticed ad signs coming up around the neighbourhood for a contracting company specializing in basements. We called them up, and they came in and did a really detailed quote, all their own insured/bonded staff (no 3rd party sub cons), and project time/cost guarantees, etc. We were pretty happy with the estimation process, and what they are pitching in the deal (includes a professional designer to come in and help us determine the layout, with 3D walkthru's of potential layouts, etc).

Here's our concern:
1) Not coming from a personal reference but rather just signs put up in public

2) Online review sites, specifically homestars.ca, has a very limited number of reviews for this company (only 5, and each gave a perfect 10 score).

Are there any ways, other than asking for references, to actually build confidence in this contracting company? What questions should i ask, where else can i check the company's reputation, etc?

(i don't live in Calgary, am in toronto/GTA).

03-23-2015, 02:32 PM	#338
bubbsy Franchise Player Join Date: Aug 2008 Exp:	Basement Reno Question We are embarking on a new project to get our basement developed in the coming months. We have had a few contractors that come from references (ie. friends/coworkers) who have come in and given very very budgetary estimates without really getting into much detail. As we were doing this, we noticed ad signs coming up around the neighbourhood for a contracting company specializing in basements. We called them up, and they came in and did a really detailed quote, all their own insured/bonded staff (no 3rd party sub cons), and project time/cost guarantees, etc. We were pretty happy with the estimation process, and what they are pitching in the deal (includes a professional designer to come in and help us determine the layout, with 3D walkthru's of potential layouts, etc). Here's our concern: 1) Not coming from a personal reference but rather just signs put up in public 2) Online review sites, specifically homestars.ca, has a very limited number of reviews for this company (only 5, and each gave a perfect 10 score). Are there any ways, other than asking for references, to actually build confidence in this contracting company? What questions should i ask, where else can i check the company's reputation, etc? (i don't live in Calgary, am in toronto/GTA).