Calgary home builder recommendations - Page 2 - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Bigtime · 03-18-2013, 07:59 AM

Slightly different question for the thread, how about recommendations for a renovation company?

We are looking to do:

-Exterior (extension, siding, windows, some roofing)
-Interior (removing/adding walls, bathroom, and potentially basement)

Erick Estrada · 03-18-2013, 08:10 AM

Not sure about the BBB rankings. They have Shane Homes as an A and I as well as other people I know beg to differ. I like to refer to them as Sh$t Homes myself and wouldn't recommend them to my worst enemy.

Bigtime · 03-18-2013, 08:12 AM

I put ZERO stock in BBB ratings (and the BBB in general). They don't take into account folks that run a company into the ground and screw customers and clients and then open up another company afterwards and join the BBB.

Northendzone · 03-18-2013, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigtime

Slightly different question for the thread, how about recommendations for a renovation company?

We are looking to do:

-Exterior (extension, siding, windows, some roofing)
-Interior (removing/adding walls, bathroom, and potentially basement)

The only companies I have heard of is ultimate, a guy I used to work with had his basement done by them and he was happy, even though the job started small and escalated.

The other company is plan it builders a fried looked at them and he thought it was more expensive

The Yen Man · 03-18-2013, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

Not sure about the BBB rankings. They have Shane Homes as an A and I as well as other people I know beg to differ. I like to refer to them as Sh$t Homes myself and wouldn't recommend them to my worst enemy.

I guess experience really does differ between individuals. I built my house with Shane Homes, and I found them to be pretty good. The house build was decent, and the service was prompt. I don't really have any complaints with any of the process going with them.

DFO · 03-18-2013, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigtime

Slightly different question for the thread, how about recommendations for a renovation company?

We are looking to do:

-Exterior (extension, siding, windows, some roofing)
-Interior (removing/adding walls, bathroom, and potentially basement)

Foothills Renovation. They were GC for our new house construction - pretty happy with the finished product.

Erick Estrada · 03-18-2013, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Yen Man

I guess experience really does differ between individuals. I built my house with Shane Homes, and I found them to be pretty good. The house build was decent, and the service was prompt. I don't really have any complaints with any of the process going with them.

There are a lot of variables depending on the contractors that did the work and if your house was built during the boom years chances are that a lot of apprentices and unqualified people could have had a hand in the building of your house.

The Yen Man · 03-18-2013, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

There are a lot of variables depending on the contractors that did the work and if your house was built during the boom years chances are that a lot of apprentices and unqualified people could have had a hand in the building of your house.

Fair enough. During the boom years (2004-2007) I think it's safe to say a lot of houses were built crappily. I know a few people who bought houses during that time, and all of them were badly built, regardless of the builder.

My house was built in 2009-2010, so by then all the unqualified trades people were mostly gone already. I've been in my house for almost 3 years, and I haven't had any issues with it.

rotten42 · 03-19-2013, 10:37 AM

I think with most builders the biggest factor to whether or not you get a good house built is the area supervisor. If you get one with experience and is a bit old school = good house. If you get a lazy f%cker =crap house.

I've built with Shane in the past and we got a really nice home. That said, we had a great area supervisor and we delt directly will Cal Wenzel.

When I built with Stepper Homes it was a horrible experience. Those guys tried to screw me at every turn.

Swiss · 03-20-2013, 01:34 PM

Whatever anybody does STAY AS FAR away from GREENBORO homes or more specificaly UBG (Unity Builders Group). They went into CCAA last May and are having a heck of a time. It has been nothing short of a nightmare with them for us.

We went with them cause they have been around for awhile and knew people that had built with them and had good experience but I am regretting going with them every second. I am to the point that I just hope they finish it so I don't lose my deposit.

hungryhun · 03-20-2013, 02:11 PM

In the end we decided to take a gamble and build with Jager Homes. We are 1/2 way through construction and so far it has been a great experience. We are fortunate enough to have a great area supervisor and he is really on the ball.

hungryhun · 03-20-2013, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigtime

Slightly different question for the thread, how about recommendations for a renovation company?

We are looking to do:

-Exterior (extension, siding, windows, some roofing)
-Interior (removing/adding walls, bathroom, and potentially basement)

Whatever you do I would stay away from the Christian Contractor. I have had first hand experiences dealing with them and all I will say is it was not good. In fact it was a nightmare.

Bigtime · 03-20-2013, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hungryhun

Whatever you do I would stay away from the Christian Contractor. I have had first hand experiences dealing with them and all I will say is it was not good. In fact it was a nightmare.

Since this is a public forum all I can do is nod my head in agreement with you, but for other reasons with me.