BOTTOM LINE
Yes, P2 Contracting Solutions Inc. is more expensive than other contractors but the quality and attention to detail of P2’s work justifies the additional cost.
CONTRACT SCOPE
P2 Contracting Solutions Inc. renovated the main and small ensuite bathrooms in our house built in the mid 1950’s. The scope of the work included: (a) preparing the basement bathroom to be used as a temporary bathroom during the renovation which involved installing an exhaust fan and transferring the thermostatic shower control from the ensuite bathroom, (b) demolishing and rebuilding both bathrooms on the main floor, (c) enlarging the main bathroom by removing a hall closet, (d) switching the locations of the vanity and tub in the main bathroom, (e) installing all pre-purchased floor, wall, and shower tiles, electric floor heating, tub, toilets, vanities and linen tower, faucets, shower bar sets, tub spout, exhaust fans, vanity lights, and ensuite vanity mirror, (f) providing and installing glass shower enclosures in both bathrooms, and the vanity mirror, potlights, and built-in cabinet in the main bathroom.
DESIGN PROCESS
We chose P2 Contracting Solutions Inc. (via one of its trademarks – Royal Impressions Design & Build) because Rowan was the only contractor who suggested design enhancements that matched what we had in mind but did not express to any contractor. In addition we are very happy that we adopted all the design recommendations that Amadeu, our site manager, made.
In our first meeting with Amadeu, Rowan mentioned that a step-by-step design approach would be used and that we would be involved at every decision point regarding the design as the work progressed. Together with Amadeu decisions in the main bathroom included the length, width, and height of the wall between the vanity and tub, location of vanity lights in the mirror, the shape and size of the crown moulding for the built-in cabinet. We made decisions for both bathrooms about the location and dimensions of the wall niches in the shower areas, and casings for windows and doors.
Amadeu made seemingly small recommendations that had a significantly positive impact in the end. Examples are the length of the wall between the vanity and tub in the main bathroom, and the length of the shower and width of the glass enclosure in the ensuite bathroom.
Rowan and the tile installer met with us to discuss the best way to lay the Carrera floor tiles in each bathroom, and the shower tiles for each bathroom.
TIMING & BUDGET
The project took much longer than the planned 5 weeks primarily because the company building the built-in cabinet failed to deliver by the promised date. Although the doors of the cabinet were fine, the cabinet had to be rebuilt because of an error in its design. Instead of waiting an additional six weeks, Rowan switched to another cabinet maker who produced an excellent product in three days.
The final price exceeded the budget for the scope of the contract by $3,440.00 because of:
• starfire glass being used for the shower enclosures,
• new sub-floors for both bathrooms being installed,
• additional Caesarstone being used in the main bathroom, and
• crown moulding for the built-in cabinet.
Although the prices for most of the material changes or additions were in line with other contractors, we did negotiate a lower price with Rowan in one instance.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
We were pleased that the demolition occurred while we were away, and that a trailer was used to remove this debris on a daily basis instead of having a bin sitting on our driveway during this period. In addition to the WSIB clearance certificate, Rowan supplied a certificate of insurance since we were going to be absent for part of the renovation.
Amadeu made sure that everything was done correctly; for example he squared a wall in the ensuite bathroom so that the installed vanity lined up with the centre grout line in the floor even though this work required more time and effort. Amadeu and his crew were punctual and friendly, and everyone including the sub-trades was polite, respectful, and willing to explain what was being done.
We thought that Rowan did his absolute best to resolve issues before the final payment. He installed higher wattage led potlights because only three of the four planned potlights could be installed in the main bathroom. He came with the plumber on another day to re-install a pop-up drain in the ensuite bathroom.
CONCLUSION
Although both bathrooms have modern clean lines with a feeling of openness, each has its own unique character. Rowan and Amadeu were able to incorporate the concepts from the pictures we showed them to create bathrooms that we thoroughly enjoy. Our friends and family have been very impressed by these renovations. We feel that P2 Contracting Solutions Inc. lived up to its motto: “Your Vision is Our Build”.