Penguin Basements

Formerly Penguin Condos
Basement Renovation
Toronto ON M3J 2C4
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HomeStars  >  Basement Renovation in Richmond Hill  >  Penguin Basements  >  Project had a few issues but all were resolved
Kellen in Kitchener
Kellen in Kitchener
0 reviews Hamilton, ON
7/10

Project had a few issues but all were resolved

EDIT: All of my concerns below have been addressed/corrected to my satisfaction by Penguin.

Let me start by saying I don't write bad reviews. Most of the time I can't be bothered but I also don't like being the reason someone loses out on business. With that said, I feel very strongly about my experience with Penguin and have given them every opportunity to rectify my issues, to no avail.
I had them do a full 1 bed 1 bath rental unit in my basement and the beginning of the process was extremely smooth. The owner called and gave a hell of a sales pitch and the job was planned to my satisfaction. After demo and framing, things began to take a turn. The quality of work performed was lacking - including the electrical, painting, drywall finishing, and carpentry. I also found at least one worker drinking alcohol on the job.
I requested and hose bibb be replaced on the outside of the house by my driveway. I was charged $452 but the work wasn't done for months, despite constant reminders. After the interior was finished, that made replacing the hose bibb far more difficult so, without my permission, they drilled a hole on the complete opposite side of my house and installed a new hose bibb there, leaving the old one. When I told them that was unacceptable, the office said it was my fault because I didn't give them approval by a certain date. I then provided them proof that I did provide such approval and they instead offered me $100 to buy a hose to wrap around the house. I explained why that didn't solve the issue and they have still refused to either replace the hose bibb as agreed or provide a refund for the service not rendered.
There is also a bunch of warranty work (marked kitchen counter, scratched cabinets, gouged/stained floors, etc.) that I was told would be rectified over a month ago and and have heard nothing since.

I paid a premium price of $120k (was quoted much less) all said and done and I don't feel like I got what I paid for. Prior to hiring Penguin I read reviews mentioning inexperienced trades, no management coming to inspect the work done by the trades, mistakes covered up by more mistakes, and lack of responsiveness of the office staff who coordinate the work. Sadly, this too was my experience and I wish I wasn't so dismissive of the negative reviews.

EDIT: I have spoken with Penguin and they have advised that the issues highlighted in my review are in queue and will be addressed immediately. I am optimistic that I will have these issues remedied in the next couple weeks. I will update as the situation progresses as I look forward to a positive outcome with Penguin.

Approximate cost of services:
$120,000.00
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Company Response

Our team is currently working to address the situation and we will keep you updated throughout the process. We appreciate your patience and understanding in this matter.

Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any further questions or concerns.

Best regards,

Penguin Basements

Previous versions of this review:

Kellen in Kitchener
Kellen in Kitchener
0 reviews Hamilton, ON
6/10

Didn't Get What I Paid For...yet

Let me start by saying I don't write bad reviews. Most of the time I can't be bothered but I also don't like being the reason someone loses out on business. With that said, I feel very strongly about my experience with Penguin and have given them every opportunity to rectify my issues, to no avail.
I had them do a full 1 bed 1 bath rental unit in my basement and the beginning of the process was extremely smooth. The owner called and gave a hell of a sales pitch and the job was planned to my satisfaction. After demo and framing, things began to take a turn. The quality of work performed was lacking - including the electrical, painting, drywall finishing, and carpentry. I also found at least one worker drinking alcohol on the job.
I requested and hose bibb be replaced on the outside of the house by my driveway. I was charged $452 but the work wasn't done for months, despite constant reminders. After the interior was finished, that made replacing the hose bibb far more difficult so, without my permission, they drilled a hole on the complete opposite side of my house and installed a new hose bibb there, leaving the old one. When I told them that was unacceptable, the office said it was my fault because I didn't give them approval by a certain date. I then provided them proof that I did provide such approval and they instead offered me $100 to buy a hose to wrap around the house. I explained why that didn't solve the issue and they have still refused to either replace the hose bibb as agreed or provide a refund for the service not rendered.
There is also a bunch of warranty work (marked kitchen counter, scratched cabinets, gouged/stained floors, etc.) that I was told would be rectified over a month ago and and have heard nothing since.

I paid a premium price of $120k (was quoted much less) all said and done and I don't feel like I got what I paid for. Prior to hiring Penguin I read reviews mentioning inexperienced trades, no management coming to inspect the work done by the trades, mistakes covered up by more mistakes, and lack of responsiveness of the office staff who coordinate the work. Sadly, this too was my experience and I wish I wasn't so dismissive of the negative reviews.

EDIT: I have spoken with Penguin and they have advised that the issues highlighted in my review are in queue and will be addressed immediately. I am optimistic that I will have these issues remedied in the next couple weeks. I will update as the situation progresses as I look forward to a positive outcome with Penguin.

Approximate cost of services:
$120,000.00