This was the WORST experience imaginable with a contractor!
After purchasing my first home, a 3-bedroom semi detached house in the west end of Toronto, I hired these contractors to do some general work such as: relocating cable outlets from one side of the room to the other, install new light fixtures, install new bathroom vanity, hang flat screen TV and create a closet in the upstairs hallway.
The work was supposed to be completed in the 5 days after I closed and before I moved in so that I could avoid the mess of covering furniture and cleaning drywall dust. The work went on for almost 5 weeks with the general contractor's son completing most of the work by himself, usually between the hours of 5- 6:30pm daily.
The work was completed with such poor workmanship, cheap material and DIY shoddy finishes, I was in shock that they told me the work was completed in the state it was, and then sent me an astronomical bill. When I made them come back so I could point out the problems and things I needed fixed before I would pay, the owner was rude, condescending and made every attempt to make me feel like I didn't know what I was talking about. When all was said and done, I made them redo or at least refinish most of the work that was done (only after my real estate agent who referred them intervened). Then, they had the nerve to charge me even more for what they claimed to be the "upgrades" to the finishes.
Do not use these contractors, especially if you are a woman - they will simply take advantage of you. The end product re-done was satisfactory, but the road to completion was by far the worst experience I've ever had with a "professional".