In May 2016, I searched for a contractor to build my addition. I wanted one bedroom and one bathroom on my second level. I checked with four contractors. And of course, Norseman was one of them. All three told me that the minimal cost for my addition would be $80,000 – $85,000, except Norseman. The guy who came from Norseman told me that $70,000 would be enough. However, I should do the drawings with them to be able to direct the architecture designer to stay within the budget. Their designer cost $9,605. However, the company will give me $4,802.5 back when I start the job with them. And that’s why I agreed, and we did the drawings. In end of July, after they finished the drawings, he sent me an estimate with $76,000. Which I agreed and I thought that I could manage this extra $6,000. then during Aug. and Sep. He kept delaying, once he told me that we need to start with HVAC drawings and permit, then structural engineer, then plumbing, etc. I didn’t understand this delay, although I told him that we are expecting a baby on Jan 5, 2017, and I want the job to be done before my wife's due date. Unfortunately, after this delay, in Oct 2016, and before we start, he sent me another estimate with $94,000. A $18,000 above their initial one. And because I don’t have this money I said no. I called Norseman to see why this change and that I started with them because of their estimate which is $70,000. And their answer was that every partner in the company needs their share and that is why the estimate went up. I told him that I feel that they gave me a lower price, in the beginning, to make me choose them. They cost me more than $12,000 before the start which now I lost them. The city of Toronto gave me the permit. However, they want a structural engineer to check the footage and foundation. So, before Norseman gave me the last estimate, their structural engineer told me that after Norseman starts the demolition and when they have all their equipment in the location he will ask the contractor to dig a hole in the basement to check and sign what the city wants. And when I asked him specifically, whether it is safe to start the project before getting the measurement, he said yes. He is sure everything is OK. And when I checked with one of my friends, he told me it is good they didn’t start, because people like them their only motive is money will start, and then the structural engineer will ask for more money and more things to be fixed because they all work together, and it would be my biggest mistake if I started the project before the engineer clearance. Of course, I ended wasting more than $12,000 on the project which didnt start because of Norseman's change in their estimate. started with $70,000, then $76,000, then after I lost already $12,000 they changed their quotation to $94,000. I lost the trust of contractors and scared to lose more money and time. More important my wife and I can’t go through the stress again, especially that she is pregnant.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $94,000.00
- What could this company do to improve their services?
- Any advice to offer fellow homeowners facing a similar project?
- Company Response
Mr. Mansour as stated on the phone and by email Norseman Construction will not submit to extortion or threats of defamation; the fact that you have posted this after your threats to do so unless you were compensated monetarily speaks volumes to your actions.
Your posting contains numerous inaccuracies and falsehoods concerning Norseman and represents a deliberate attempt to defame and do harm to its reputation. Since such words were broadcast in a public medium, such defamation is deemed to libel under Canadian Law.
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Norseman Construction was hired on July 14th 2016 for a cost agreed to of 8500.00 plus HST (Your city levies and fees are separate). To complete the following:
These services included:1. Pre-designPhase:
Site visit and field measure existing home and preparation of as- built drawings. Includes meeting with client to discuss scope of work in detail, review of site conditions and survey.2. Schematic Design Phase
• Municipal zoning and bylaw review. Preparation of an initial concept plan.3. 3. DesignDevelopmentPhase:
• Based on the approved schematic design documents, prepare drawings and other documents to fix and describe the size and character of the entire project as to the architectural and structural systems. Prepare drawings as required for submission for Zoning Review/Preliminary Project Review.• In this phase Norseman Construction will be able to include the “Quantum scope” to plan & price the job to and keep the project in the budget
4. ConstructionDocumentPhase:
• Based upon the approved design development drawings, prepare construction documents for building permit submission. Plan revisions corresponding to the Building Department’s review comments are included.These works were completed in full on September 6th 2016. At this point Norseman Construction & Developments contract with you has been completed and as mentioned you were free to gather additional quotes to compete against our pricing. (The fact that you received building permits and full drawings in hand in less than 2 moths is a credit to hard work and proper coordination for your contract. Your permits will be active for 2 years, which can be used any time.)
Upon the review of the permit drawings you received from the city, that contained City notes on your drawings which demanded items be completed before work could start. Inflated the cost of your project outside your ability to afford the renovation.
Our Sales team even while working with you pro bono to help to achieve your budget and goals did so with integrity and following all guidelines set out by our company policies. As this didn’t work out the way you wanted you then posted an inaccurate portrayal of existential pieces to an otherwise flawlessly completed contract.