Thom Hirtz talks a great game, but our experience is that he doesn't deliver...and top top it off his shoddy work was WAY over budget. We experienced significant quality problems with the plumbing (almost nothing done right), flooring (and it can't even be fixed now), electrical, our foundation (leaky basement and other issues), and almost every bit of the trim work (you'd be shocked if you saw). The only subcontractor he used that did quality work was his tiler. Thom could likely have headed off a lot of the issues himself through proper quality checks and site supervision, but my assessment is that he just isn't great with day-to-day operations...a creative mind that's weak on the implementation. My simple is advice is to look somewhere else - don't get sucked in by his charm.

Thom Hirtz and Group 5 were an answer to our prayers. Thom took our old and tired Forest Hill Home and transformed our address into a Modern Showcase. Group 5 delivered everything they promised and more. The only budget overage was due to us changing our minds for obviously more upgrades than budgeted for in our original plans. We would definetly use Thom Hirtz and Group 5 again, and have recommended him to some of our neighbors and friends.

Thom [removed last name -ed] and group 5 took a basic reno and turned it into a nightmare Thom [removed last name -ed] was hired as a project manager and payment was a percentage of monies spent. Thom[removed last name -ed] will produce a contract that is very builder bias, have your lawyer review it. The authenticity of Group 5`s accounting practices are suspect, double billing from suppliers. Tom Hirtz talks of huge discounts he will get you from his suppliers, never happened, full retail ++ Thom [removed last name -ed] inability to orchestrate sub trades in a logical construction order was very costly. As project manager he rarely visited the site, little communication, site drawings not passed onto trades, resulting in an unacceptable number of errors and omissions. Thom [removed last name -ed] and group 5 have an attitude that when a mistake is made, no problem, some-one will repair it later, at the owners` expense. 7 months into the project, no heat, no water, limited electrical and no completion date in site and errors outweighing possible credits, Thom [removed last name -ed] and his little Group 5 abandoned the project (with a sizable check) never to be seen again. This was probably the best thing that happened, we then found a builder with a conscience. An honest days work for a days pay! Read advise

After going through 5 or 6 great renovation experiences with many wonderful contractors, our last project became our first horror story. Thom Hirtz who operates as Group 5 promise many things which he could not deliver, it began with the budget and cost spiraling, like the $30,000 for disposal bins, (it was no tear-down, merely a demo down to the framing), when confronted on the fact that estimates and quotes were doubled and tripled we never received any real answer. After being billed almost $500,000 before drywall was even finished we knew we had been taken for a ride (the building was just under 2000 sq/f). We finally had to part ways as the quality became sub-par, even against code as building inspectors later pointed out. Beyond the fact that what was contracted as a $200,000 job turned into an unfinished/poorly done $500,000 nightmare the very fact that it cost almost $200,000 to fix and complete the job leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. My honest advise would be to go with a larger company with real experience and not simply a "charming man" out to make a quick buck.

After great thought and consideration we decided to take on the task of renovating our home. We interviewed a few contractors and after talking to their references we settled on Thom Hirtz of Group 5. We found the efforts made and put in by Mr. Hirtz and his trades exceptional. They went beyond the call of duty. The project came in under budget and was completed on time. We are over the top with our home.

Renovator Thom Hirtz is charming, experienced and capable. Unfortunately on our renovation his suppliers and tradespersons were largely incompetent and his accounting was never complete despite the fact that our deal was for a percentage mark-up on actual monies spent. Neither Thom nor I were on site often enough and errors either had to be corrected once spotted or ignored because it was too late. Line-ups didn't line up; levels weren't; doors were installed reversed; and gas, electrical and plumbing issues(!) attended to. Pieces of delivered fittings/equipment were lost or damaged, paperwork is missing.

Group 5 has done many renovations and build outs for me personally and for some of my business locations. I have been extremely pleased with their attitude, guality, and finished product. I would recommend this company to any prospective client.

Hire to do full gutting, interior renovation and underpin basement in summer/fall 2004. The undermined the foundation of my house by cleaving off the brick footings and caused other structural damage. I had to hire structural and geotechnical engineers to confirm the many structural defects due to the extremely poor workmanship Group 5 provided. Group 5 came highly recommended but when they worked with me they convinced me that didn't need a building permit. I was lucky that the City of Toronto building inspectors were sympathetic to my situation and did not fine me for not having a permit. Had to fire Group 5 as they would not take any responsibility for problems they caused. I wanted to resolve our disputes via mediation but they refused to take responsibility for the defective work. Lost thousands of dollars and peace of mind over this renovation.