Over billed, trades were not paid, plus deficiencies in the build
Gregor Homes was negligent in that they failed to use the detailed information that we provided up front when they estimated the cost of finishing of our new home. When we expressed our concern given that we had not changed anything since they provided the estimate, they simply said they had relied on irrelevant historical information from other builds they have done rather than providing quotes on the details we provided. For instance our contract states that we would have a wood-burning fireplace with a floor to ceiling stone surround. They estimated this to cost $10,000, however when we went to their fireplace supplier , the cheapest one that was $13,000 just for the wood-burning fireplace and the chimney, the entire cost including the stone surround was in the range of $20,000 for that one item and it was not the only one. The same thing happened with our staircase that was clearly outlined in advance and yet it ended up costing $20,000 more than what they quoted. There were several items like this.
Furthermore, there are several deficiencies with their work. The town inspector identified several items that were substandard and now our roof is also leaking (just 6 months after the house was completed). The report we received from roofing company indicated that it was a failure to install adequate and appropriate venting in one area of the house. Additionally the inadequate grading caused water pooling on one side of the house and there were several other issues. They even took two kitchen cabinet doors that were meant to replace two that had originally been installed upside down. The kitchen supplier tried to make arrangements to install the new doors in our kitchen however when we followed up she told us that someone from Gregor Homes had come and taken the doors that were meant for our kitchen. So we are stuck with two upside down doors in our kitchen now.
At least two of the subcontractors were not paid by Gregor Homes as of six months after the house was build and contacted us, which could result in liens against our home. One of those contractors told us it was not the first time they had this problem with Gregor Homes. We are now engaged in a legal action with Gregor Homes over the deficiencies with the build because they refused to honour the contract which states that if there is a disagreement it goes to mediation rather than court.
I certainly would never hire them again!!!
- Approximate cost of services:
- $500,000.00
- Company Response
Hello Julie, We are sorry for the miscommunication. The fireplace and stairs cannot be quoted due to precise measurements that have to be taken once the house is actually built hence the reason we provide cash allowances. Therefore it can only be estimated. We are sorry if you feel we made a mistake in this estimate. Also, you hired your own company to complete the fireplace and you chose your own insert. The town inspector passed the home for final occupancy. Therefore the inspection was a success. Also, you provided Gregor with a package home to construct, if you feel the materials supplied were substandard we suggest you give them a call. The roofing company who told you that you needed more vents was the same company that installed the roof in the first place. Builders rely on their expert advice as to how many roof vents are installed. If you had let us know that this was a problem we would have contacted them to correct their mistake. We are happy to have the kitchen company return to install the cabinet doors correctly once your account is paid in full. Gregor Homes has over 35 years of experience in building homes and thousands of happy and satisfied customers. We are more than willing to work with our clients to ensure satisfaction.
Thank you. Gregor Homes Ltd.