I will start this commentary by saying that I was pleased to have experience in renovations, to ensure the somewhat satisfactory end result of 3 washroom renovations. I drew up a detailed scope of work that formed part of the contract, to minimize changes that can cause delays and costs over-runs.
During the project, when I raised my concerns about quality, I was told that it was acceptable. On a few occasions I checked my opinion with others in the industry, who concurred with my position, yet it was always a tough “war of words” to get Majesty to acknowledge that the work was sub-standard, and to remedy same. My wife, who is far less “construction savvy”, began excited and in good spirits, but evolved to being very stressed and reluctant to talk to Majesty on site when I was not available, due to their approach. I found the need to be very insistent and firm with Greg/Majesty, to resolve differences of opinion on the work through the project. This made for an emotionally-tenuous environment in our home each day.
A few examples:
The mosaic tile in the shower was poorly installed – it had slid down the wall and buckled out from the wall from compression, yet I was told that it was not possible to install them any better. When I insisted, Majesty told me they could try, but I would have to pay for them to correct their mistake. I tentatively arranged for another contractor to do the work (who told me he had evidence of doing such work correctly), referred Greg to the person, and only then did he agree to rectify at his cost. They rectified satisfactorily.
Walls were painted before first ensuring the surface was smooth. The uneven areas were then sanded and patch-painted. The result was noticeable paint texture differences where the patches were painted. These were then rectified.
A mirror and a light fixture above a vanity sink were positioned off-centre. I was told that I’d advised them where to install the light and mirror before the sink was installed. I did not, because I knew that the location of the sink could vary (being told so by the independent vanity installer).
Majesty kept coming back with a list of “extra costs”, some of which I agreed with and paid for them, and others I did not agree with. At one point I was reminded by Majesty how, at the outset of the project, they reduced their price for the overall contract. In turn, I reminded Majesty that I had other contractors lined up before selecting them, and they did not have to accept my request for a lower price, but they did. Majesty denied trying to make up the discount through extras.
Workers on site: This ranged from between one up to three over the duration, and may have contributed to the 4-5 week contract becoming a 7 week contract. Consider this upheaval in one’s lifestyle, especially washrooms. In my opinion, the scope of the work did not change materially to cause this amount of time over-run.
The original agreement was that the 2nd washroom and powder room would be COMPLETE before the MES washroom was started, so that we had a washroom to use. When Majesty said “we are a couple of days away from completing your 2nd washroom and powder room, and would like to begin work in the MES” we relented. However, two weeks later, we still did not have a functionally complete 2nd washroom and powder room.
I have another tiler coming in in a couple of weeks, to remedy two areas where tiles are not laid flush.
These were my observations only, and are obviously not a reflection on what anyone else has, or may experience with Majesty Renovations.
