For this reno, we replaced our existing shower with new tile, fixtures and a frameless enclosure. We also replaced the sink, toilet and the bathtub fixtures. We had high expectations as Tod seemed knowledgeable about what would work and also due to the fact that they could start immediately (we had a leak and didn't have time to shop around). I think one of the main problems was in including the fixtures in the total price. We were advised to go with a particular brand, which we chose based on Tod's recommendation and which were certainly cheap in comparison to other brands we had looked at. Now that they are installed (the drain pull up doesn't work on the sink - we were told by Tod to 'play with it' for awhile), we worry. Tod was also not clear in the function of the shower system and we did not get what we had wanted which was what we had previously. Igor, who replaced our tiles, fixed our ceiling and did the majority of the work on the shower itself did a fantastic job, as well as being efficent and cleanly (he was done his part in a few days). The frameless was contracted out and that too, looks great. We had to walk Tod through everything we wanted done and had to constantly speak to him about things not being finished, being finished incorrectly or just plain looking bad. This included the sink not being properly caulked after being installed, the wall cut out being replaced with an acrylic board stuck to the existing wall with velcro instead of being repatched/drywalled or a panel being put in (which is what we were told would be done); missing flanges that were replaced with plastic ones, and silicone around the mirror being unevenly applied (after 2 attempts, we gave up on telling him to redo it). Also upsetting was we had bought a beautiful corner shower basket (costly) which he drilled into the tiles crooked. His response - "yeah, that was really hard", but he did not offer to repair it. We have had to find a way to 'mask' this so it doesn't show. We did have Lawrence Lampert come out but he was pretty non-commital on the job that was done and didn't say too much. He did offer to send Igor back to fix all of the mistakes but by that time,we had had it with the company (the 7 day job turned into over a month - Tod was sick, didn't have a part, didn't have another part, couldn't get out to the house etc. etc.). We asked instead for some of our money back (we had to pay 80% up front - in another post, Lawerence said they can negotiate this, but Tod made it clear we had to pay the 80% up front- non-negotiable). In the end, Lawrence took $340.00 off of a $12,000.00 bill. It was insulting to say the least. I understand now why they ask for so much up front. I'd hire Igor in a second - he was fantastic. Tod, however, should stick to plumbing and not call himself a 'design consultant' as was what he put on his business card. We just hope the plumbing stays intact and that the insides are done with better precision than the outsides. We can live with the reno as overall, it looks good. We just wish a little more care was given to the details of the project and that the owner showed more appreciation for our concerns.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $12,000.00
- Company Response
Lampert Group of Companies does over 200 jobs a year and 98% of our customers are completely satisfied, very few go wrong and we try our best to try to satisfy our customers. The brand of faucet that you yourself researched and selected on your own is American Standard. American Standard has been selling their product in the Canadian market since 1907 and is far from cheap in quality. I think your main issue with this faucet was the location of the Divertor Spout. Normally in shower stall applications we would recommend using a Hand shower on slider bar therefore a spout is not needed. But if a Customer wants one we would recommend that it be installed a "hand" height so no bending and reaching is required. When the wall was open Ihor and Todd discussed with you the position for the spout, and other options were available before the wall was finished. All other issues were minor and I offered to send Ihor back to re-silicone the sink and mirror which in fact was existing and had an existing gap at the top, We recommended the mirror be replaced as the backing was coming off. The "Plastic" flanges are always used as they look good and don't rust as a metal one would. I offered to drywall over the hole that was cut or install a proper access panel. The Lampert family has been doing renovations for over 40 years. Our payment structure has always been the same, and it is negotiable at the customers request. We Do Not force people to sign contracts. There was also another delay in the finishing due to the fact that you wanted to paint room before the fixtures went in. Custom glass takes approx. 2 weeks to produce and install from time of measuring. You stated above in your letter that Ihor was Fantastic, glass looked great and overall job was good. I hardly think your job only rated a 2-star. With that said, I stand behind our work and I am willing to send Ihor back to do the touch ups you require.
