Just Basements

I found Just Basements and Reiner Ehlers through Home Stars and, coincidentally, had heard good reviews from a few work colleagues. After evaluating quotes from six other contractors in the Durham Region, Reiner Ehlers took our basement vision and contributed valuable ideas to ensure we made the best use of the space available on the ground and overhead: Reiner was the only contractor to suggest realigning the ductwork (HVAC) to improve headspace and one of the few contractors to provide a line-by-line, item-by-item quote. When I met with other contractors, they appeared to be listening but returned with floor plans that required multiple revisions to meet my preferences or quotes that were too general (i.e. a hundred dollars here, a thousand dollars there). Reiner’s cost was slightly higher than others, but it wasn’t unreasonable: you’re paying for a professional, well-established and knowledgeable contractor and crew to produce a quality product. “You get what you pay for,” and in this case you won’t be disappointed. Reiner is also very fair in his charges -- in our case, Reiner had to build an extra decorative column (to hide an exposed support pole) and didn't charge for it since he underestimated in the original quote. During construction, a few unexpected surprises were exposed: our gas line needed to be enlarged, water heater vent fixed, the electrical box expanded and bib of an external water pipe raised. Reiner took care of it, no problem! There were a few delays, but none that Reiner could have forecasted: custom material (e.g. French doors and custom carpet for the basement stairs) were delayed in transport. After three months of construction, Reiner's crew built a professional, high quality living and recreational space which includes a home gym, a sewing/craft area for my wife, a kids’ play area and finished hiding space under the stairs, an open TV/family room, and unfinished storage and furnace rooms. With our basement now the crown jewel of our home, my wife and I are eager to refinish our main floor. Reiner does not only build "just basements", he also does custom cabinets and built-ins. So, when our renovation fund has been replenished, we’ll likely call Reiner to finish our reading and dining rooms.