M Squared Contracting

We just recently purchased a home in the Beaches and two weeks in had the unfortunate experience of having to replace the sanitary pipes in the basement. As a result, not only did we lose our carpet in the space but discovered that water was leaking into the basement through our north wall. We contacted m squared contracting and they came to do an assessment.

Mike worked with us on the problem, first doing a diagnostic assessment of the situation and then offering several solutions. On his recommendation, we ended up having the north wall re-framed, new insulation, drywall, trim and carpet and paint as well as putting in a sub floor. It was unfortunate that the initial contractor who finished the basement did not address any of these issues and basically only did a cosmetic fix to the problem that left us holding the bag.

As new homeowners, we were very stressed out about the situation, but Mike guided us through every step of the process. This started with a detailed quote and outline of the scope of work to be done. His team did an outstanding job. They were prompt, organized, tidy and always on time. They met all of the agreed timelines and the job was completed on time and on budget.

After assessing the situation, Mike was able to recommend several preventative measures that would stop any water making its way into the basement again. This ranged from the team re-grading the front of the house under the porch to make sure water would run away from the property, as well as taking out a window that was under grade in the foundation and making sure the foundation wall would not compromised in the future. Mike was able to trouble shoot the issues and provide us with the proper preventative measures to ensure that we could enjoy this space for many years to come. It is this kind of forward thinking and initiative that you don’t see everyday when you undertake a renovation.

We now have a cozy family room in the basement that we can use and not have to worry about any future water damage or mold.

The team was also able to create a built in under the stairs to use for extra storage, which has greatly added to the use of the space.

I would highly recommend Mike and his team for anyone looking to renovate their space. There are many general contractors in Toronto, but it is few and far between that one would find someone as professional, caring and committed as Michael Lawrance.

Already during the process of selecting one among eight highly recommended contractors, Mike and his M-Squared Contracting came across as a true professional: first, he showed up on time, then, he listened to what I had in mind concerning the renovations I needed and wanted to be done. He made detailed suggestions (sometimes of necessary changes) wherever required, and took measurements prior to allow him to make as precise a quotation as possible. Whereas I am in fact at time of writing this review still waiting for quotations by some of the other contractors, Mike e-mailed me his detailed quotation the next day.
One of the most critical points for me was that the chosen contractor needed to be finished with the renovations exactly three weeks after starting. Mike said he could definitely meet my deadline. Now, I do usually not believe promises, but Mike came through and was in fact basically finished one day ahead of schedule. The renovations he, his team headed by the other “M”, namely Mark, and his sub-contractors had to do in this short time-span of three weeks included: removing right to the bare walls and installing a brand new kitchen ( new tile floor , new appliances and custom-made kitchen cabinets included ), removing a bathroom which dated from the late nineteen-forties, right to the bare walls too, installing new floor and wall tiles, literally creating a new shower, and installing brand new “bathroom appliances”. In the basement, he built a new, previously non existing bathroom, as well as “re-created” the laundry-room. Additionally, he re-finished the ceiling in the hallway, in the living room and in the dining room, removed the existing mantel over the fireplace and installed a new one of my choice. New railing was installed throughout the house, and to finish, rooms were painted and wall-papered. As well, the attic was insulated. I’m sure I’m leaving out many of the smaller details here. I need to mention also, that he took the time to bring me to his suppliers to select many items going into the renovation, such as tiles, appliances, etc.
Throughout I was impressed by his planning and scheduling of every step. Everything worked like clock-work.
In the end, the final inspection resulted in me seeing a superb quality workmanship usually only found in work done for 5-star hotels, right down to the smallest details.
To anyone intending to renovate part or all of his/her residence, I would whole-heartedly recommend not to waste time in interviewing several potential contractors, no matter how promising they sound. Have Mike of M-Squared Contracting look at what you need or want done, get his detailed and realistic quotation, let Mike, Mark and their team do the work, sit back, relax, and in the end enjoy a result you only dared dream of!

Mike was referred to us as a contractor who was both organized and had an eye on detail. We were not disappointed on either front. I had always heard about contractors having siginificant delays because of no one on site or poor organization, but throughout our project we never experienced anything like this. We were even back in our home sooner then I expected. Mike also personally showed great attention to detail. Often times he would also have great design suggestions which have certainly helped us enjoy our home even more. All in all I would highly recommend Mikes services.

As one of Mike's sub-trades from his days in Vancouver, we have a unique perspective on what makes M-Squared different than other general contractors. Of all the award-winning builder's that we have worked with over the years, we can honestly say that Mike is the most organized, reliable and knowledgeable builder we have had the pleasure to work with to date.

The jobs always run smoothly (which speaks volumes - managing tradesmen is a lot like herding tomcats) and there is never a compromise on the quality on either the technical or the aesthetic aspects of the project.

We'd love to talk Mike into moving back to Vancouver - until then, our loss is Toronto's gain.

Mikes attention to detail and willingness to collaborate with
designers is rare in this business. He makes it easy to bring a
project to successful completion with a high level of organization,
detail and excellent 'award winning ' results. As a designer who is
always looking for a good relationship with a contractor I would highly recommend him.