We contracted Trademark due to their affiliation with Renomark. It was a complete disaster. We moved our young family out of the home and into a rental property. For nearly 4 months, our property sat empty - trades rarely showed. As per our contract, the project was to be completed within 6 months. It was finally completed after 1 year and only after Trademark was fired from the project and a new Contractor was brought in. During the process, Trademark disrespected our home - our tile in one bathroom was completely ruined due to workers with muddy boots using it and not putting down anything to protect it. Despite having signed contracts, some of the trades who Trademark used increased their prices by 50% of the signed contract price and then refused to complete the job or release the permit unless we paid the new price. One tradesperson working under Trademark took payment for bathroom fixtures then disappeared with the money and didn't provide us with our fixtures. We did contact Renomark and they refused to do anything about it as they say that they do not regulate their members - it is strictly a vehicle used as a marketing tool. We ended up terminating our contract with Trademark and found someone who is not a member of Renomark. This contractor was amazing - he finished the work on time and on budget and the quality was better than that of Trademark. Our new Contractor was disgusted by the garbage that he found had been thrown in our walls by Trademark and the poor quality of work that he had to end up fixing. Don't go with big name firms...find your Contractor through referrals!
As an FYI, Trademark was found guilty (as of Mar8, 2011) on one or more code of ethics violations with the Canadian Homebuilders Association and with Renomark. As such their memberships are suspended.
Mr. Foisey...well deserved.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $250,000.00
- Company Response
You Be The Judge
To set the record straight; Steve in Calgary were in breach of contract by not complying with the payment terms. Approximately 1/2 way into the project, outstanding invoices were not being paid by Steve in Calgary after repeated requests. Trademark continued working in good faith until Steve was over 3 months in arrears and the amount he owed far exceeded his deposit. In making a prudent business decision, Trademark suspended work on the project until all arrears were brought current (which they never were). The writing was on the wall. There is always someone who will attempt to one up or scam a business thinking that it is ok. Thankfully that mentality is limited to the very few who lack integrity.Steve made a lot of noise, complaining to anyone who would listen. It all came to a head when he went to the BBB and filed a complaint. We entered into a binding arbitration hearing agreement through the BBB and were scheduled to go to the hearing. In the eleventh hour, Steve backed out, likely in anticipation of the outcome. Trademark wrote off the losses and chaulked it up to experience, a bad experience. These facts are all documented at the BBB and we would be more than happy to share the file with anyone who wishes. We can also put you in touch with the trades who can verify the sequence of events.
In summary, if you are someone who would like something for free, intend to doup a business or get away without paying your bills like Steve in Calgary, then no, we are not the company for you. If you are a potential client who has respectable ethics, we are happy to do business with you and you can join our long list of proud happy customers who have helped make our outstanding reputation for quality, transparency and value, what it is today.
So you be the judge... would you continue to go to work if your employer/customer hadn't paid you for over 3 months?
In reference to the CHBA matter. It was an isolated incident which is currently under appeal. These people are friends of [names removed -ed] and like them, didn't pay their bills therefore work was stopped. [names removed -ed] have been coaching them in the background and attempting to use them to gain some sort of satisfaction because their own case had no legal or moral grounds.
We entered the initial hearing with us going in ill prepared as we were told that the hearing would not address contractual issues, which it turned out it did. We did not attend with our evidence in hand proving non payment and breach of contract by the customer which we do have. We are appealing the decision and this time going in fully prepared. Legally, the CHBA should not have taken any action if any regarding membership until the appeal process has taken place. There will be consequences for such.
In closing, we have a policy to halt a project should a customer breach the contract. In the matters before you, this is exactly what occured and we have evidence of such and are more than happy to share it with anyone who is interested. We are also happy to share a long list of happy clients who are eager to provide glowing reviews. Over 85% of our work comes by referrals which speaks for itself.
We will keep you posted as things progress.
Nice try Steve...