In January 2021 we requested Skylane Construction Services Inc. to provide us with a quote for a full home renovation. We were attracted to Skylane due to the high rating on Homestars. Rez came out soon after and quoted us with an $80k cost along with an 8-week timeline, commencing in April with a June 1st move-in date. As May approached, we were told that there would be a delay given that certain materials such as MDF were in shortage. Due to the pandemic and our own research, we understood and paid an extra month of rent elsewhere. We provided a move-in date of June 22nd with over 30 days’ notice.
As we entered June, this is when we noticed significant red flags. There was a change in communication, saying we never had certain conversations even though they happened less than 24 hours prior. If emails were sent with information pertaining to project work, somehow they were not received even though all previous communications and invoices went through this email account. Work was continuously over promised and under delivered putting us in situations where we continually had our backs against the wall due to the fast approaching move in date.
We can deal with the lack of communication and even making quick decisions like being told to choose our vanity and kitchen counter tops less than a week before move-in (we had no choice and had to choose what was in stock); however, it was the actions the week before our move in date that changed everything.
On Tuesday June 15th we connected with Rez to ensure that we were on track and ready for a move-in on June 22nd because we were one week out. At that time, our stairs were not painted/stained and our railing was not in (because of the delay on the stairs). The kitchen and bathroom were not completed. Due to so many moving pieces, we expressed genuine concern with valid points and were verbally dismissed continuously with answers such as “it’s going to get done”, “I’m not running away”, and the most ignorant comment being “everyone has a choice my friend”. During this same conversation we were shocked when we were asked for the remaining balance as this directly went against the terms of Skylane’s contract. When we addressed the contract verbiage, we were met with the statement “No payment, no work”. Skylane’s contract clearly stipulates that 50% of the payment is due at the beginning of the phase and 50% upon completion (see pic below). Our bedroom, bathroom and kitchen were listed as separate phases in the contract. Costs for the renovation had risen and was in excess of $95K, with a remaining balance due being $5616.20. We had already paid 94% of our owing balance. Remember, the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen among other things were not completed by this point.
The second red flag was the insistence on having a walk-through of our house on Saturday, June 19th. Why would we do a walk through of the house when the project wasn’t complete? There was still work being done, dust and equipment everywhere and no ability to thoroughly review a COMPLETED project to point out any inconsistencies. During the walk-through, we found many areas that required work along with missing items (ex. The shower niche that was in the contract from day 1). Right after that walk-through, we sent an email outlining the outstanding items discussed to make sure we were all on the same page. After we sent the email, we messaged Skylane to confirm receipt with no response.
We followed up again that evening to ask Rez whether he had reviewed the email and again we did not receive a response. The night prior to our move-in, knowing that Skylane had yet to acknowledge the remaining work, we posted the same email in our WhatsApp group. We never received a response back there either.
On the day of move-in, we were shocked to find that the project had been abandoned. The key and garage opener were left in the garage on a box for us to find. There was no heads up or messages prior to us arriving. The moment we opened the door for the movers to begin unloading furniture, the stairs to our second level were taped off as they had JUST been completed that morning. Skylane knew our move in date well in advance and he knew that the stairs would be walked on. It’s clear that the timelines and the project as a whole was mismanaged.
Two hours after arriving at the house, we received a long Whatsapp message stating that all the work in the home was completed and that the steps should not be walked on for 2 days.
Below you’ll find inconsistencies, incomplete work and the lack of attention to detail related to our project:
1) Tiling in areas of the shower wall are rough and sticking out. There is no silicone/paint on the edges of the shower wall and vanity. The trim around the hardwood was not cut properly revealing a gap between hardwood and wall in master bedroom (picture #1)
2) Inconsistencies with electrical outlets throughout the house were observed. Outlets are missing screws and there are gaps between some outlets and the wall. Outlets are also different throughout home and are crooked/damaged (picture #2)
3) Missed paint job in the living room above our bay window, spare bedroom and foyer which was given up on. We were told there was nothing more that could be done. (picture #3).
4) There is an outlet right in the area where we need our 60” vanity mirror put up. Those measurements were shared well ahead of time to match the measurement of the vanity we ordered through Rez (picture #4)
5) Door hinges were missing screws, door stops were not put in and screws were different colors throughout the house (picture #5)
6) On Thursday, two days post move-in, as per instruction (picture #6) was the first time we could walk on the lower stairs (which were finally dry). I put my hand on the railing to walk down the stairs and it snapped off the wall. We immediately brought this issue forward due to the fact that this is a safety hazard and we were blamed for this. We are two adults and no one’s pushing themselves on the railing. We do however have grandparents who would need the railing for support. Imagine if one of them used the steps before I did? (picture #7)
Finally, there is still a contractually obligated item that has not been fulfilled, even though it was in the contract from day 1. We require a new electrical panel box casing. We are unsure why it wasn’t ordered well in advance of our move in date.
After providing Skylane over 95K to complete our home renovation, we have no choice but to pay others to complete the work that should have already been done. In the end, this turned out to be a disappointing and costly experience. I would not recommend Skylane for your renovation needs.
