Only hire LLCR if you've got project management experience to supervise, knowledge of building codes, all the tools to do the job, are available to help, and have all the patience in the world. We hired LLCR for an IKEA kitchen renovation in 2019-2020 which also included retiling the floors in the entryway and powder room. We do not blame LLCR for any delays cause by the pandemic or the unfortunate loss of the project manager. That said, LLCR came in and started the work, demo was done quickly and pretty cleanly as far as demo can go. Work started and the first issue occurred when replacing the floor. Flooring was done SO poorly with countless uneven tiles that it had to be removed and replaced completely. This only took place after some arguing and after cupboards and counters were in place. They used a "self-leveling" product to try and fix issues they said existed with the floor however the product used resulted in a glob of cement on the floor which they had to chip up again before the second floor was installed. Installation of the hood exhaust duct was done with insulated plastic vent pipe (for washroom exhaust) which we were told not to worry and that this was "what we use everywhere". Only after producing references from the Ontario Building Code was this changed to a metal exhaust. Finishing work was so poorly done that gaps at framing joints around windows and at floor as well as nail holes were left unfilled and simply painted over. The final coat of paint was so blotchy that it resulted in the owner of the company (Luc) to question if they even used the same paint for this coat on the walls and ceilings. Some difficult to paint areas (above archways) were left unpainted. At this point I'd had enough and asked for a credit for the paint so I could do it myself. They offered $200 for a paint job they charged me over $1400 to do (we also had to pay for the paint separately); I was able to argue this credit up to $400. As I worked from home during this renovation, I was asked on NUMEROUS occasions for help moving or installing materials as they only had one worker on site. Request to borrow my tools also occurred several times because "their tools were on another site". All this amongst the calamity of other smaller issues, errors, and delays. It's now a year in, we have loose tiles in the entry and the grout is coming up and chipping between tiles in the kitchen. Months of emails and calls to their office are not being returned. Their office staff might as well not exist unless they need to send you an invoice which they're not slow in doing. They were beyond poor with communication during the work and might as well not exist after to warranty their work. The single star is given simply because they finished the job; dealing with LLCR during (and especially after for warranty work) has been an absolute nightmare.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $40,000.00
- Company Response
Daniel and Mandy, thank you for taking the time to post this review. It was unfortunate timing when your renovation took place. From the start of the Covid pandemic to the immense loss we suffered as a company with the passing of our project manager that had been with us for over 6 years. It was a difficult and challenging time for us on a business as well as a personal level. This loss affected our company for many months during and after.
In regards to the kitchen floor, there were indeed a few tiles that needed to be replaced. We were going to proceed to replace those tiles but with your insistence/arguing, we agreed to replace the entire kitchen floor (at our cost, approx $3000). However, when it came time for us to purchase the new tiles, it came to our attention that you chose a completely different tile from the original. The original tile was light beige. The new tile was quite a bit darker and grey in colour. This led us to finally understand why you were so adamant that we change the entire floor. You completely changed the look of your floor, all at our cost.
The amount you were charged for painting the kitchen was $899, of which we credited you $450. We were prepared to do another coat but you insisted that you wanted to do a final coat on your own and asked for a credit to do so.
In your email prior to the one-year mark, you made no mention of any loose tiles. You only spoke of 2 very small holes in the grout. This could be normal wear and tear or from cleaners used.
We have been in business for over 22 years. If our service was as poor as you mention it would be difficult for us to remain in business for as long as we have. Luc, owner/project manager, has built and managed numerous large projects including custom homes, home additions, condos, and much more and has had great feedback and reviews. We have numerous ecstatic clients who love our work and would recommend us anytime. All renovations encounter hiccups at some point. Part of what we strive to do is to ensure that things go as smoothly as possible. It's unfortunate and we do sincerely apologize that your reno did not go as smoothly as we all would have liked.