Exceptional Workmanship -- friendly staff and workers
*Short version*: OGC recently completed an extensive basement renovation for us in a timely manner--despite having to navigate the complications presented by COVID. Overall, we are very satisfied with their workmanship, communication, and professionalism. They are fair, honest, and willing to please. We understand they are making changes to how their Statement of Work document is laid out, which will propel them, I believe, to a 10/10! I would recommend them for any project. *Detailed version*: OGC brought in a team of qualified professionals (plumbers, HVAC, electricians) as well as a main general subcontractor to finish our basement to create a large rec-room, including a feature cultured stone wall, a display niche, a workout area closeable to the rest of the space via double by-pass barn doors, and under-stair storage space, and a 3/4 bathroom. They also replaced our old insulation with spray foam throughout the finished and unfinished spaces, re-framed our existing exterior walls, and installed sound-proofing in the ceilings and walls of our finished space. Additionally, they expanded the number and type of electrical outlets in our unfinished workshop, installed a workshop sink and counter, and as a tag-on to the main project, renovated our ensuite shower. Right from the outset we were impressed with Bryan's design suggestions and patience with our various design questions and ideas, along with his willingness to work with us to break down our project into affordable phases (although, ultimately, we decided against this). Deirdre was our original materials coordinator and she made numerous visits to our home, bringing us samples to help us narrow down our 'look' and offering great design suggestions. Due to COVID, Sharri took her place and also came to our house for on-site consultations and continued to make great design suggestions that really helped us keep a coordinated look and feel to our space. Our resource manager, Andrew, helped us a number of times by connecting us with professionals that could fix unforeseen problems, i.e. latent cracks in our foundation and a mystery leak coming through our walls from our chimney or roof (be prepared for surprises when you remove existing drywall!). He covered the initial visit from the roofer --which was completely out of OGC's scope-- and he also provided complimentary materials pickup for items we were responsible for when we explained some extenuating circumstances, which we greatly appreciated. Paolo, our project manager, would visit the job site at least once, often more times, a week to ensure the subcontractors' work was up to OGC's high standards, and was always pleasant to deal with. He supplied us with a weekly project satisfaction questionnaire to fill out, which we had to supply to the Customer Service & Operations Manager, Fatima, so any concerns noted could be brought to light right away; we rarely had anything to discuss, but when there were any items, they were always promptly dealt with to our complete satisfaction. Our interactions with Fatima were always enjoyable and she always conveyed a sense of truly caring about our complete satisfaction. Our main subcontractors, under Brian, were all phenomenal! I can't say enough about the high quality of their workmanship, their professional attitudes, their willingness to go the extra mile, and their attention to detail. Brian's custom work for us -- a barn door, some cabinetry and shelving, a maple stair railing, and a live-edge wood ledge--were all beautiful and of the highest craftsmanship. If I could given them an 11/10, I would! At the end of the project, we were given the opportunity to walk around and create a 'punch list' of any deficiencies, like dings in walls or anything else needing touch-ups, and OGC addressed every one without hesitation--even the ones we probably were being overly picky on :-) . We are super pleased with the final results. The only item that is holding us back from giving a 10/10 review relates to how OGC's statement of work (SOW) is currently laid out. Though very thorough, we felt it was laid out more in 'construction speak'. Most of it we could navigate, but there was some wording on there that was not--in our opinion--as clearly laid out as it could be so it did lead to some confusion. For a bigger project with different 'zones', the SOW would also benefit from being broken down by area and with costs associated with each line item. We brought this up with them and they have indicated they have taken our feedback seriously and will be trying to incorporate our suggestions to revamp their SOW in the future. Some clarity could also be provided in the wording of their change orders re: which costs relate to labour and which to materials. I think if they are able to make those alterations , they will definitely be propelled to a 10/10! I am still waiting to hear back on clarification of one item in the statement of work re: our custom cabinetry, but this did not prevent us from closing out the project. I have every confidence, given our consistent experience of their wanting to make sure the client is completely satisfied, that they will follow-through on this last point shortly. As noted at the outset, I would recommend OGC for any project.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $150,000.00
