first-time home owner Ottawa

I have written a few reviews now. I had recently bought a new home from Domicile and I am writing these reviews in hopes that if you are like me, a first-time home buyer, you could avoid some of the headaches we went through. Domicile referred Davis Landscaping to us for our backyard upgrades. They were going to install the sod (builder's standard) so they told us if we want something different; we'd be best to do while the home is being finished. I thought it was good advice. I have pets and grass would just be a pet toilet. Anyway, we upgraded to patio stones. We never got refunded for not putting down sod. They charged us over $3000 for the upgrade. It's not fancy stones we opted for. We went for the builder's special for a 10x10 yard. I didn't know any better and went ahead with it. The yard is not level and a part of the yard that was supposed to be a planting bed is filled with sand and clay... not soil. Anyway, at this point, after having gone through everything with the home, I don't bother following up. Just know that next time, I will shop around and not go with the builder's referral (I had thought it would be cheaper and more reliable).

I guess all builders are the same. It doesn't matter that Domicile has a good reputation. Once the company gets so big... customer service is no longer a priority. My opinion about this builder is also shared by my neighbours. You can check out Tarion's site on the recent reports about this builder. During the initial inspection, make sure you take notes and the rep takes the same notes too. More importantly, review the two sets before you sign the paperwork. I had the unfortunate experience, being a first time home buyer, to not know what to expect. The rep who did the walk around literally licked his fingers, rubbed certain spots where I had pointed out issue and said it's just dirt. It was not. When we pointed out a light being out, he said he had just changed it. He did very kindly leave us a light bulb so we can change the light up on our 9 ft ceiling on our move in day. The worst part is that I hadn't realize his notes were simple one or two words (I thought they were quick notes and that he would actually write out a list). His own work man and office couldn't tell what the shortcomings were and nothing was done when we moved in. The after-sales rep simply told us to put it in our 30-day inspection form. What was the point of the pre-inspection then. Another frustrating issue is that the 30-day issues are still outstanding and I am months away from the one-year warranty form. All builders are the same it seems. My friends who bought from another builder is also going through similar issues where there are outstanding problems in the 30-day form not addressed.

Got Protectron to install our alarm system. Signed up for a contract to get free installation and first year free. Then found out because we don't have a land line, they had to charge us more. We still decided to go through with it. Even though it was first month free, they still charged our credit card. It's a good thing I am someone who takes the time to review my bills. They charged us twice in one month even thoughe carge. h it was supposed to be first year free. We called twice in order for them to reverse the payment. Instead of reversing it, they simply kept the money and said it will be applied to my bill next year. They won't reverse the charge. Pay attention if you have established prepayment thru your credit card.

Got Randall's window covering just before the HST kicked in. The fabric on the roller blinds we ordered were not attached to the handle bar. Some of the fabric blinds had finger print marks on them. I've trying to address this with the in-home consultant for the last 3 months with no resolution. In the beginning when they were selling us the product, the service great and now no news... There are many places cheaper than Randall's. I went there for the service and reputation and my experience is very disappointing to say the least.

Dealing with Provincial Wood is one of the worst customer service I have ever had in my life. There were some problems with my hardwood installation - squeaky floors, gaps between planks. When I called, they transferred me to the female owner of the company who tersely told me on my first call to call back because she is too busy to deal with my small issue at this time. They were in the midst of a big job with a developer. After many calls and three months later, she finally came to review the issues. She again was rather terse and told us how she is too busy for small things like this. I never ask to deal with her??? Anyway, again after much follow-up she finally sent someone to take care of it and we had to take time off work to accommodate their schedule and again over the phone, she lectured us on how she runs a very busy company. Trust me - this is a genuine review. If you want to pay money to get yelled at, they may be for you but if you are looking for reliable customer service and good job done at the end, look elsewhere.