Jen in Toronto

We had a minor leak in our basement. Called RCC, who came quickly to give us a quote for internal waterproofing with a sump pump. They started the work a few weeks later. Instead of installing a sump pump, the crew recommended connecting the weeping tile to an existing floor drain. Not knowing any better, I agreed and the work was completed. Less than two weeks later, during the very heavy rainfall in Toronto, not only did the waterproofing in that room fail (all the concrete above the weeping tile was soaking wet), but water came up through the floor in another part of our basement which has never leaked before. None of our neighbours had this problem. I called RCC who were understandably busy and after a few days they sent someone out. He was really nice and answered our questions. He tested the floor drain and confirmed that it was not blocked. It seems that the water came up either from the storm sewers (and therefore the weeping tiles connected to it) and from the ground because the water tables were so high from the huge rainstorm. We were told that there's nothing that can be done in a storm like that. Overall I can't give a higher score because we were not told about any of the risks before we agreed to spend this much money. Their website and sales staff promise dry basements - I now know that there is no such thing as waterproof.

My other disposal plans fell through at the last minute and I had a lawn full of garbage. I called Removemyjunk at 4:45pm on a Friday evening. Even though it was the end of the day, they came right out and removed the junk quickly. They were friendly and I was charged exactly what they quoted me. Super convenient!

Most other companies wanted to charge $125-$150 to inspect my basement. Canada Restoration came to give a free estimate. Alex arrived on time and was really, really helpful. He assessed the situation and patiently explained to me how to deal with the problem myself. He even wrote down the materials I needed. He gave me his card and offered to answer any questions I have along the way. It was a rare honest assessment from a contractor whose advice was for me not to use their services because it wasn't necessary.

We noticed water leaking out of one of the walls of our basement whenever we used our 2nd floor bathroom. We called Grand Springs who came by right away and quickly identified the problem as a crack in the cast iron stack in our basement. They explained the issue and took the time to show us what the problem was. They gave us an estimate and were able to complete the work on time the next day. We were pleased with the work so we had them come back later that week to fix a broken trap in the floor that was also causing problems. So far, no more leaks in the basement. They were reasonably priced, friendly, on time and answered all the questions that we had. Overall, a positive experience. Would recommend to others.

4 year old furnace installed by Direct Energy stopped working. It's under warranty so I called them for repairs. That was two weeks ago. 4 different techs have visited, they swapped out the motor and the ignitor. Each time they declared the problem solved. The furnace stopped working again 2 hours after each tech left. Now I'm told I have to wait up to another week for burners to come in from the US. It drops below freezing at night and I wake up to a balmy 9 degrees max in my house. Their solution? Space heaters until the parts come in. Next furnace I buy will not be from them.

Basement drains were backing up - called Drainworks based on Homestars recommendation. They arrived quickly and determined the cause was the trap outside the house. They recommended replacing the trap and bringing the outside plumbing up to code. Was satisfied at the time - they said our drains were in great shape after the work = but 2 months later our drains are blocked again. Called Drainworks who will only guarantee the 4 feet of pipe they put in. Want to charge us for another camera inspection - $265. Called another plumber who told us that the outside access they installed was inaccessible because of where they placed it - under our porch steps. Fixing their oversights will cost us hundreds more. Will never use them again.