My experience with Royal Home Improvements (RHI) is a mixed one. It started with the salesperson James who was informed and knowledgeable about the 'quirks' of an older home and basement renovation. Many of the companies I spoke with wouldn't even attempt to do an unfinished basement of an 81 year old house. But James confirmed that it could be done and they had done it. He was even helpful in providing suggestions on materials that could work in my basement. I was provided with an approximate start date and the contract was signed. That is where it started to fall apart. The project didn't start for almost TWO months after the contract was signed!!
It should be noted that RHI has a process where they include a Project Manager on every job. While that may be great - if you need it - I didn't really but there was no option to not have one and that is clearly built into the cost.
It is not to say that the PM that was assigned to my project was not knowledgeable, courteous or friendly, but as a hands on and fairly knowledgeable homeowner, in all honesty - I didn't need a PM.
I coordinated most of my payments with the contractor. I worked directly with the contractor to make sure any extra supplies that were required were purchased on time. I made all the decisions on my finishings and coordinated the plumbing and the electrical work that were contracted separately from RHI.
Sadly, I suspect that the timing of other projects that seemingly had higher priority coincided with mine taking the PM away from my project.
The BEST thing about my project really was the very talented Contractor Aldo and his team. Their experience was most definitely the highlight of the project.
This project started off with plans that were drawn by a Professional Engineer. When the project was complete that same P.Eng came through and saw the finished project by Aldo and his team and he was beyond impressed.
RHI is beyond lucky to have the talent of Contractor Aldo and his team. They made my post war basement space look BEAUTIFUL and modern! I could never have imagined that it could have looked so great! For Contractor Aldo and his team a 10+!!!!!
As for a recommendation, I would definitely say that if you are looking to sign with RHI ask for Team Aldo. He is really the best representation of what a Contractor should be - helpful, talented, knowledgeable, patient and has GREAT taste. Trust him - he knows what looks good in any space! He knows how to do EVERYTHING and if he doesn't do it himself, he has a great team of talented specialists that make it all come together.
So, while I'm enjoying my space - one created by Aldo, I'm not certain I can say that I enjoyed the experience with the RHI company administration.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $30,000.00