The Reno Coach

Will give Reiner another 10/10 to add to the other reviews.

My first home purchase was a 4plex. I am doing an extensive reno to two of the units that would become my living place and future rental apartments down the road.

5 months after closing, I was still without a building permit although coming close to signing with a GC. I went from being a renter to organizing a large construction project. I did not feel good about things. I came across Reiner and figured I had nothing to lose and set up a meeting. We met at the house and after listening to him, it was a no brainer to use his services. His experience as a former GC was easily palpable. That I was way over my head became obvious. He pointed out the contract I was planning on signing was GREATLY in favour of my selected GC being highly front loaded, without a holdback and without any real detail.
After hiring him, we started off trying to get my selected GC to make the necessary changes. When that didn't happen, we started over.

Reiner got more done in 3 weeks than I had managed in months. It is clear he enjoys his work and it seems easy as 2 plus 2 for him.

I realize Reiner gets involved with Renos at various stages. Thankfully, this was before work got started in my case. His approach with my home was to define the scope of the work in as much detail as possible so that all costs are in the contract and there are less surprises during the reno which are inevitably more expensive at that point. He achieved this by getting a separate contract for the demolition to identify issues that needed to addressed. This worked out well. He got his hands dirty with regards to existing permit drawings and discovered: 1) A beam in new kitchen was structurally not feasible and suggested a much better design. 2) Engineer did not actually enter my home! 3) Determined that plans to remove dry wall to expose brick would lower fire rating. (to name a few)

An excellent design suggestion was made to install a new staircase that will lead to a much better layout. Other practical advice was given from his perspective as a landlord knowing that my renovated space would be future rental units.

If one is has no background in construction, you are forced to take the word of the GC, architect etc. on everything. There is great value in having Reiner in the picutre acting as a medium and levelling the playing field.

Communication is also excellent as emails are generally returned in no time.

Renovations are costly and hiring a consultant may seem like just another expense. However, the service Reiner provides is invaluable. I have no doubt his oversight to this point will lead to cost savings, better final product, and a smoother renovation without my reaching into my pocket constantly for surprises.

Things are finally underway with my renovation and I have a level confidence that I would never have obtained doing it on my own.

If you are planning a renovation, give Reiner a call as your experience will be as satisfactory as the other reviewers here.