Penguin Basements

We loved working with Penguin. The work was fantastic and relatively quick. We were promptly updated of any issues as they came up and our Project Manager handled everything very professionally and efficiently. The basement looks great and we couldn't be happier. We would very much recommend Penguin!

My reno needed to fit a definite deadline so tenants could move in. Being an unfinished basement in a 100+ year old house, there were bound to be snags. The snags delayed the project by weeks ... the reasons for the delays were sound, but the delays in getting the work done and the way they were dealt with wasn't great - no updates from project management unless specifically requested, which meant I was giving my new tenants promises I couldn't keep. The quality of the work was mostly good, but overall it was a stressful experience.

1,000 sq.ft basement project in unfinished basement. We hired Penguin after comparing services from four basement finishing companies around the GTA. The main reasons were materials, experience and our budget. Daniel our Regional Manager presented us an excellent overview of the project and prepared a proposal that met our requirements. A legal basement was also important to us and Penguin took care of all municipal permitting and scheduling of inspections.

The job was completed on schedule in the four week timeframe promised. I was impressed with the efficiency and courteousness of all trades. Particular kudos to framers Marco and Anthony. In my opinion, their job was critical to ensure that the finished walls and spaces looked clean, straight, etc. Other trades such as electrical, plumber, painters and tiling were also very dedicated and where corrections were needed they were readily and happy to address. Of course, all of the work could not be successfully accomplished without the coordination and dedication by our Project Manager Tim Evans. He was not the original PM assigned to our job but we were extremely happy to have dealt with Tim. From day one, Tim was very responsible, professional and a straight shooter. Always available for any questions and willing to correct any deficiencies noted.

Overall, we were pleased to deal with the Penguin team, Dan, Guy, Jon, Amy, and Tim. A very courteous team dedicated to getting the job done right and when we ran into problems they were all willing to work with us and helped us resolve them. Thank you Guy for your oversight and responsiveness!

In terms of lessons learned, I would advise others the following:
-read your contract carefully before signing, as there may be items that you reviewed with your regional manager that are not exactly as agreed. For example, for us it was stair case finishing and electrical box requirements.
-After choosing finishes with the lovely Amy, make sure that these are accurate when included in your contract and when passed on to the PM to construct. The job moves quick and it is better to identify if anything is incorrect early.
-Communicate clearly with your PM and confirm how and what will be installed. For example, make sure framing details are well understood, same for pot light locations, paint and grout colours.
-Cleaning of work site can be improved. Request that shop vacuum is completed throughout construction - especially after electrical and sanding. Final cleaning was also sub-par.
-Keep communication in writing. It avoids any confusion, keeps a record, and allows Penguin to provide you with appropriate responses.

I would highly recommend Penguin basement construction services. Good luck!

Our basement was wet and we had mould. With three young kids this had to be addressed . We didn't know where to begin , we found penguin basements and they were helpful from the very beginning through to completion. They thought of and organized every detail. They were polite, efficient, and professional! The quality of work is perfect . It has been an absolute pleasure working with Penguin Basements and I highly recommend.

Penguin Basements provided a client focused experience throughout the project and the finished product has exceeded my expectations. They were helpful and knowledgeable from our initial meetings; through to the permit approval process and design selections (thank you Shaun, Greg, John, Amy and Guy!) The timeline was longer than anticipated; however, with all the intricacies of building a LEGAL basement suite, the team at Penguin did a great job. All of the trades were courteous and skilled. My project manager Walter is a true professional. He went the ‘extra mile’ to exceed my expectations and was always available to answer any questions or concerns during the construction and finishing stages. I would highly recommend Penguin Basements.

Thoroughly impressed with the service that Penguin Basement did to our basement. Workmanship was excellent as well as the timing to complete it. Our project manager Juliano was a very reliable source and was always available if we had any concerns or questions. I would highly recommend them to friends and family.

This review is for Walter ,our project manager. Once initiated communication with Walter, he made sure the project flow met required/agreed timeline. We had a positive communication link and understanding throughout all steps. Thank you.

Penguin Basements provided a professional and courteous service from the consultation/planning phase with Gerrard, the design selections with Amy Bray and throughout the project with Juliano Romagnuolo (our project manager who was always available for Q&As). The building team (trades) were experienced and skilled. They were hardworking and committed to our project.
Although our project is not quite completed were are pleased with the work and finishes thus far.
As new home owners some advice: always ask questions as details sometimes get missed by owners during the design and building phases. Here are some of our learned tips: budget (know your limit and always have a contingency - remember change orders cost you), spray foam insulation (which areas will be includes - there's minimum code vs what you may be expecting) vs regular insulation, stairs upgrades (will steps and landings both be finished with the same materials - don't forget hand rails) and lighting (LED vs Halogen pot lights - pros and cons, additional light fixtures).

Hats off to Penguin Basements for an exceptional job. Our thanks goes out to all of the trades people involved in the successful completion of this project. Initially it was overwhelming to think that we would be responsible for overseeing this work while our son and daughter-in-law were overseas. However we would be remiss if we didn't express our sincere gratitude to Juliano, the Project Manager who really made it all happen. His professionalism, expertise and attention to detail was nothing short of amazing. He took nothing for granted and consulted with us every step of the way making our task so much easier and stress free. He handled the project from start to finish in an exemplary manner and would have no reservation in recommending Penguin Basements to others. Keep up the good work!