Better Contracting Services

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Better Contracting Services reviews (346)

  • Review from HomeOwner
    Rating: 5 out of 5
    Review left on 25 Feb 2010

    Flat Roof Replacement

    Two winters ago, we found a huge water bubble on one of our second floor walls and had a feeling that it had something to do with our roof. We called Better Contracting and Paul came by a few days later to take a look. I was actually very impressed that he brought a ladder with him and in an icy Toronto February, climbed onto our roof and inspected it. He quickly found the problem and showed me where the roof was peeling up and how much it had deteriorated. He then came down and talked to us about our options and had a quote for us in 30 min. The roofing team came by a wee3k later and finished the roof replacement in two days. They were very neat and clean and were careful with the neighbouring houses since our houses and very close together. The one thing that I had an issue with was that they had not replaced the flashing around the chimney and after I called Paul about it, it was fixzed the next day. I highly recommend Better Contracting for their service and professionalism.
  • Review from HomeOwner
    Rating: 4 out of 5
    Review left on 15 Nov 2009

    eavestrough replacement

    Given that this wasn't a sexy job, I was glad to have it taken care of without any hassle or frustration. The estimator came the day following my initial contact with the company, provided a competitive estimate and suggestions for the best materials and approach. The 2-person crew did a good job with installation and offered some advice on a new rain barrel. Two issues: the company was so busy that the first available date they could schedule the work was 4-5 weeks after I faxed in the approved estimate, and the crew left behind a piece of the old eavestrough and a few sharp shards of the new eavestrough (remnants from cutting) in the back yard where our dog hangs out. Otherwise, totally satisfied.
  • Review from HomeOwner
    Rating: 5 out of 5
    Review left on 6 Nov 2009

    Roofing and Skylight

    We had a relatively flat roof with ice damning, too small of flashing, reused flashing etc. and had leakage. They came and gave me a written quote after inspecting and taking pictures. Raised my roof two inches for better airflow, added more vents, installed a new skylight, flat roof material and flashing in 2 days. Scheduled in advance.
  • Review from HomeOwner
    Rating: 5 out of 5
    Review left on 15 Sep 2009

    Roof stripped, new shingles, added vents and access to bathroom fan.

    Spent some time doing our research - and it paid off!! Although their quote didn't come in the cheapest, we were impressed with their thoroughness and attention to our concerns. Since we plan on staying in our house, we are very careful to choose the right people to work with. Their attention to detail was much appreciated. Neighbours and friends comment on our impeccable new roof. Would definately recommend Better Contracting Services. Thanks again.
  • Review from HomeOwner
    Rating: 4 out of 5
    Review left on 31 Jul 2009

    Soffits, fascia, windows

    The only reason for the 8 rating is our contract was signed May 11,2009 and the work was started July 28,2009. Kevin and Steve were total professionals. They were polite, friendly and did an excellent job. They cleaned up after completing the work. I would definitely call them back, however I would appreciate a shorter wait time or at least a response from the staff to our calls requesting an approximate start time.

    Answer from pro:

    Thank you for the review, Ann Marie.

    Reply created 2 Sep 2009
  • Review from HomeOwner
    Rating: 1 out of 5
    Review left on 14 Jul 2009

    Stripped and replaced Roof

    My trouble started when both my Skylights leaked and was not getting a response from BCS, finally fixed. Now I have shingles falling off my roof and was advised last fall by Murray after taking pictures that the work would have to be re-done......I have heard nothing from them. I emailed them recently to find out why and I am waiting to hear a reply back. I am pleased to say that BCS has contacted me by email to say they will investigate the problem.......of course this is a ways from fixing it but I will remain optimistic. First I would like to thank Better Contracting for responding to my request, and I do consider 10 Months from point of contact with them a bit long. When I used the term Shingles it was do to the fact that one had fallen off on my driveway and a second was hanging from the roof (I noticed when they finished today they did not replace the one that fell off)…….to me that is more than one. The reason I contacted homestars.com was due to the fact that I did not hear anything from Better Contracting since last fall as I expected it to be looked after once Murray had taken his photo. So I thought that this would be the same as when my skylights were leaking……(I only got a response once I contacted the BBB). Now in response to my skylights, these were not homemade but custom made by the builder (Permawood) and I would think that any respectable Roofing contractor especially one recommended by HOLMES ON HOMES would know how to do flashing around a skylight obviously I was wrong, because when they were stripping my roof they broke a seal on one window, I had Permawood replace both pieces of glass. When they started this they realized that Better Contracting had put liquid tar around the edge to do a quick fix and probably wouldn’t have lasted a year so they had to re-do the flashing. PS. it says right in my contract for skylights…REFLASH/SEAL EXISTING so to say you felt it was not your responsibility you should re-read the contract I signed!

    Answer from pro:

    First of all, the leaking skylights were not installed by us or even made by a real manufacturer, they were homemade. It was not our responsibility to fix the fact that they leaked but we did anyhow. Second, we were contacted by this customer via email on July 13th to report that shingles were falling off his roof. Less then 24 hours later he posted this complaint claiming that he was still waiting for a reply. I received the email and wanted a chance to go over it with Murray before responding, I was not able to do this until the next day. Sorry it took 24 hours to respond! Murray explained that this customer had not called in and reported damage to our office but had flagged him down when he was on his street for another call. He took a picture of the one (not plural) shingle that was sticking out over the ridge of his roof (not falling off) and said he would show it to the office staff. There was a break in communication after that as the picture never made it to us and we are sorry for that. Since the recent email, a picture was printed, a repair order was filled out and crew was at his house today to take care of this issue. Had the issue been reported properly to begin with I'm sure it would have been taken care of back then. It is always best to call the office where we can provide you with a confirmation number so that you know your order has been placed.

    Reply created 23 Jul 2009
  • Review from HomeOwner
    Rating: 5 out of 5
    Review left on 17 Jun 2009

    Eavestroughs

    I hired better contracting to replace eavestroughs and install a couple of roof vents. I have no complaints. Prices seemed reasonable, have not had any problems with anything they installed. Crews came when scheduled, worked quickly. Paperwork was clear.

    Answer from pro:

    Thanks for the great review, Dave!

    Reply created 18 Jun 2009
  • Review from Howard
    Rating: 5 out of 5
    Review left on 6 May 2009

    Replaced gutters and soffits

    I first used Better Contracting to replace gutters on my previous home a couple of years ago and found them to be fair in price and solid in workmanship. Desmond came out to mesaure and quote the job and I found him affable and knowledgeable. As the point man and face of the company I felt good they would do the job right. Fast forward to earlier this year and a new home with gutters that looked older than the 80 year old house. I called Better Contracting again and very quickly got Desmond to come out and provide an estimate. Again, same detailed quote and, not more than 3 weeks after signing, a brand new gutter and soffit system. The quality of workmanship as well as clean up was exactly as it should be. So, the real test for any service - would I call on them again? You bet.

    Answer from pro:

    Thank you for your continued business and a wonderful review. The real test of a good customer is whether we would do work for you again, the answer, for sure!

    Reply created 22 May 2009
  • Review from HomeOwner
    Rating: 5 out of 5
    Review left on 22 Apr 2009

    Roofing and Replacement of Eavestroughs

    In November 2008, we decided to have the roof replaced on our house. We called four companies, one which showed up to give an estimate. They dropped the estimate in the door and disappeared. We then decided to call Better Contracting. An appointment time was set, Desmond showed up and discussed what work would take place. A written quote was left with us. Work commenced early to Mid January and the work on the roof was completed in one day. We were so impressed with their workmanship, we decided to call them back to replace the eavestroughs a couple of weeks later. Again, Desmond appeared on time, a written quote was provided and work commenced the following week. Our property was left cleaner when they left than it was when they arrived. The crew were outstanding on both jobs – very personable, professional and hard-working. We would recommend this company to anyone that required work on their house. Sincerely Lorrie & Don

    Answer from pro:

    Thank you for the wonderful review, it was a pleasure doing business with you!

    Reply created 22 Apr 2009
  • Review from HomeOwner
    Rating: 1 out of 5
    Review left on 17 Apr 2009

    roof repair

    I really don't understand the hostility I am reading with respect to the company's response to complaints. You just don't see that with companies with 10 star ratings because they provide excellent service and conflict resolution. My experience is not good at all. It took them 9 months to repair my roof after a deposit had been made. They did not respond to e-mail requests for updates and when contacted by phone they kept finding excuses. Once they even used a previous excuse for the second time...my work order was in the wrong pile. Just tell the truth and people wouldn't get upset. Just say your too busy or you didn't do a good job. Even more frustrating was having the crew show up and not know what they were supposed to do. They had to call me and interrupt me at work so I could tell them what the problem was?!?! If they had called in advance I may have been able to have been there to answer questions. Maybe they don't want you watching? Better yet they should have already known what to do without me telling them as it was supposedly set up as a work order by the company. I should have been more concerned when their "estimater" showed up and didn't even have a ladder. What kind of roofing company gives a quote without getting on the roof? In addition they began calling constantly for payment after the work was done despite me not being entirely satisfied (doesn't leak but looks horrible). I didn't trust them to do anything a second time however. I would like to add that I wasn't going to go out of my way to convey my experience but felt compelled after reading the company's response to other reviews. They seem to just pass the blame for problems onto the customer and I'm sure in some cases some clients can be difficult to deal with. However, an excellent company does not have the number of issues these people seem to have. I should have read more reviews and checked with the Better Business Bureau who currently give them their lowest rating, an F! The high ground? Externalizing blame to the website and the reviewers by suggesting a rating your company receives that is not perfect is an unfair rating? Slandering the BBB by suggesting bribery is how ratings are rewarded? I wish you continued success and hopefully you will consider what people have said honestly, take it to heart and try to improve your company. Aim for a 10 out of 10 every single time. Your rating will then improve and you will then reach the higher ground!

    Answer from pro:

    I am sorry that you find our responses hostile. They are not intended to be and if that is how they sound than the hostility is towards this website in general and not the customers themselves. We do not believe that this website provides a fair overview of the companies involved and do not reccommend it as a way to find a contractor. The problem with this site and others like it is that it tends to attract only those who have complaints. People who are happy with the work are not generally driven to write reviews. We truly thank all those who have taken the time to write great reviews! The only recourse we have as a company is to respond to each complaint but even our response does not change the numerical value assigned to the complaint. It takes ten honest votes of 10 to negate one unfair vote of 0. As for the BBB, this is another company who we do not recommend to use when finding a contractor. Most people do not realize that this is an independant, for profit company. We were in fact members of the BBB for more than 20 years. We were members because we PAID our monthly fee. In that time our rating was never less than perfect. About 7 years ago we stopped paying for their service, ever since then our rating has been an F. Basically, we at Better Contracting are thankful that our many customers are educated enough in the contracting world to do their research properly. As for your situation specifically, we choose to take the higher ground.

    Reply created 22 Apr 2009
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