Ottawa General Contractors reviews (191)

Review from HomeOwner
Rating: 5 out of 5
Review left on 29 Oct 2015
Flooring, stairs and fireplace
We are Steven and Helen and we were looking for a renovations company to tackle the renovations we had in mind. They consisted of the following: Install Maple hardwood on our main and second floor, redo the stairs, have a pass-through cut out in the wall between the eating area and the family room, remove the brick wall from around the fireplace and install a fireplace feature, and lastly paint some walls on our main floor. After doing some research on the internet we decided to sign on with Ottawa General Contractors, OGC. This was our first experience with OGC and it was good as a whole, as our project manager, Andrew, was excellent with his communication and timely responses. Our favourite part of the renovation process was seeing the floor complete – they looked great!!In addition, we were very happy with the fireplace feature. OGC did a great job modifying the off-the-shelf mantelpiece, which fit the mosaic tile we wanted inside it. There were a few road blocks but we were reassured that they would be dealt with in a timely manner. Getting the permit for the pass-through took almost 3 weeks when we thought it would only take one but once the permit came through, the work on the pass-through was done quickly. There were however some unexpected piping and wiring that needed redoing, but OGC took care of that and at no extra charge. The thing that got us attracted towards Ottawa General Contractors was that we found your office and staff to be professional, and that gave us confidence that your work would be of good quality. In the future, we would definitely choose Ottawa General Contractors to do another build with as we were very happy with the work they did and the overall experience we had.
Review from HomeOwner
Rating: 5 out of 5
Review left on 27 Aug 2015
Kitchen Renovation
We are a family of 5, my wife and I and our three young boys. We purchased our house in 2010 and knew from the outset that the kitchen needed a major overhaul and that the lack of a bathroom on the main floor was also a problem. However, before we could undertake any renovations, we moved overseas and rented out the house until we returned to Canada last year (2014). As the date of return to Canada approach we again turned our attention to the house’s shortcomings and these four years away allowed us to clearly define what we wanted out of our renovations. We settled on an overhaul of our kitchen to add much needed space, as well as convert a back extension into a mudroom, powder room, and laundry room so we could relocate our washer and dryer to the main floor from the basement. A huge consideration was that the wall between the kitchen and DR is load bearing, so this project was not a DYI. Our house is over 100 years old and has three stories, so ensuring that the work is done well was extremely important to us. We contacted OGC about getting an estimate for the renovation and were greeted by one of their Project Consultant (PC) at our house. The PC took the time to speak with us and get to know what we wanted and how we wanted to go ahead with the project. The main factors that were important to us were the following: 1. Efficient usage of space. The area we are working with has limited opportunities for expansion. We wanted to ensure that our renovation resulted in a more functional kitchen without losing the dining room. 2. Cost management was also important. We wanted the work done well but without blowing the budget. After doing some research via the internet and reading various reviews of key renovation companies in Ottawa, a positive experience with their PC and other interactions with OGC, along with requesting references from OGC we were confident we had made the right choice. I felt that the references they provided had not been vetted and gave us the good and the bad of their experience with OGC. OGC’s builders were great to work with as they were always in a good mood and always responsive to our requests and questions. Our project manager was also excellent. Whenever we had concerns we appreciated that he was never defensive. He would get back to us immediately and always provided options and solutions. Throughout the build we were always in the know and were always able to communicate with OGC through their online platform called Chatter. Chatter was a very helpful tool. It allowed us to interact with the OGC people that we did not get to see or speak with on a regular basis but were key on some aspects of the projects such as selecting materials and fixtures. The tool is extremely useful and I would encourage OGC and its clients to keep using it. In the end, a combination of competitive price and willingness to work within our preferred approach was the deciding factor. The end result was an obvious highlight as it was what we had expected and what we wanted. We would choose OGC without hesitation for our next project.
Answer from pro:
Thank you for your kind and detailed response! We are thrilled that the end result was exactly what you had envisioned. We are also glad that you had such a positive experience with team OGC and our project managers. At OGC we ensure that our trained professionals are extremely detail-oriented, since the minute details of a home renovation can end up being the most important factors. We pride ourselves on our professionalism and ability to work with areas that have limited space for expansion. Such was the case with your kitchen, as you expressed concern for wanting a more functional kitchen without losing the dining room. Never hesitate to contact us should you have any questions, we would be honored to assist you with your next renovation project!
Reply created 30 Nov 2015
Review from HomeOwner
Rating: 5 out of 5
Review left on 22 May 2015
Basement Renovation Design
My name is Scott. When my wife and I originally bought our house we assumed we would have plenty of space for the family we were planning to start. As our family grew in number, and the kids grew in size, we quickly outgrew our space. We love our home, and for us moving was not an option. Having a bungalow with a large unfinished basement, a basement renovation was the obvious solution to expanding our livable space. In our search for a contractor to help us move forward with our project, we were fortunate to find OGC online. We had never dealt with OGC before, but based on the many positive reviews we found online, we decided to contact them through their website. Very quickly someone from OGC called us back. They listened to our renovation objectives, and explained how OGC could work with us to quickly turn around a project proposal which would include a few different options along with detailed budgetary quotes. We were especially impressed with the organized and formalized process used by OGC to take a project through the proposal, design and build phases. For us this was a big differentiator from other contractors we had spoken to. Going into the design process with OGC, we had a fairly good idea of what we wanted to accomplish with our basement renovation. We knew we would need a bedroom, bathroom, family room, play area and an office. We also wanted to open up our staircase leading down into the basement. The first step in the design process involved a visit to the house from Brent, who was the OGC Design Manager assigned to our project. Brent spent a lot of time with us; listening, asking questions, and taking measurements of our basement. Within a few days of that visit, Brent contacted us to invite us back to OGC’s office so that we could review the floor plans and 3D model for the proposed design. During the design review, Brent walked us through the proposed design for our new space. As we reviewed the design, we were able to propose minor changes (extend a wall, move a door, add some custom bookshelves, etc.), and Brent was able to quickly and skillfully incorporate these changes into the 3D model. Instantly, we were able to see 3D visualizations of proposed changes, and quickly make a determination as to whether or not a particular idea worked well or did not work at all. This helped to make the design review, and the ensuing exchange of design ideas, an extremely efficient and highly collaborative process. By the time we were finished with that review session, we felt very confident that we had the design we wanted. At this point in our renovation project (after completing the design phase and just starting on the build phase), our experience with OGC has been an extremely positive one. All of the OGC staff we have dealt with has been very professional, and genuinely invested in making our project successful. I would definitely recommend OGC to anyone looking to start the design of a home renovation project, and would definitely engage with OGC again myself, for any future design projects.
Answer from pro:
Thank you for the review Scott, we appreciate your kind words and are glad to hear you had a pleasant experience with us. We are just as excited about your design and are very happy you chose OGC for your project. We hope you enjoy the new space once it's finished, and that you and your family continue to grow and thrive's in your home. If you have any questions during the next phase of your renovation, do not hestitate to reach out to one of your team members. We will strive to make your building phrase as pleasant as the rest of your experience.
Reply created 15 Jun 2015
Review from HomeOwner
Rating: 3 out of 5
Review left on 20 Mar 2015
Design & Build Bathroom Renovation
My name is David Yalden-Thomson, I am a Member of the Canadian Armed Forces. I came across Ottawa General Contractors while attending the Home Show. Due to the fact that my wife and I are full time professionals, we knew we needed a full service design and build firm to help us with our renovation. I was looking to create plans for several small home renovations that I wanted to arrange over the next few years. This included a new bathroom in the basement, a bathroom upgrade on the main floor, a kitchen renovation, and a rebuild of an old fireplace. I had an idea of what I wanted to change, but I knew I needed help bringing that vision to life. The OGC team came to my home to examine the location, layout and take measurements. We discussed what my priorities were in order to transform my ideas into a visual representation. This gave me a firm grasp on what I could expect. The designers worked with my wife and I throughout the design process, and also handled the technical requirements to ensure our vision came to life. Brent, the design manager, was responsible for our file and the final design. With his expertise, he was able to give us everything we hoped for. We had an amazing brainstorm session, in which he was able to show us the designs, as well as make any adjustments. This process was very inclusive, as we were able to work together to create great ideas. The assistance in the design and material selection process could not have been completed without the help of Jasmine. As the material selection coordinator, she helped us choose the right materials and finishes for our renovation. She tirelessly researched product options and different vendors to create the look we envisioned. She was highly involved in the early stages but her great work got lost in other issues. Nonetheless, the bathroom would not have turned as nice without her expertise. She definitely deserves recognition for her skill and ability. Before the start date and during the renovation, we used their online Chatter platform as an efficient form of communication. Interacting on Chatter, allowed my wife and I to raise and address any concerns or issues. We chose Ottawa General Contractors for our renovation to both learn and gain experience working with skilled contractors. It was interesting to see what went on behind the scenes during installation, as it was something I had never experienced before.
Answer from pro:
We appreciate your feedback David. Thank you for taking the time to write such a thoughtful review. Your kinds words and constructive feedback allow us to identify potential areas for improvement. It's great to hear that OGC could bring your vision for your home to life. We are delighted to hear you had a positive experience working with our team. We are also glad you took advantage of our Chatter platform, it's a great tool for facilitating open communication between our team and our clients. We hope you enjoy your renovations.
Reply created 11 Aug 2015
Review from HomeOwner
Rating: 5 out of 5
Review left on 13 Feb 2015
Bathroom Renovation
My name is Nathalie G and we hired OGC to completely gut and rebuild our main bathroom. The most important objective of our renovation was to have a modern space that is easy to maintain and keep clean. We wanted to work with a reputable and professional company that can assist in our objective. We chose to sign with OGC because after googling Ottawa Contractors, OGC came back as the top rated results. Furthermore, their online reviews were the best I read. Working with OGC was a great experience as they did everything we wanted and more. We knew going into the renovation that there would be hiccups, and there were, but they were managed perfectly. The first toilet we received had a manufacturing defect but, that was resolved very quickly. We also asked the contractors to install a curved shower bar that needs to be screwed into the tile. One contractor said that this wouldn't be possible because the glass tile kept breaking but, two other contractors, Phil and Greg, went above and beyond and ended up drilling small rectangles in the tile before installing them on the wall so the bar could be screwed directly into the wall instead of tile. Our favourite part of the renovation process was seeing the bathroom for the first time after all the work was completed. We also really appreciated the fact that we could get the glass tile that we wanted despite the fact that it is rather a small tile that could have been difficult to install. We would definitely, recommend OGC to our friends and family as well as work with them in the future. Everyone involved was very professional, including the contractors which I find is very rare as a lot of contractors do the bare minimum and take the easiest way but this wasn’t the case with OGCs’. OGC’s contractors, especially Phil and Greg, did a great job and made sure that everything they did was exactly what we wanted. We have not done any previous renovations with OGC, however, our experience with them was great! They did everything we wanted and more.
Answer from pro:
Thank you for the review Nathalie. Here at OGC, we aspire to go above and beyond on every project. We are glad that our contractors found an innovative solution for installing the curved shower bar and that the glass tiles worked well in your space. It is important to us that your expectations are met and we are pleased to hear you had a positive renovation experience!
Reply created 11 Aug 2015
Review from HomeOwner
Rating: 4 out of 5
Review left on 9 Feb 2015
Design for Renovation
The main floor of our home is approximately 1000 square feet and for several years we have been contemplating a renovation to the main floor. With that in mind, we visited the Ottawa Home Renovation Show in the winter of 2014 and collected information from a variety of companies. In late spring of 2014 we contacted three companies regarding our renovation – two larger firms (including OGC) and one very small company – and had two of those firms visit our home for an onsite assessment. We had not previously worked with OGC but decided to sign with the company for a variety of reasons including the positive reviews we read while researching the company, a successful initial on site visit and the design/build option that OGC offers (plus the incentive that is offered to go the design/build route). Before approaching OGC, we could articulate our main objectives: open up the kitchen/living/dining areas, and take the space currently used as an office to (i) expand the bathroom and (ii) create a walk in closet. We had some idea of how this could be accomplished but we did not have a specific design in mind. That is why the design/build option appealed to us. There were several things we quite enjoyed regarding the design process. The first was working with our designer, Nooreen Haider. Her personality and client service nature made us feel very comfortable. We also enjoyed the software used for the design phase, and more specifically how it allows the client (with the designer) to play with the design in an interactive fashion. This is particularly helpful for clients who may have difficulty envisioning what a space could look like from a 2D rendering. With respect to improvements that could be made, we did encounter several challenges that, while they did not taint our overall experience, we did want to detail for OGC’s consideration. We would highly recommend providing clients with a full explanation when members of the team assigned to a project change. There was an unexpected, unexplained and rather abrupt change in our OGC contact just as we were signing on for the design phase. The initial meeting with OGC (at our home), and the first meeting at the OGC office, was with an employee named Nick Campbell. Both meetings left us feeling quite comfortable, and both meetings involved fairly detailed discussion regarding our ‘vision’. Although we understood the different roles played by Nick and Noreen, we assumed a transition would take place where Nick would relay to Nooreen what he knew re our ‘vision’. However, just as we were about to sign on for the design/build option, we were told Nick had been reassigned and we would be working with his colleague. Everything worked out in the end, and we enjoyed working with Ziad, however at the time the abrupt change and vague explanation did make us briefly reconsider. Similarly, Noreen left our project near the end of the design stage. In this case we were given significant notice/explanation, and the design stage was almost complete. However there was some frustration in that the last set of updates were not made to our design before the build phase started. We started the build without the correct/final diagrams, which had to be addressed after the build had started. Perhaps the biggest challenge we faced during the design phase was the difficulty we had in finalizing a Statement of Work that accurately reflected all of the decisions that had been made regarding the design. We often felt it was left up to us to assure that the SOW reflected recent decisions. Adding to the frustration was what we considered to be vagueness in the descriptions included in the SOW. Line items were sometimes lacking detail, which led to a lack of clarity in what was/was not included. On a related note, the delay in receiving revised estimates, once changes to the design had been agreed upon, was frustrating. Overall, we are very happy that we started this process with the design option. For anyone planning to build with OGC, we would recommend starting the project with your design phase.
Answer from pro:
Thank you for your detailed review on our design process. The thought and time you put into this review is appreciated, both your kind words and constructive feedback allow us to identify and uncover potential areas for improvement. OGC is always thriving off of opportunities to grow as a company and this presents us with just that. We are thrilled to have created a design for you and your family that allows for a more open concept between the kitchen and living/dining room, it is perfect for entertaining guests and will marry the individual spaces to each other. We are glad we were able to transform the 3rd bedroom into the walk-in closet you desired and give you a larger bathroom layout that allows for two sinks instead of one. We were just as excited as you were about your design and are very happy you chose and entrusted OGC with your project. We look forward to seeing the final product.
Reply created 2 Mar 2015
Review from HomeOwner
Rating: 5 out of 5
Review left on 30 Dec 2014
Bathroom Renovation
I never used a contractor before and at the time was wary of using one based on stories I had seen on TV. Since using OGC, I would definitely use their services again. Workers arrived at the site on time and were informative, friendly and professional at all times. Quality of work was Excellent! Follow up was excellent as well. When I called about a warranty issue, they were courteous and had a worker on site at the first opportunity I was available. I would definitely recommend this company to friends of mine. The neat thing about this renovation was the number of people I met that I had done business before but did not know they were affiliated with OGC.
Answer from pro:
Thank you Gregory for trusting OGC to complete your renovation. Despite the bad reputation some contractors get on home renovations TV shows, we only select the best contractors for our projects. We are pleased to hear you had an excellent experience and that you would recomment OGC to your friends. We hope you are enjoying your newly renovated bathroom!
Reply created 11 Aug 2015
Review from HomeOwner
Rating: 5 out of 5
Review left on 4 Dec 2014
Garage & Second Story Addition
OGC was recommended to us by a trusted friend when we were looking for contractors for a new garage and second storey addition to our newly purchased house. We were looking for a company that could guide us through the entire renovation process, from design, material selection and then build. We contacted several companies, and OGC was the first to get back to us and schedule an appointment. We came to the first meeting with a budget and our basic requirements, and no idea of exactly what we wanted and how it would all come together. Nick was great at explaining the services that OGC offer and the flexibility of their approach - we ultimately chose to use OGC for all aspects of the project versus sourcing other tradesman for specific tasks. Since the first meeting with Nick, we felt instantly at ease and well supported in our project. We worked with an excellent designer, Brent who quickly put together a design that both met our needs and our budget. Next came the material selection phase, where Jasmine craft-fully navigated our very different tastes to come up with design selections that balanced my need for a neutral spa feel with my husband's need for something a bit more wild. She spent a lot of time sourcing options for us based on our vision, ensured that we were on time for materials selection and kept on budget where she could! We did opt for a few more expensive options than we originally estimated, however had we needed to be more strict with the budget, she found some excellent options that we would have been more than happy to select. Jasmine even came to our house one day with siding samples so that we could better envision what a new colour would look like. This home visit, and Brent re-arranging his schedule to do the first walk through according to our availability are just a few examples of how OGC provides a personal touch when dealing with their clients. We look forward to working with Josh and the construction crew during the build phase over the next few months. We would highly recommend OGC to all our friends and family. Keilee and Ryan
Answer from pro:
Thank you very much for your glowing feedback, it is much appreciated. Team Bedford was delighted to receive your feedback, solidifying their motivation to design spaces for enthusiastic and caring clients just like yourselves! We are as excited about your project as you are! Should you have any questions or concerns moving forward, please do not hesitate to reach out to one of your team members or myself - our goal is for you to be 100% satisfied.
Reply created 8 Dec 2014
Review from HomeOwner
Rating: 5 out of 5
Review left on 25 Nov 2014
Major Addition
My name is Tom and my wife and I approached OGC to do a fairly major addition to our house of approximately 600 square feet. It included a garage, master bedroom and ensuite, an eating area, and a new kitchen. This was our first time renovating with OGC, whom we came across on the internet. After doing extensive research and talking with their competitors, we decided to go with OGC because of their design process and final project costs. Price was a very important factor and we also got a good feeling from the first individual we met from OGC. They were very professional, competent, listened to our ideas, and gave us some great suggestions on what we could accomplish in relation to our vision. We also wanted a company that could take care of the whole project and provide us with a warranty upon completion. Our experience with OGC was quite positive. OGC was very good at listening to what we wanted and gave us several design ideas to meet our needs. They also helped us with securing a variance for our addition, which was extremely important. The addition itself was a big project and the team that worked on it was very professional. It was really nice to be dealing with one contractor and reassuring to know that OGC stood behind all of its work. It was also very reassuring to know that all of the proper inspections were being taken care of and that everything was being done to code. The highlight of the renovation was of course the final completion but it was quite exciting seeing our vision come to life over time. There is a lot more to building an addition that we imagined so we were thankful to have one contractor overseeing the project as there were a number of challenges that we faced along the way. We were quite pleased to be living in the house (although we recognize that this was not ideal from OGC's perspective) so that when a challenge arose we could deal with it on the spot. It seemed like there were quite a few decisions to be made on the fly and there were also things that we wanted changed or modified so it was important for us to be quite involved in the project. For example, we noticed that the location of the duct work was going to result in a wall being bigger than we had expected so we worked out an alternative solution. We also ran into some small challenges after the project was done. The project was completed in January and for some reason the water pipes to our ensuite were freezing. OGC was very quick to respond to our concerns and did all of the work under warranty with no questions asked. In fact, the person doing the warranty work when above and beyond what he was asked to do and pointed out several things that we didn’t even notice. Every company has its flaws and we must point out some changes that could be improved upon: 1) It seemed that there was sometimes confusion around the ordering of fixtures and also the kitchen. I don’t think these were part of the project management scope and this was an issue. It was not always clear on when fixtures where needed and this resulted in a few delays and a bit of panic to purchase certain items. 2) Also, I think it would have been extremely helpful if the project manager could have sat down with us on a weekly basis to discuss what had happened the previous week and discuss what was going to happen the upcoming week to make sure we were fully aligned. The project manager did an excellent job but the communications could have been better. I also think this would have helped keep the project on track because it took longer than we felt it needed to. 3) There was also sometimes confusion on what was in the contract and what wasn’t. It was also a bit annoying that some things that appeared in the drawings were not included in the contract unless specified. I think it’s important that if something shows up in the drawing, it should be in the contract. Having said the above we would definitely work with and recommend OGC to friends of family if they were planning a renovation , but it’s pretty unlikely that we would do a renovation of this size again. It was more work and more money than we expected. We are quite happy with the result, and would definitely , recommend that friends consider using OGC if they were planning a renovation.
Answer from pro:
We appreciate your feedback Tom, thank you! Your insight validates why this year we focused on internal and external communication along with the precision of the information in our scopes of work. For example, we now have a position within the company who is the liaison between clients, contractors, project managers and suppliers. Furthermore, we more closely cross reference all documents to reflect the mandate and seek to clearly define all details involved. We are thrilled to hear that you and your wife love your new space. We hope you share many memories, entertaining and preparing delicious meals for friends and family especially as the holidays approach! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from everyone here at OGC! Again we thank you.
Reply created 3 Dec 2014
Review from HomeOwner
Rating: 4 out of 5
Review left on 20 Nov 2014
Kitchen Renovation
My wife and I have two kids and a very busy lifestyle. All four of us love to cook and hangout in the kitchen. Being Maritimers, we also love to host good old fashion kitchen parties! When we first bought our home we loved everything about it except the kitchen – it was simply too small. After thinking about what we wanted and interviewing different contractors we chose Ottawa General Contractors. They embraced our ideas about what we wanted for our new space and were willing to work with us and involve us in the process. Our favorite part of the renovation process was the OGC process itself. They have a well laid out plan so we can easily see what steps were happening when. We had some unique ideas within our renovation including a flush mount beam to replace a sixteen foot load bearing wall and a built-in see through fireplace. OGC made the incorporation of these features easy. We also enjoyed the flexibility to do some of the work ourselves by handling the demolition of the space and the painting during the construction phase. This was great as it helped us save on costs and allowed us to feel more part of the project. We encounter some hurdles along the way including a two week delay on the delivery of our cabinetry and some in field redesigning to accommodate our desired fireplace but OGC was great at calming our fears and keeping the project moving forward. In the end, we ended up with the space that we had envisioned and were quite pleased with the overall process.
Answer from pro:
Thank you for your kind words, we genuinely appreciate your feedback. We are thrilled that you love your kitchen and we hope you had a great time working with us as we did with you. There will be many great kitchen parties in your future with such a great new space! Great design + beautiful finishes = Family fun! Happy holidays, have a wonderful New Year, from all of us at OGC.
Reply created 16 Dec 2014