Reviews

Terzetto Homes was supposed to renovate the entire second floor, the electrical, and the plumbing of our 3500 sq ft home.They had been informed, 6 months before the start of construction, through the *** (Designated Substances Report) we had submitted to them, that our 1970 home contained asbestos. Therefore an abatement was required to be done by a specialized sub-contractor: this implies specific disclosures, work procedures and site preparations (negative pressure and air extraction), and PPE (full-face respirators). When we realized that they were about to start demolition without abating, we wrote to them to stop any further work. Terzetto did not acknowledge that email. In our later conversation, they said they had lost track of the report and appeared not to know what an abatement was. Yet protecting workers from exposure is the law.Our project also required the removal of load-bearing walls, which meant the structural integrity of our home needed to be preserved. Yet the designs in the application Terzetto prepared and wanted us to submit for a city permit (putting us owner as the designer) did not have any sign-off, declaration, or notes for construction: there was no signature (by Terzetto), no engineering stamp, and no BCIN (Building Code Identification Number). When we questioned them, ******* answer was: After reviewing the city reply we would provide the appropriate signatures and BCIN stamps if needed. In other words, the design had simply not been reviewed and verified by an engineer. Terzetto was willing to risk the integrity of our house and the safety of *************************** working from those plans.Due to these red flags and further mistakes, we decided to pause the project.Despite the errors above, we still gave Terzetto the opportunity to finish a smaller basement project and later made an offer to settle. The proposals and the counter we received were unreasonable. To date, they have yet to refund us our $79,344.92 deposit.

Thank you for your detailed feedback regarding your renovation project. We appreciate the opportunity to clarify the situation and address the concerns you’ve raised. First, regarding the asbestos abatement, while the initial report was shared with us, there was a transition in our project management at the time. We acted as soon as the oversight came to light, halting all demolition work until a certified abatement sub-contractor could be engaged. At no point did we proceed with demolition without ensuring the safety of both workers and residents. Safety has always been our top priority, and we ensured that the correct steps were followed as soon as we identified the issue. We had prepared all the necessary documents for you (owner) to submit the drawings to the city for the permit application. Since the house already had another general contractor apply for a building permit, we were not permitted to obtain a second one. However, you did not proceed with the permit submission and instead hired another company to demolish the wall, including the structural wall you had mentioned. It was during our site visit that we discovered the structural wall had been removed, and we immediately notified you about the issue. In terms of the design discrepancies you mentioned (such as ducting or attic hatch placement), our designs are always created based on the initial assessments and industry-standard practices. If any design adjustments were necessary, they would have been addressed during the construction phase, and we consistently strive for accuracy in all our work. The measurements you highlighted would have been corrected during the construction process, as design drawings are often revisited and refined once on-site work commences. Regarding our estimates for the basement project, we would like to clarify that the pricing was fully agreed upon before work began. The initial estimate of $160,000 was accepted by you, and a deposit was paid. We ensure that all our estimates are transparent, reflecting the quality of materials, labor, and regulatory compliance required. While we understand that later comparisons may have raised concerns, it’s important to note that our pricing was fully disclosed and accepted prior to commencing the work. Additionally, we would like to acknowledge that the Greater Ottawa Home Builders Association (GOHBA) conducted a thorough review of the matter. After completing their investigation, GOHBA found no improper conduct on our part that would warrant further action. As a result, the case has been closed, reaffirming our commitment to professional standards and proper building practices. The GOHBA Complaint Committee also recommended that we continue open lines of communication to work toward a resolution that is mutually agreeable for both parties. In line with this, we have already reached out to you directly with a settlement offer, and we remain committed to resolving this matter fairly. As for the deposit, we understand this has been a point of concern, and we have already reached out via email to propose a resolution. Given the time and resources already invested in the project, including materials and labor, we have offered a partial refund. We remain open to further discussions on this matter and are committed to resolving it in a way that is fair for both parties. Sincerely, The Terzetto Homes Team