It's a harsh truth, but in construction, a high price does not always guarantee high quality, although statistically it does increase the chances. Mississauga and Oakville are full of companies that consider themselves professionals but make rookie mistakes. Here's what you're really buying from a “high-end” professional and what you need to watch out for:
What should you get for a higher price? Technical knowledge: A true expert will not say “we've always done it this way,” but will explain why they use specific construction chemicals (e.g., why sealing slurries are better than regular liquid foil for foundations). Equipment: A premium professional has tools that minimize the risk of error (cross-line lasers, professional wall chasers with dust extraction, rather than a hammer and chisel). Warranty and invoice: Top-tier contractors usually operate legally. This gives you grounds for a warranty claim if the foundation starts leaking again in two years.
Pitfalls of “expensive contractors” Marketing instead of skills: Some have great ads and new cars with logos, but send unskilled assistants to the construction site, who are not supervised by anyone. Conviction of infallibility: Sometimes an expensive professional ignores your comments because “he knows better,” which can be disastrous when it comes to difficult issues (such as a low foundation).
How to check if it's really “top shelf”? Instead of just looking at the price list, verify: Live portfolio: Ask for contact details for a customer for whom they did similar foundations 2-3 years ago. If the walls are dry, this is your man. Order on the construction site: This is the best indicator. If the team leaves a mess and beer cans behind, their precision in insulating the foundations will be the same. Details: Ask how they plan to finish the flashing around the chimney. If they answer, “We'll slap on some silicone and it'll stick,” run away—they are not premium professionals.
Summary Price is only a filter. True quality comes from technology and reliability. Even the most expensive professional has to work according to the designer's plans if the house settles.
We provide services in three cities: Mississauga, Oakville, Toronto.
