Group 5

Renovator Thom Hirtz is charming, experienced and capable. Unfortunately on our renovation his suppliers and tradespersons were largely incompetent and his accounting was never complete despite the fact that our deal was for a percentage mark-up on actual monies spent. Neither Thom nor I were on site often enough and errors either had to be corrected once spotted or ignored because it was too late. Line-ups didn't line up; levels weren't; doors were installed reversed; and gas, electrical and plumbing issues(!) attended to. Pieces of delivered fittings/equipment were lost or damaged, paperwork is missing.

Group 5 has done many renovations and build outs for me personally and for some of my business locations. I have been extremely pleased with their attitude, guality, and finished product. I would recommend this company to any prospective client.

Hire to do full gutting, interior renovation and underpin basement in summer/fall 2004. The undermined the foundation of my house by cleaving off the brick footings and caused other structural damage. I had to hire structural and geotechnical engineers to confirm the many structural defects due to the extremely poor workmanship Group 5 provided. Group 5 came highly recommended but when they worked with me they convinced me that didn't need a building permit. I was lucky that the City of Toronto building inspectors were sympathetic to my situation and did not fine me for not having a permit. Had to fire Group 5 as they would not take any responsibility for problems they caused. I wanted to resolve our disputes via mediation but they refused to take responsibility for the defective work. Lost thousands of dollars and peace of mind over this renovation.