Cando Renovations

After removing one wall 3 years ago with Bert, we decided to pursue another load bearing wall removal. We were confident Bert could do it properly and efficiently. Bert quickly came to look at the job and suggested that we go with a flush-beam. While it was a little bit more money, my wife and I agreed with him that the flush beam would be the best choice. Since we were opening the wall we also decided to remove the old popcorn ceiling and do flat ceiling with potlights.

Bert and his crew arrived promptly each day. Bert was also accommodating when we asked about taking down another ceiling in the family room. It was no problem for him. Electrical was handled by Rudy who did a great job to fix up messy work done by a previous contractor who installed the kitchen.

The ceiling removal and mudding & taping is a really messy job. Nothing can be done about that. However, we did it at the right time since the wall was being done, plus we had removed our flooring to install new hardwood. It was really worth it though as the ceilings look amazing. It's very nice having good lighting in each of those rooms now, and the ceilings were finished flawlessly.

One minor issue came up in regards to the potlight color that was initially installed, but Bert and his electrician kindly accommodated our request to change them.

Since we were doing other projects such as refinishing stairs, flooring, fireplace surround, breakfast bar/cabinetry, and tiling of foyer, Bert kindly provided his wisdom and experience by answering a number of my questions and offering suggestions on how best to finish each of those areas.

Bert operates a great business, trustworthy, priced well and most importantly done right.

We had a load bearing wall in our family room which Bert and his team removed it.He and his crew are very professional,on time,reliable and friendly.we are very happy and satisfied and refer him to whoever wants to get a job done in a right way and professionally.
Thanks so much again Bert!

We just had our kitchen renovated with Cando Renovations, and couldn't be happier. Right from the initial contact we felt Bert was very trustworthy and knowledgeable, and very helpful in pointing out different aspects of the project. He has been in this business for many, many years, and was able to give us excellent advice, thus reducing our expenses.
We initially requested a quote on the partial removal of a load-bearing wall between our kitchen and sunken living room. Bert was able to show us the best way to go about our renovation and we decided to let Cando take care of the complete project. Bert and his crew removed our old
kitchen and the bulkheads, partially removed a load-bearing wall, and installed a new opening to the sunken living room. As the wall was removed, Bert discovered some faulty duct work, and corrected the builders' mistakes from over 30 years ago! He took care of all electrical, including installation of potlights, undermount lighting and pendants over the island. He relocated and took care of all plumbing, installed drywall and trim as needed and installed exhaust fan and appliances. He also installed our backsplash.
Throughout the renovation Bert was always very prompt in responding to texts, calls or emails. Our kitchen looks very nice, and has turned out
very functional. Thank you so much, Bert! Please, don't retire before we do our laundry room! Also thanks to Adam, who was always cheerful,
professional and polite, and to Justin and Rudy, the electrician.

We had a supporting wall removed and a 17 foot double "c-chanel" steel beam placed flush into the ceiling as well as moved our front door forward 5 1/2 feet.
Bert and his crew were efficient, knowledgeable and respectful to both our home and young family. Bert helped us to navigate through permits, floor layouts, HVAC idea's and additional contractors. The projects were completed within the agreed timelines and seamlessly that the new changes appear to have always been there. We could not imagine doing such a big project with anyone else.
Definitely worth every penny and will be using their services for future projects.
Thanks Bert and crew.
(Will try to post photos soon)

Burt and his team are awesome. They come on time and do professional work. They always acomidate to what you want, and leave the house clean and tidy. I have used Burt and his team to do a beam in the basement and main floor and it looks great.

Bert and his team are professional, hired them to remove a load bearing wall. Job was done professionally with the right set of equipments. Wall was taken down within hours and as promised, mess was cleaned up and taken away. The pricing was fair. Bert and his team did a great job for us!

Bert and his teen were dependable, reliable and very easy to work with. Their attention to detail was very evident in their work. We could not have been more pleased and will definately hire them again for future projects.

We have had the pleasure to work with Bert and his skillful and pleasant crew. Cando completed The first project which included the kitchen and ensuite. This part was completed in the winter months, when we were away. This turned out fantastic! The second project was removing a load bearing wall and installing a new bulkhead and getting it paint ready. The quality was beyond our expectations. I would definitely recommend Bert and Cando.

Very disappointed with this company. We hired them to widen a doorway between the kitchen and diningroom and take out 2 bulkheads and repair the wall/ceiling as appropriate. Bert arrived quickly and gave us a quote and started the work on time as promised. It went downhill from there.

- they tore out the bulkheads and tried to patch the ceiling with little bits of drywall instead of using an actual larger piece of drywall with the result that the ceiling was terribly and very noticeably uneven - ceiling was out over 1.5 inches in less than 3 feet on both sides where the bulkhead was taken out
- they were to create a small bulkhead dividing the kitchen and dining room [approx. 7 inches] and screwed it up so they had to take it out and re-do it with the result that it is also noticeably uneven and now, 9 months later, the drywall tape is starting to peel off of the bulkhead
- one of their guys went into our basement in order to access the ceiling and stood on our brick fireplace ledge and crumbled pieces off the brick and left it on the carpet
- they put a huge gouge in the hardwood floor and when it was brought to Bert's attention his response was "these things happen". He could have cared less

I feel that this job was too small for him and he sent his "B" team to do it. Bert does not like any sort of criticism and when confronted with these problems his response was "just get someone else to do it and send me the bill" and he hung up. Of course we did not send him the bill, he had no intention of paying it anyway.

The rest of our kitchen reno went off without a hitch and it now looks beautiful. All of the other contractors were fantastic to work with and we had no problems at all with them. We aren't terribly picky or critical and are pretty easy going people but we were spending a lot of money to renovate our kitchen and wanted it to look good. I don't think that's too much to ask for.

We consulted with a number of different people/contractors who ALL agreed with us that it was terrible workmanship and never should have been left the way it was.

Yes, this review is being written about 9 months after we had the work done but Bert was never going to return to make things right anyway.

I supposed if you have a large job requiring the removal of a load bearing wall that may be fine, but I would never recommend this company to anyone.

Burt was quick to respond and visit our home. It was evident the first time he came to have a look that he has extensive knowledge on removing load bearing walls. He advised what could be done and the best way possible. Even during the planning stage when we hit a few snags Burt called a site meeting and with his experience was able to make suggestions to allow us to continue. Burt was very helpful in advising what to do next as far as getting the permits from the city and a structural engineer to make up the drawings. The crew and demo happened all in one day...amazing! They were on time, polite and courteous and did an awesome job. I would highly recommend Burt and his team for any project. I plan on hiring them again to work on my basement reno. (Before and after pic)