Selecting a good basement renovation company in the Toronto area is going to require some research on your part.  The city is densely populated and has the right soil and foundation requirements to support basements, so there are many companies willing to handle your needs.  The key is finding the right one.  The first thing to consider is what you want to do with your basement.  There are some companies like The Reno Pros that have a design for almost any theme or layout you could come up with, but other businesses are less diverse and specialize in basement niche markets. For instance, one basement renovation company might specialize in game rooms with discount prices on pool tables and sports-themed memorabilia.  Another company could come in and create an all-inclusive, amenity filled apartment for you to use as rental income.  Having a clear vision of what you want will save you time and money along the way.  After you have a basic plan, you should begin checking out basement renovation companies on the internet to see some reviews and find a good fit.  Reputable websites you should check out include:

• Angie’s List
• Yelp
• HomeAdvisor.com
• 1800Contractor.com
• Contractors.com

These websites should put you in touch with a host of contractors that have excellent reviews.  Toronto is geographically ideal for basements, so there are a wide range of candidates.  After you have narrowed the search to some basement renovation companies that are experienced in designs similar to your vision, you will want to track down a few of those references and speak to the customers if possible.  You should be sure to ask them if the company finished on time and to the customer’s liking.  Obviously no one wants to overpay for a home project, but the aforementioned points should definitely be in the conversation for the most important details.  A basement renovation company with a dependable track record like The Reno Pros will not hesitate to provide you with a clear, thorough estimate of the price and deadline. Contractors can be shrewd negotiators and many less than reputable ones will undercut the competition in order to win your bid, then attempt to make up the difference on extras and additions to your plan as the work progresses.  Do not be fooled by these folks.  A basement renovation company worth their salt will look at your project in person if you are doing anything more than the most basic remodel and adhere to the original details of their estimate unless pre-existing damage or some unforeseen elements arise during the process. A quick 3-step checklist to refer to as you go through the process of choosing a basement renovation company is as follows:

• Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis – This pertains to the number of reviews you might find on the company and the overall approval ratings given by their customers. You want to see lots of work with high marks.  One without the other could suggest an unfavorable correlation between experience and customer satisfaction.
• Licensing – A basement renovation company that is on their game hires certified and licensed contractors. In addition to that they keep these employees current on examinations and certifications, so if you have the time, you can easily review the credentials on the corporate website.  This would include building, electrical and plumbing contractors.
• Trust your instincts – Did the contactor representing the basement renovation company show up to your planned meeting on time? Did he seem interested in the project?  Was his estimate complete and was there a deadline included?  These are all decent signs that might indicate if the contactor is working for a reputable company that will do a good job on your basement.

The bottom line is you should not settle for a basement renovation company that you don’t feel is a good fit.  The Greater Toronto Area is teeming with them, so you can afford to be selective.