CCI Renovations

Hired CCI for the first phase of a $750,000+ restoration of our West Coast modern home in North Vancouver in 2021. This involved significant structural repairs, envelope upgrades and eventually a complete reno of the interior. We both have experience in the construction industry and are familiar with Part 9 of the building code. Unfortunately, we had to fire CCI after 8 months and removed them from this project because of slow execution, poor management and poor build quality. We have since then hired a replacement contractor to complete the build over the last two years (along with correcting CCIs work at our cost). We gave CCI a chance to resolve these deficiencies before firing them, but instead were faced with slow resolution and threatened with extra charges. In the end, we decided to part ways and pay at our cost to fix their mistakes after they left the site. It's not worth the stress as there are many better builders out there. Some things to consider if you plan to hire CCI: John at CCI structures their contract in such a way to protect themselves - they will require you to pay a deposit that will be applied at the END of the project. This means that you will have no holdback or leverage to deal with unresolved issues. This is in contrast with our new contractor who took a deposit up front and applied it to the BEGINNING of the work, and we pay as work is completed. Our current contractor stands behind his work and makes sure that things are done correctly. I'm not sure why CCI can't do the same. CCI does not have their own labor on staff. We had 1 lead carpenter on our job, while the rest of the staff rotated monthly from a third party staffing organization. These 'helpers' were generally expensive and slow. Contrast this to our current contractor who had 4 staff carpenters on site who have been with the company for many years. Quality of workmanship was very poor and CCI does not have relationships with quality subtrades. Some examples of CCIs work that caused problems after they left site: windows set out of level, all doors were set out of square, the walls that CCI built from scratch were not true, siding installation (done by sub VA Pro Exteriors) had large gaps, siding not planar (telegraphing from the poor framing underneath), flashing with large gaps. CCI tried to explain that this was normal; however, we have spent nearly 500k to continue this job after firing CCI and I can tell you that it is NOT the norm, and there are reasonable priced builders who can do a much better job. I have no doubt that John (owner) will respond to this review saying that we were unreasonable and difficult; however, the difference is that we are difficult because we have called out CCI on their poor workmanship and practices (which others less familiar in the construction industry might overlook). We hope that this review helps others - ask John to provide our job as a reference. I'm sure I know what his answer will be to you.

Over the years we have worked on a couple of projects with CCI Renovations. As a landscape design-build firm, building relationships and working side by side with quality craftsman like CCI Renovations is important for our companies success. CCI Renovations also believes in this philosophy and that is why we enjoy working with them so much. We look forward to working with them soon enough and continue forward as ONE TEAM BUILDING TOGETHER.

We did a large project in 2015 with CCI. We recently moved again to a new property and there were a few things we wanted to change. The only person we considered calling was John at CCI. CCI is an outstanding company to deal with. Both the company staff and the contractors that CCI use. Everyone is extremely professional and great to work with. We have built a number of new homes over the years . John and CCI are simply the best !!

CCI Renovations is a wonderful company based on the North Shore. Our renovation in 2012 was a masterpiece of craftsmanship and attention to detail. It literally transformed our townhouse with quality work. The entire staff was friendly, always on time and thorough beyond our expectations. We looked at a number of companies before proceeding and in retrospect, clearly chose the “Pearl of the North Shore”. We highly recommend CCI to anyone doing a renovation with an expectation of high-quality work.

We did a large renovation of our main floor this summer involving patching our hardwood floors, adding flooring where we had ugly tile, redoing a powder room, taking out a wall, putting in a pantry and adding a massive island in the kitchen. CCI did all the major work and also obtained our permits. John Friswell kept us informed, made timely suggestions and ran crews that were exceptional in the quality of their work and in the pleasant and cooperative way they dealt with us. They did not complain about our decision to stay in the house through the renovation and simply worked with us. The follow up CCI performed was also very professional. Were they the cheapest in the book? Probably not - but they were worth the price we paid. I would recommend CCI wholeheartedly.

We recently had the pleasure of working with CCI Renovations for a major kitchen and bathroom reno. John Friswell and his team were extremely responsive and professional and the work was of the highest quality. John was clear and open in his communications from our first meeting. He ensured that we were aware of the project status and any issues in a timely manner. The project came in on time, under budget and is great quality. We have used John since then for other projects and have always experienced the same high calibre of service and work. CCI was recommended to us by a friend and we would, unequivocally, recommend CCI Renovations for any renovation needs.

I have had the pleasure to work several times with John and his team at CCI Renos. I rarely have met someone who listens so well and transfers it to design details suited to his clients. The Team at CCI not only offers the reassurance of feeling in the right hands but also, the pleasure to deal with. Honest, gifted designers and hard worker, I would recommend CCI Renos as renovators or clients to all. Cheers! Terence Charles-Doucet | Le Doucet Design Group

John and his team did a complete renovation on our 1911 house, transforming it from a decrepit rooming house to a large single family home with a single suite. This included significant structural work, full electrical and plumbing overhaul, all new windows and insulation, and constant problem solving within the limits of a heritage house. Within the main new suite we provided just an idea of a vague feel to the team and they translated that into a great design and the perfect materials selection which we could never have done. The result achieved exactly what we had imagined and it has been a fabulous place to live ever since. John's team was great to work with, both the immediate team and any subcontractors that were brought in and always well managed. John then ensured we had the best imaginable support after completion, beyond normal expectations. I believe you can find photos on CCI's own site.

CCI Renovations completed a kitchen and bathroom renovation for my twenty year old condo. The end results transformed the tired and small kitchen into a beautiful contemporary open concept kitchen and the old bathroom into a well-lit, modern, spacious bathroom. I was nervous about undertaking renovations in the beginning. I researched extensively and contacted several contractors. In the end, John’s professionalism, confidence, and willingness to answer any questions and concerns (and there were many!) won me over. John kept me informed with regular updates during the renovation process. There were some surprises – what project doesn’t? I am very impressed by the professionalism and pride shown in the tile work done throughout the condo. Construction was done with minimum amount of disturbance to my neighbours. I would have liked more input and support on the design aspect. Due to miscommunication between designer and CCI, I ended up without my requested preferred paint brand which John factored in by discounting other charges. I rate them at 4.5 stars (which the system does not allow). I highly recommend John and his team at CCI Renovations and would absolutely hire them for future projects.

Working with John is a pleasure. He is kind and his calm attitude gives you peace of mind. I strongly recommend him to anyone who needs a high end renovation project.

John and his team are highly respected and well liked, for all the right reasons. Their experience enables them to know what can be done in creative and professional ways, with excellent attention to details. They are also a pleasure to work with.

CCI Renovations completed a renovation for us from design, budgeting through to handing the keys over to us at the end of the day. Every aspect of the reno was completed professionally with the project coming in on budget. The project did extend past the original end date but this can be mainly attributed to unforeseen items. Overall we are very happy with our renovation and will consider them for future work.