Montorio Homes Ltd

We are currently still trying to build with Montorio but it has been a very difficult process. Both my husband and myself have built before and had wonderful experiences so we were very excited to build with Montorio, especially since they list themselves as a “custom” builder. We started our experience back in September 2013 and are building one of their standard homes with a few minor changes (3rd garage added and some changes due to architectural controls). When we first signed with them we were given a time line of 9-12 months. As we had built before, plus my husband works in the construction business and even worked for one of the suppliers that Montorio uses, we fully expected delays and were guessing it would be closer to the 12 month mark. Unfortunately we have experienced ridiculous delay after delay. We were even told multiple excuses for the same delays. We did not receive any permits until March, which was blamed on the city. After further investigation we found it was the drafting department which took several months. We were told stake out would take 7-10 days after permits came in, it took 5 weeks (happened on April 25th). So here we were, 8 months into the process and not a grain of dirt had been moved. The hole was finally dug in early May. The site manager promised in an email that they would be able to make up time as soon as they started to build. They continued to stick to the Sept. move in date. We ended up waiting 2 weeks for the basement to be poured. By the end of June, with the house still not framed, so we decided to speak to the sales and marketing manager, as well as the head building manager. They claimed to understand our frustration and again, promised that they would do everything in their power to make sure our house was completed, although they said it would not be completed until the end of Nov. They promised we would be in by November 30th and I promised I would write a review of the company on that date, good or bad. Framing happened in July (although they went through 3 different crews and it took the city 4 inspections to pass). Things did start happening however there seemed to be several long stretches of time between the small crews of 1-2 men, so it took a while compared to other builders in the area. I do have to say that we have been happy with the overall construction of the house and that the trades have done a nice job. There were a few issues we brought up and unfortunately the site supervisor did not respond well to our notice of these errors. The show home sales manager was great though and made sure all our concerns were addressed. As we moved closer to November we continually checked to make sure they were on target as things seemed to again slow down. We were repeatedly told that it was and we even listed our house at the end of August (using Montorio’s realtor and following everything Montorio advised us to do as it takes longer to sell a house than the 35 days possession notice they give). Our house sold and the new owners wanted an end of October possession so we found other arrangements until the end of Nov. as Montorio was still sticking to this date. The week the new owners took possession Montorio dropped the bomb on us that they would no longer be able to keep their promise for an end of Nov. possession. We were furious as we had done everything they advised at this point, trusting them as they do this for a living. We started asking questions as to the reasons for the delays since a spec home (job 1633 which is the same design and neighbourhood) that was started 3 months after ours was listed as immediate possession on Montorio’s web site and was clearly ahead of ours in construction. They did not like us questioning them and so the site super's response was to refuse us access to the new house (my husband has all the safety requirements so it was not due to safety). This told us as clients that Montorio had the capability but not the drive to complete our house. They already had our money and have no problem forcing us to wait while they finished other houses to sell. We sent several emails, which were never returned, and phoned numerous times, which were always put to voicemail. We requested to be let back in, which they did thanks to the show home sales manager, and we asked for more frequent updates so we can better plan for things. We still have no idea when we might be moving in and Montorio is not giving us any kind of updates. Long story short, here we are at the end of Nov. and we still have not received our possession notice. I am almost 8 months pregnant with a 3 year old son, all of our stuff is in storage and we cannot access any Christmas items (ruining my sons Christmas) and we may have to repurchase all the baby stuff. Due to the holidays we are now scrambling and begging friends and family to find a place to stay and may have to resort to paying a huge hotel bill. I asked Montorio if they would help us as we are now homeless (based on their recommendations) and have to repurchase all this stuff. Their response was nope, that it wasn’t their problem. My husband asked me not to write this review as he is scared of the repercussions it may have as we are still in the process of building, but I made a promise to write a review on Nov. 30th and I would be no better than Montorio if I broke my promise, so here it is. We are now 16 months into the building process with no end in sight. ?

BUYERS BEWARE
Complete nightmare dealing with this company -everything from broken windows installed, granite countertop cracked and broken, kitchen tiles that needed to be re-grouted-very poor craftsmanship in general ! Phone calls not returned-scheduled appointment not kept causing lost time at work waiting for workmen that don't show up.
A total nightmare ! After 4months of dealing with this company , many issues are still not resolved. I have absolutely nothing good to say about this company.

Buyers beware! Read all comments that follow this as we have experienced the same problems- deficiencies still waiting to be fixed after 4months-unanswered phone messages- rude customer service people. This will cost you more than money- the stress in dealing with this company is unbelievable .

I would NEVER build another house with Montorio Homes again!! After a several unanswered emails, I called the office to speak to someone in particular and after waiting on hold the receptionist disconnected my call once she asked a few questions. Very disappointing! You put your trust in a business after they assure you they will take care of you and in the end you are just a transaction.

Bought a new Montorio spec house in 2012. No move in inspection, deficiencies take repeated requests to have any action taken. Staff is rude, owner of the company called and was rude for 10 minutes before he realized he had called the wrong person. Still waiting for a rough grade after a year and two fails.

I would NEVER hire this company as their quote was doubled and we weren't informed for months after it was completed. When we signed the contract with Garth, Gil, and Vince the wall was fully opened up so there were no suprises as to the amount of work required for the job. We paid what we were told was the final bill only to find another bill arrive later. You can't depend on what they quote you because they think you should have an open cheque book. Their own miscommunication and improper paperwork doubled our price and we were NEVER at any time told this until we got another bill. Save yourself some grief and anxiety...don't hire these guys.

Would never consider Montorio again. They build nice looking show homes but when they build yours for you they don't compare...Our sales lady Patty was rude and unorganized. She always made it seem like she had something more important to deal with then my issues. Site supervisor Carlos seemed good but had to go through Patty all the time so there was always a delay and mixed up messages. Various crooked walls that I pointed out on the walk through and nothing was fixed. Out bathroom wall is about 2" out by the end. Various things that aren't fixed from walk through. Paint on most switches. Found pink insulation and sawdust in the ducts that have been "cleaned". Closet organizer ripping out of wall and nothing is even in the closet. One wall has such a crooked stud that the central vac and electrical plug aren't even flush with the wall. I brought it up on the walk thru and still haven't heard back. Eavestroughs are filled with wood, staples and other debris. Stairs squeak, walls creak. 13 months build time and various excuses (framer, finisher, permits, blah blah blah)
Not impressed with build and guaranteed we will never build with Montorio again.

We had/are having the worst experience building with Montorio Homes. Our sales guy never followed through on what he said he was going to do and was extremely unorganized. So bad that we have been iin our house now for close to three weeks and things we spoke about with him two months ago still have not been done. Once we got rid of having to deal with him, we thought things would change. Unfortunately, Montorio promises you things and they don't come through on anything. They say they will make sure things are done properly and will contact trades, little to find out none of the trades had been spoken to and we are living in a house where our builder is probably laughing because they have our money and it's not even close to a standard that it should be. Do NOT build with Montorio if you like people to follow through on their word and to treat you like you matter. Horrible experience.

We had a great experience with Montorio Homes. We were able to meet directly with the design team to customize our home, we had a great deal of attention from our sales rep and construction was top notch.

Looking forward to building again someday.

Happy with work done, ensured that every tiny thing was completed. Happy with result and general contractor even though the trades subcontracted out were a bit disorganized. Would recommend them to others.