Maximum General Contracting Inc.

Foundations
Toronto ON M3B 1K4
Write a Review
Write a Review


HomeStars
Foundations
Maximum General Contracting Inc.
Star Score
Learn more about how StarScore uses a complex algorithm which considers a company's review ratings, responsiveness, reputation, and recency.

91%

This is the average rating based on homeowner reviews.
This indicates how long it's been since the last review.
Indicates how well a pro reacts to reviews and review-related interactions with Homeowners.
How well a company responds to Service Requests and Reviews.
Reviews by rating (past 12 months)

Reviews for Maximum General Contracting Inc.

Average customer rating:
9.8 10 (52 reviews)

Sort by

Philip
Philip
0 reviews Toronto, ON
10/10

Basement Lowering in West Toronto

My wife and I had been wanting to lower our basement for years in order to better utilize our basement space for our children and extend our room for entertaining. John and his team were very knowledgeable about the entire process. His price was fair and he was always available to address any of our concerns while underpinning our basement. The finished product is between night and day. Its amazing! You wouldnt believe how much high ceilings can change the feel of a space. We feel safe and grateful we chose Maximum to do the job. Professional, fair and efficient. Thanks again John!

Approximate cost of services:
$40,000.00
Was this review helpful?
Reverb in Toronto
Reverb in Toronto
2 reviews Toronto, ON
10/10

Great job with underpinning our Victorian house

We had a dungeon wet basement and we ended up with a separate basement apartment with a walkout.

This was a challenging job with our 130 year old Victoria house in Toronto. The basement was not easy to access, there were thick concrete benches and crawl space to demolish. Some underpinning contractors told us they wouldn't do it.

John, Louis, Jessie and the crew worked hard for long on this project. A few challenges and surprises turned up but in the end, we all got through it. The costs were negotiated fairly and explained all the time. Yes, we spent more than anticipated but this is no fault of anyone and can happen in weird old houses like this. What matters is that everybody kept going until a satisfactory job was done.

Maximum handed over to the renovating contractors well and worked with us to help get everything ready for inspection.

Thanks to Maximum General and I'm glad I chose to work with them. I can absolutely recommend them for your house underpinning and walkout.

Approximate cost of services:
$175,000.00
Was this review helpful?
Company Response

It was a real pleasure to work with Matt home owner thank you

Jamie Lloyd
Jamie Lloyd
0 reviews Toronto, ON
10/10

Amazing Work

John and Louis, and the entire team really do a great job. Our home is 100 years old so it did come with challenges, but they always knew exactly what to do, how to get thr job done and done right!
We have already recommended their service to friends and family.
I was surprised how quiet the work was, and it also wasn't nearly as dusty as we had expected. We even kept the furnace running during the construction.
They started in February and finished the job on the date they had expected.
We can't thank them enough for all their hard work!

Approximate cost of services:
$55,000.00
Was this review helpful?
Company Response

It was a real pleasure working with you thanks

SERANO in Toronto
SERANO in Toronto
0 reviews Toronto, ON
10/10

UNDERPINNING

We are extremely happy with the underpinning done by Maximum General Contracting. We were extremely pressed for time in one of our rental units, we had tenants moving in, in less than a month and Maximum General Contracting got it done in a timely and professional manner. They were extremely punctual and the end results were nothing like we could have imagined. We would definitely recommend them for any of your underpinning and waterproofing needs.

Approximate cost of services:
$60,000.00
Was this review helpful?
Company Response

Thank you so much it was a pleasure to work with you.

Private User
Private User
Private User reviews Toronto, ON
10/10

Underpinning - job 2021

We contracted Maximum to handle our underpinning job. John, Louis and Jesse did a great job. They were always ready and willing to answer any questions we had throughout the project. It was a pleasure dealing with them. I’d recommend Maximum to anyone looking to underpin.”

Approximate cost of services:
$75,000.00
Was this review helpful?
Company Response

Thank you so much it was a pleasure to work with you.

Stephen in Toronto
Stephen in Toronto
1 review Toronto, ON
10/10

Underpinning and New Sewer Drain Installation

We were introduced to MGC through a neighbour who had basement underpinning completed previously. MGC came highly recommended and we were not disappointed from start to finish.

We had an uncommon, but rather complex situation. Our 135 year old Victorian semi did not have it's own drain to the city sewer. We discovered this unfortunate fact only after our complete gut renovation started. Our neighbour's sanitary drain ran under our house perpendicular to the street and after exiting our house, this common line ran under our neighbours' house, and so on down the street.

Other contractors we had consulted had never seen this unique shared drain situation before. However, MGC had dealt with this type of situation previously as they do a lot of work in downtown Toronto.

In addition, the rear portions of the houses did not sit on a proper foundation - small cement block sitting on sandy soil was clearly not to Code.

Thankfully our neighbour also agreed to retain MGC to have a coordinated and seamless experience on both sides of our shared wall.

Before dealing with the drain, the four stage underpinning process was undertaken with every precaution to shore up the common wall of the two homes and our exterior walls to allow for eight foot basement ceilings, weeping tile and water-proofing. The safety of the neighbouring properties and occupants, as well as the workers was of paramount importance.

Jesse, Louis and their crew were on site early everyday and working diligently to ensure that the work was done properly and accurately. They were always available to not only answer our questions, but to contact us if there were any issues to discuss or troubleshoot so that there were no surprises later. Clear communication with a contractor is high on everyone's wishlist when retaining someone for a project. Open communication existed before, during and even after the project was completed.

My understanding from speaking with others and reading news stories about failed procedures is that not all underpinning contractors are created equal. This is an area of expertise not to be trifled with or dabbled in. Top notch service and competitive pricing made recommending them with 10/10 a no brainer.

If you retain Maximum General you will not be disappointed.

Approximate cost of services:
$70,000.00
Was this review helpful?
Company Response

Hi Stephen
It was a real pleasure working and meeting you please let us know if you need anything in the future thanks so much

Yan Ling Elaine in Toronto
Yan Ling Elaine in Toronto
1 review Toronto, ON
10/10

basement lowering/drains

My experience with Maximum General Contracting was great. This was a joint project with my neighbour and I am glad that this company was introduced to us. John is very knowledgeable and takes the time to explain every detail and is prompt to respond any questions/emails. Jesse and his team were very efficient, always showing up early in the morning and kept us in the loop of any construction matters and work schedules. I am pleased with their work and highly recommend them for foundation repair/basement renovations.

Approximate cost of services:
$17,000.00
Was this review helpful?
Company Response

Hi Elaine
It was a pleasure to work with you and your family thanks

christinemgalea
christinemgalea
7 reviews Toronto, ON
10/10

Demolish and Foundations with Blocks

Last year Maximum General did the underpinning at my house, which was a smooth, quick and overall excellent job. This year they demolished the back area of my house, dug deep, poured foundations and did the block work for an extension. John, Jesse and team were so efficient, hardworking and timely. They got 10x more work done the past couple of weeks compared to the house behind mine which is undergoing a similar reno by another company. The Maximum General team are always a pleasure to work with as they are genuine guys. They are at the top of my list.

Approximate cost of services:
$0.00
Was this review helpful?
Company Response

Hi Christian thanks for the great review reading it makes us proud to do what we do and also for choosing us once again to do your project it's always a pleasure working for you we appreciate it very much.

James in Toronto
James in Toronto
0 reviews Toronto, ON
10/10

Very reliable, systematic, and responsive

Two friends had recommended Maximum General to us after they did underpinning work for them. John and Louis gave us a clear quote and were quick to start the underpinning/benching project once permits were received. Throughout the process they regularly consulted with us about timing, options and issues (e.g., on drainage & plumbing lay out). Ultimately, at our request they also oversaw installation of a backwater valve, in-floor heating system and boiler, sump pump and sewage ejector. Their estimates for such additional costs were always reasonable and fair. They finished the job much faster than a contractor doing a similar job on the street. Louis has been very responsive on followup matters. We highly recommend them.

Approximate cost of services:
$80,000.00
Was this review helpful?
Company Response

Thanks james
It was great working with you thanks for the review

George
George
1 review Toronto, ON
10/10

Major renovation

John, Louis, Jesse and crew supported us during our custom built home renovation. We are so thrilled we chose Maximum General Contracting to take on this enormous life changing endeavour. From demolition to underpinning, to building additions and preparing drains and flooring, shined throughout the entire process. They always provided timely insight and suggestions to expedite the process and maintain our timelines and stay within our budget. Constant praise from Toronto City Inspectors and Structural Engineers during various stages of inspections. People often say, “Renovations are a nightmare!” not with these professionals. Our deepest thanks

Approximate cost of services:
$0.00
Was this review helpful?
Company Response

Thank you George you were truly one of our best customers and it was a great experience hope all the best with your project and your young family health and happiness.

The reviews on this page are the subjective opinion of the Author and not of HomeStars Inc.

More about Maximum General Contracting Inc.

More about Maximum General Contracting:
Basement Lowering
Lowering your basement will be done in the A,B,C method what this means is first we dig out all the A's maximum 4 feet wide, we then form and pour concrete 25 mpa. After that stage we will install 2” inches of dry pack grout. We then go on to do B and C in the same procedure. All stages are inspected by city Inspectors. This is for the underpinning method.

Waterproofing
External Method
Waterproofing can be done either internally, or applied to the exterior of the structure. The exterior waterproofing method is the preferred and better method of handling waterproofing because it does not allow water to seep through the foundation wall once completed. The external method is done by digging down to the foundation. The wall is then wire-brushed and cleaned. The foundation wall is then parged and a rubber coating is applied to the entire exterior "below ground" surface. Finally, it is completed with a waterproof membrane applied over the rubber coating. Once this is completed, 4" diameter weeping tiles are then installed in a trench surrounding the entire building. The weeping tiles are set level with the bottom of the footings, covered with 10" to 12" of 3/4" gravel to assist with drainage. The trench is then back-filled.

Internal Method
If the internal method is used, we cut and remove the floor slabs approximately 12" away from the wall. Earth is then removed right down to the bottom of the footings. We supply and install the waterproof membrane on the foundation wall. Weeping tile is then installed, level with the footing and terminated to a sump-pump pit. The weeping tiles are covered with gravel before concrete is poured over top to create a new basement floor.

Underpinning
Underpinning is the process of strengthening and stabilizing the foundation of an existing building or other structure. Underpinning is accomplished by extending the foundation in depth or in breadth so it either rests on a stronger soil stratum or distributes its load across a greater area. Use of micro piles [1] and jet grouting are common methods in underpinning. An alternative to underpinning is the strengthening of the soil by the introduction of a grout. All of these processes are generally elaborate.
Concrete
Concrete, structural masonry material made by mixing broken stone or gravel with sand, cement, and water and allowing the mixture to harden into a solid mass. The cement is the chemically active element, or matrix; the sand and stone are the inert elements, or aggregate. Concrete is adaptable to widely varied structural needs, is available practically anywhere, is fire resistant, and can be used by semiskilled workers.

Brick and Block Work
A wet brick and block build is constructed with a block built internal skin and cavity followed by a brick external facing, remain the preferred building method of self-builders. Brickwork masonry is produced when a bricklayer uses bricks and mortar to build up structures such as walls, bridges and chimneys. (Brickwork is also used to finish openings such as doors or windows in buildings made of other materials.) Where the bricks are to remain fully visible, as opposed to being covered up by plaster or stucco, this is known as face-work.

Additions and Extensions
In order to do an addition you must first dig and remove the earth down to the level of the new footings which will be formed and poured with concrete, then the cement blocks can be install for the new addition ( you can also pour the foundation wall with concrete)

Bench Footing
Bench footing is done in the 1 to 1 ratio for every 1 foot down you must go out 1 foot. We then go on to install 3” inches of 3/4 inch gravel with weeping tile around perimeter of basement which is terminated to sum pump pit. The pit has a pump which pumps out natural earth water out to side or back of home. The next step is to pour 4” inches of concrete for the slab.

Main Drains / Sump Pumps
The Main Drains / Sump pump are used to remove water that has accumulated in the sump pump pit. A sump pump pit, commonly found in the home basement, is simply a hole to collect water. The water may enter via the perimeter drains of a basement waterproofing system, funneling into the pit, or may arrive because of rain or because of natural ground water, if the basement is below the water table level.
Plans & Permits

Maximum General Contracting will arrange for all required permits to do the work. Should you also require plans to be drawn up, we have an engineer capable of handling all your planning needs.
Radiant Floor Heating
Many of our clients ask about Radiant Floor Heating and we agree that this is an excellent idea because it also helps to keep the basement dry and provides a warm, comfortable floor on which to walk.

CATEGORIES
Foundations
WEBSITE
http://www.mgcunderpinning.com
LIABILITY INSURANCE
Yes
WORKERS COMPENSATION
Yes
WRITTEN CONTRACT
Yes
Company profile information is not moderated by HomeStars. Ask the contractor to verify before hiring.