Site work and grading around a two-storey custom home under construction

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Finishing a renovation someone else started

Over the years, Carleton Prime has been called in to finish or fix projects that homeowners had already started with other contractors.

  • Liability insurance and WSIB coverage
  • 5-year warranty on construction
  • 2-year warranty on painting
  • Free in-home consultation

Finishing a renovation

What we do first

Over the years, Carleton Prime has been called in to finish or fix projects that homeowners had already started with other contractors. Those projects rarely go wrong because of the materials. They go wrong because of poor planning, shortcuts, unclear communication and expectations nobody pinned down.

Taking over a half-finished job is different from starting fresh. Before we quote anything, we need to know what is really there:

  • What was built, and whether it was built properly
  • What is hidden behind drywall that went up too soon
  • Whether a permit was taken out, and whether it is still open
  • What materials are on site, and what is missing

Then you get a clear scope and a detailed estimate to finish the job properly.

Finished basement with a wood feature wall, new staircase and built-in shelvingKitchen remodel in Ottawa with sage-green cabinets, a butcher-block island and a farmhouse sink

“Indiana and his crew renovated a bathroom for me and the process was seamless, respectful and completed with extreme care and quality. I consider Carleton Prime the best construction company in Ottawa. I will use them for all future projects. Very pleased, would highly recommend.”

Wesley Ford · Bathroom renovation · Google review

Honest about what we find

Sometimes the existing work is sound and we can pick up where it stopped. Sometimes it has to come out. Either way, we show you what we found and explain why, before you decide anything. You have been let down once already. You should not have to take anyone's word for it again.

An open permit left behind by the previous contractor has to be sorted out with the City before the work can be signed off, so it goes into the plan from the start.

Once the job is finished, the work Carleton Prime does carries our five-year construction warranty.

Finished basement with a wood feature wall, new staircase and built-in shelving

Do your project right the first time

If your project has not started yet, the lesson from every job we have taken over is the same: plan properly, agree on a clear scope, transparent pricing and defined expectations, and hire someone who communicates. That is how Carleton Prime runs every project, and it is the reason this page exists.

Whole job or one part

The whole project, or any part of it

Carleton Prime can take on the whole project, turnkey, or just the part you need: one phase, or one trade such as the framing, drywall, tile, flooring or painting. Builders, general contractors, architects, designers and engineers can also bring us in as a subcontractor and an extra, experienced member of the team.

Frequently asked questions

My contractor walked off the job. Can you take it over?

Usually, yes. We start by assessing what is there, then give you a scope and a detailed estimate to finish it. Call us, and we will come and look.

Will you fix work that does not meet the Building Code?

Yes. Where existing work does not meet the Ontario Building Code, correcting it is part of finishing the project properly.

What paperwork helps you assess the job?

Whatever you have: the contract, invoices and receipts, permit documents, drawings and photos of the work in progress. It makes the assessment faster and more accurate.

Related services

Sources

The permit, Building Code and bylaw points on this page come from these authorities. Rules change, so check the current version before relying on any of it.

Garage wing of a modern custom home with timber-framed overhangs

Ottawa renovation and construction

Start your project with Carleton Prime

Every project starts with a free in-home consultation. Tell us about your home and what you want to do.