DMB Renovations’ portfolio was enough to pique our interest with this contractor. Through these proven works, we’ve seen the range of their design and renovation expertise, as each project was different, from bedroom suites to family dens, etc.

The quality of their workmanship is also impressive! Their former clients, whom we surveyed, mentioned that their basements required little to no repairs after being renovated. Furthermore, they shared how the materials used for their new spaces were only of premium quality.

It’s also easy to work with DMB Renovations because of their friendly and skilled workers. In our surveys, they were praised for their professionalism, particularly regarding how they cleaned up after themselves and arrived on schedule.

Another great aspect of DMB Renovations is how they consider their clients’ budget during the consultation period. And from what we’ve observed in their transactions, they present honest, transparent pricing.

We only wish that they could extend their operating hours through the weekends, as this is when we feel most people are available.

100% would recommend

“Duncan, Lynus and the DMB team did an excellent job on our kitchen. They completed the work on time and on budget. 

They did well to coordinate with countertop and cabinet makers. The house is old, and they were well-equipped to deal with it. 100% would recommend, and they are very nice and responsive guys too.”

– Logan Clark-Kenney, Google Review

Can’t say enough good things

“I hired Duncan and his team for the first time to do a full demo and rebuild of my basement from framing to drywall to flooring to paint.

Can’t say enough good things about his guys, as they really took the time to make sure I got exactly what I wanted from the end result. Pricing was fair, and they kept me informed on progress and timetable from beginning to end. Will be using them again for sure.”

– Dennis Cormier, Google Review

Monk Renovations became one of our top prospects when we saw how many times they’ve won the Canadian Home Builders’ Association’s Renovator Of The Year Award. We also reached out to their previous clients, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

One of the main things they highlighted about Monk Renovations is their honest fee structure. They shared that the contractor provided them with a rough estimate that was accurate with what they ultimately paid.

Our interviewees also showed us before-and-after photos of their basements, and we were impressed by the quality of the workmanship. Some transformed their basements into laundry lounges, while others made the most of their space and created an entire rental apartment.

We were also impressed with the complete set of services they offered, including electrical and wiring. Furthermore, they create furniture and fixtures to enhance clients’ basements.

The workers were also highlighted for having a smooth workflow and impressive turnaround time.

Our only gripe is their lack of free site visits and initial quotations.

One of the best decisions we have ever made

“So, like many in Halifax in July 2023, we suffered a flood in our basement. To say we were frustrated and stressed is an understatement.

The insurance company’s approved repair company did a terrible job with the removal and clean-up. We definitely did not want them back to do the reno.

We called Monk, and Dan and Michael came out to give us a quote. We felt comfortable right away with them because they were honest about what needed to be done and what was realistic to expect. 

Other companies said, “Sure, we can do it for what the insurance company is giving you,” but I knew that wasn’t possible. So we went with our gut and decided to use Monk. And it was one of the decisions we have ever made. To say we are happy with the results is an understatement.

They guessed 4-5 weeks, and it was done in 4. The finished look is beyond our expectations. The onsite foreman, Daryl, was AMAZING!

We are planning a kitchen remodel. And our decision on who to use is already made. It will be Monk Renovations.

The biggest part for us, aside from the amazing workmanship and finished look, is that they took two extremely stressed individuals over what was already an almost 9-month ordeal. And put us at ease, with their professionalism and personal and friendly interactions.

I can assure anyone who chooses Monk that you are making the right decision.

Kevin and Narissa”

– Kevin Daniels, Google Review

Highly professional

“We recently had Monk Renovations finish a large room in our basement. Right from the very start, when the quote was done through to the clean-up at the end of the project, we were delighted. 

The project actually got started earlier than planned and was completed on schedule. The tradespeople were all highly professional and treated our home as if it were their own. We will use Monk in the future and would highly recommend them!”

– Gary Thompson (Gary & Beth), Google Review

NGCS Contracting Services was one of our top picks because of their wide array of services, all of which lend to their basement renovations. 

For instance, they offer painting services, which clients have highlighted as being highly meticulous, adding that their basement’s paint job looked seamless afterwards. The contractor provides carpentry services, as evidenced by their cabinets and door installations.

We were also impressed with their varied portfolio of basement renovations, as they transformed spaces into everything from family lounges to laundry rooms, etc.

Previous clients were also pleased with the efficiency of their workers, stating how they finished earlier than the initial timeframe given. Moreover, they shared how caring they were throughout the project, providing constant updates and always cleaning up after a day’s work.

However, we wish that the same responsiveness could be demonstrated by their customer service line. Some clients told us how their initial online inquiry took a day before getting a response.

Excellent, perfect, and on time

“They installed the shower in the basement and also put up the ceiling under the deck to protect us from the rain. It was of very high quality, and their work was excellent, perfect, and on time. I highly recommend them.”

– Basel Sabbagh, Google Review

Review title

“We are incredibly pleased with the work that Mo at NGCS Contracting Services has just completed for us! We are one of the countless families in Halifax, Nova Scotia, that were flooded during the horrific storm on July 21, 2023. 

After several months of looking at bare concrete floors, we were thrilled to find Mo as he offered a reasonable quote, worked very hard and very quickly, was punctual and reliable, did meticulous work and is skilled in many areas; drywall, plastering, flooring and finish work which meant we did not have to find and coordinate several tradespeople to do our basement rebuild.

Mo is very personable, listens to what you want and then works with you, making suggestions along the way, and we would most definitely hire him again. If we could, we would give him 10 stars!”

– Marianne Blair-Cutler, Google Review

Value for money was one of our main criteria, and Glimmerstone Renovation and Demolition definitely ticks this box. At first glance, we thought their fees were expensive, but their clients shared photos of their basements, and we saw how seamless and clean their work output was.

Moreover, our interviewees stated that they were paying for peace of mind, as the contractors were extremely hands-on during the project. 

For starters, they offered free in-home consultations, during which the team was attentive to get all the details regarding their preferences and needs. Clients shared how this consultation helped them get exactly what they wanted out of their basement.

Our interviewees also shared how they were at peace throughout the project, as the workers always provided them with progress after a day’s work. Moreover, they shared how these pros would always come on time and leave their workplace spotless afterwards.

Lastly, we wanted to highlight the complete set of services they offer for bathroom renovations, from flooring to wiring, painting, and even some minor carpentry.

Super friendly

“Extremely happy with the result of the Glimmerstone renovation. The team was super friendly, and they delivered the project in advance and with great quality. They also have a very competitive price. I will definitely hire them again for future projects”

– Shanon Brouillet, Google Review

Made sure we were happy with everything

“What a fantastic job by the folks at Glimmerstone Renovation! They were super friendly and helpful throughout the whole process. Loved their attention to detail, and they really made sure we were happy with everything. Definitely recommending them to all my friends”

– Kevin Cross, Google Review

Modern Touch Renovations impressed us with its beautiful gallery of renovated basements. It varied anywhere from mancaves to shared lounges, extra bedrooms, and more.

We also reached out to previous clients, who said their vision for their basements was accurately recreated, thanks to the team’s attentiveness. They also shared how collaborative the team was and offered recommendations that better suited their budget.

Previous clients were also impressed with the workmanship quality of Modern Touch’s workers, stating that their basements looked like something out of a showroom. We were also pleased to know that these pros could handle everything from demolition to painting and carpentry.

Modern Touch Renovations’ warranties should also be highlighted, as they ensure clients are satisfied with their work before parting ways. We’ve also had clients share how accountable the contractor was and how they offered free repairs when they noticed a mistake in their basement.

The only downside here is their delayed responses. Some of our interviewees noted that they almost didn’t proceed with this contractor because it took them a couple of days to reply.

The quality of work was terrific

“The Modern Touch Team completed two jobs for us in 2025 – a new deck and a new basement bathroom. Both jobs were completed quickly, and the quality of work was terrific. Jeff and his team are excellent communicators and craftsmen. 

I would highly recommend this company to anyone looking for a reliable and reputable contractor.”

– Allison Fitzpatrick, Google Review

Couldn’t be more pleased

“I had Modern Touch complete a full 2-bathroom and basement remodel of my house. Couldn’t possibly be more pleased with the results; they took my vision for the spaces and made it a reality. 

Fit and finish are excellent, not to mention that after many quotes, the cost was extremely competitive. Communicated very well through the entire process, making recommendations to keep my costs down was very much appreciated.

If you are looking for a reference, I’d be glad to give one”

– Andrew Robertson, Google Review