Renovation gone wrong situations can appear attractive at first while hiding serious and expensive problems. A homeowner recently contacted A&R Renovations Inc. after ending the relationship with the contractor working on this incomplete renovation. During our inspection, we found deficiencies involving plumbing, shower waterproofing, bathroom fixtures, the freestanding tub, stairs and railings.
From a distance, some parts of the renovation may look modern. Large-format tile, gold fixtures and new railings create a strong first impression. But attractive materials cannot compensate for improper installation. A renovation must work safely and reliably behind the finished surfaces—not only look good in photographs.
This is the result of hiring an inexperienced contractor based largely on a low quotation. Based on what I observed on site, the work does not demonstrate the planning, preparation or technical knowledge expected from a qualified and experienced renovation contractor. Correcting it may require opening finished areas, removing materials and rebuilding work the homeowner has already paid for.
This article is not intended to identify or attack a particular contractor. It is meant to help homeowners recognize the risks of choosing a contractor mainly because the quotation is much lower than the others.
This renovation gone wrong demonstrates why attractive finishes should never be accepted as proof of proper installation
Deficiencies Found During the Inspection
1. Improper Drainage Plumbing Under the Sink
The drain connection under the sink was installed without the proper slope and with an incorrect fitting arrangement. Drainage piping depends on gravity. It must be properly sized, supported and graded, and fittings must direct wastewater smoothly in the correct direction.
An improper connection can contribute to slow drainage, recurring blockages, odours and leaks. Plumbing hidden inside cabinetry or walls should never be treated as a shortcut simply because it will not normally be seen.
This is one example of how a renovation gone wrong can create problems behind finished surfaces.
Photo note: This deficiency was identified during the on-site inspection but is not visible in the five photographs supplied with this article.
2. Questionable Shower Waterproofing
Tile and grout are not the waterproofing system. The shower must have a continuous waterproof assembly behind or directly below the finished tile, with careful detailing at the drain, corners, curb, bench, niches and all penetrations.
A liquid-applied waterproofing membrane can be a legitimate system when it is an approved product installed exactly to the manufacturer’s requirements. The problem is not simply that a liquid product was used instead of a traditional liner or a Schluter system. The concern is whether the contractor created a complete, compatible and properly detailed waterproof assembly, applied at the required thickness, and verified it before installing tile.
In this project, there was no documented liner or sheet-membrane system, and the observed shower construction raised serious concerns about continuity and detailing. Before repairs are planned, concealed conditions may need to be opened and assessed. A flood test may also be appropriate where conditions permit.
In a renovation gone wrong, waterproofing deficiencies may remain hidden until leaking or damage appears.
The completed tile does not prove that the shower is waterproof. Benches, corners, niches, penetrations and the drain require a continuous, properly detailed system.
3. Shower Bench Construction and Drainage Concerns
A shower bench receives direct water and must be built as part of the waterproof enclosure. Its horizontal surface needs an intentional slope toward the shower drain so water does not remain against the wall or glass. All transitions must be reinforced and waterproofed before tile is installed.
If the bench is flat, incorrectly sloped or poorly tied into the waterproofing, water can collect and eventually enter the structure. The visible finish may look acceptable while damage develops underneath.
A shower bench must be properly sloped, structurally sound and fully integrated into the waterproofing system—not simply covered with tile.
4. Loose Tub Spout and Shower Fixture
The tub spout moves, and the rain-shower fixture is not secure. Plumbing fixtures should be anchored to solid backing and installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Movement at a finished fixture is not only a cosmetic issue. Repeated motion can stress connections behind the wall, damage seals and increase the risk of a concealed leak.
Caulking is not a substitute for proper blocking or fastening. A fixture should not depend on tile, grout or sealant to hold it in place.
5. Freestanding Tub and Faucet Installed Incorrectly
The freestanding tub was not installed correctly, and the floor-mounted faucet moves. Both items require careful planning before the finished floor is completed. The tub must be level, stable, properly connected and serviceable. The faucet needs secure structural anchoring below or within the floor, not merely a tight decorative cover at the surface.
A moving freestanding-tub faucet can strain the water connections every time it is used. Because those connections are often concealed, a small installation error can become an expensive leak.
6. Stairs and Railings Were Not Properly Sanded Before Staining
The stairs, handrails, newel posts and trim were not properly sanded and prepared before staining. Stain highlights the condition of the wood; it does not hide poor preparation. Rough areas, adhesive residue, filler marks, scratches and inconsistent sanding can absorb stain unevenly and leave a blotchy, unfinished appearance.
Proper finishing requires staged sanding with appropriate grits, careful cleaning between steps, compatible filler where needed and a test sample before the full stain is applied. Detailed areas around balusters and stair edges require the same care as the open surfaces.
This renovation gone wrong also shows why proper surface preparation cannot be rushed.
Stair surfaces and detailed edges require complete preparation before stain is applied
Handrails, newel posts, treads and areas around balusters must be sanded consistently for an even finish.
A wider view of the stair installation shows how much detailed preparation is required before staining and final finishing.
7. Lack of Quality Control Across the Project
The most concerning issue is not one isolated mistake. Deficiencies were found in plumbing, waterproofing, fixture installation, carpentry and finishing. When problems appear across several areas, it may indicate inadequate planning, supervision and inspection throughout the renovation.
Why a Very Low Renovation Quote Is a Warning Sign
A renovation gone wrong often becomes more expensive than hiring an experienced contractor from the beginning.
The lowest quotation is not always the least expensive choice. A substantially lower price may mean that important labour, preparation, qualified trades, permits, inspections, approved materials or proper waterproofing details have not been included.
A professional quotation should clearly describe the scope of work, materials, allowances, payment schedule, responsibilities, change-order process and warranty. If one contractor’s price is far below the others, ask what is missing and how the work will be completed for that amount.
When defective work must be repaired, the homeowner may pay three times: once for the original renovation, again to remove it, and a third time to rebuild it correctly. Some materials may not be reusable after demolition. The disruption, delays and stress also have a cost.
How to Choose an Experienced Renovation Contractor
Before hiring a contractor, review the Ontario government’s guidance for home renovations and repairs. Homeowners in Vaughan should also confirm whether their project requires approval through the City of Vaughan Building Permits Department.
Homeowners can reduce the risk of a renovation gone wrong by carefully comparing the complete scope of each quotation.
Before signing a contract:
- Compare the scope of work, not only the total price.
- Ask who will perform plumbing, electrical and other regulated work.
- Request details of the complete shower waterproofing system.
- Confirm responsibility for permits and required inspections.
- Review recent projects and speak with real customers.
- Read detailed online reviews, including how problems were handled.
- Ask for proof of insurance and any required trade qualifications.
- Avoid large cash deposits and vague, one-page quotations.
- Require written approval for changes and additional costs.
- Do not accept rushed work in areas that will soon be concealed.
An experienced contractor should be able to explain the installation—not become defensive when you ask questions. Good work depends on what happens before the tile, paint and stain make the project look finished.
If you are dealing with a renovation gone wrong, the underlying deficiencies should be inspected before cosmetic repairs are attempted.
Experience Protects Your Home and Your Investment
A&R Renovations Inc. has served homeowners since 1996. We manage one project at a time and do not pass the renovation from one unknown subcontracting crew to another. This allows us to stay involved, maintain consistent standards and deal directly with the homeowner from start to finish.
My professional opinion after inspecting this project is straightforward: this is the result of an inexperienced contractor taking on work without the knowledge, planning or attention required for a renovation of this scope. According to the homeowner, the contractor was fired after requesting more money while the project was still incomplete and deficient. The responsible next step is not to hide the problems with more caulking or cosmetic repairs. Each condition must be properly investigated, and the affected work must be corrected from the underlying installation outward.
If you are planning a renovation in Vaughan or the surrounding area, do not choose on price alone. Choose an experienced general contractor who provides a clear scope, explains the building system and takes responsibility for the complete project. A properly completed renovation protects your home, your investment and your peace of mind.
A professional inspection can determine whether a renovation gone wrong requires minor repairs or complete reconstruction.
Call to action: Planning a renovation or concerned about deficient work? Contact A&R Renovations Inc. to arrange a site visit and professional assessment.
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