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This Rene guy is so smooth. He can talk the talk but he sure can't walk the walk. He claims to be a "designer" but I highly doubt he's more than a painter that thinks he can take on anything.
Just look at all his little business's. From painting to designing and reno's to house cleaning. My what a talented guy. I don't believe he has more than two people working for him at any given time.
If you hire him I'd recommend you oversee the project yourself or you may be in for a very big disaster in the future like we discovered.
He low-balled our reno and basically stopped showing up to the job when he realized he was way, way over budget due to his own inexperience. Of course he tried to get more money, using all kinds of excuses.
But the worst thing was the quality of work, it was so bad, if we had not caught it when we did, we would be having water running down the inside shower wall, and extensive mold and water damage.
The tub was not leveled when installed nor were the floors. The tile floor is so uneven and poorly laid, that the toilet was rocking until we had our new contractor fix it.
The list goes on and on. This experience would qualify for a "Holmes on Holmes" reno nightmare.
Hiring Rene at Savoir Faire Design cost us more than double what it should have and a very stressful 6 months. I wish i would have followed my gut instinct and fired him when the first" Red Flag" showed up.
I truly hope i can spare someone else from experiencing your dream kitchen or bathroom turning into a horrible nightmare.
I'm glad your experience was a positive one. I wouldn't wish what we went through on anyone.
I just hope you don't have any "problems" a year or two from now, due to poor quality workmanship.
I also know of at least one other unsatisfied client of his as well.
We have pictures, and the 2nd contractors notes of inferior work that would have caused many problems in the near future.
We also still have the message on our voice mail from Rene saying he would reimburse us $5000. towards having to redo our bathroom, which was never paid, nor have we heard from him since.
We paid good money to have a professional good quality job, and ended up in a nightmare! And that is the TRUTH!
To bad you never read my complaint about him. I do feel your pain and anger cause we went through a real nightmare with him as well.
We never got receipts for our cabinets either. He was fast to blame the cabinet maker for everything, but we found out that he had not paid the cabinet maker all money owing, and he also told some of his employees that we hadn't paid him yet, making them wait for a pay cheque, which was pure B.S. Hopefully word of mouth goes along way and this guy goes out of business, as obviously he should not be in this business! Good luck with your next contractor.
Gee, I wonder if someone sued his butt off and he changed the name of his company to try and avoid paying restitution. Sure hope people read up on him before
giving him any money!
He also has a cleaning company, I believe it is called "Savoir Faire Lifestyle" or something like that.
Hopefully he will get his share of what he has dished out to so many trusting people.
i have to say i was quite surprised to read this last review about savoir faire designs. i was googling their web site this morning to send them an email when this letter showed up. i have to say i had the opposite experience with them. Our house reno included extensive electrical and plumbing work, hardwood refinished, bathrooms gutted and redone, stairs removed, bedroom added, closets added, all mouldings redone, completely repainted and floors tiled. Amost all of the work was done while we were out of town. Colors, designs, fixtures were chosen perfectly by rene. He just seemed to get our style and know what to do from there. Done on time, withing budget and to complete satisfaction. Have recommended them to many friends who have been equally happy. If you want the truth about them read the countless testimonials on their website.
Could not agree with you more. We have just walked away from a reno with Rene before finishing...if he ever would. After more than two years, and this is a condo overhaul mind you (not every room; not two years). We have an appliance with no front panel (it took a good year for a dishwasher to show up), cabinetry that is warped months after installation, cabinetry that is peeling (too close to high BTU stove...a laminate and not baked on), short cuts taken left and right that are cosmetically attractive...and no transparency. No receipts. No appliance documentation. No willingness to specifically identify a cabinet maker used. No ability to pursue anyone for anything. And now, we are faced with tearing out an entire kitchen paid for and reno'd by Rene...because of seriously poor workmanship. Doubling our cost of course. Friends we recommended him too had endless problems (bumps/waves in floorboards, mismatched cupboards, and I don't know what else if anything). I strongly advise...stay away. I would never have said it two years ago upon meeting the guy, but there are serious communication issues, execution issues, business/talent management issues, and vendor management issues here. Huge, huge waste of hard-earned dollars and many tears and anger experienced along the way.
I've sub-contracted for rene and seen his blatant disregard for his clients up close. He mocks them, talks bad about them and laughs about it, sickening. We try to be a reputable company(BBB, Homestars), but had to disassociate from him when I saw how he operates. I see his website is gone and only hope he's out of business. I'm not one to wish bad on people, but he is of such low-character and his actions are so negative, causing others suffering, it's only right for him to be out of the contracting business. I know he had a house-cleaning arm of Savoire Faire, he should stick to that as damage he could cause doing that is minimal.
If you're a prospect contractor reading this, DO NOT WORK FOR HIM. He'll drag you down, and good luck getting paid. Every excuse in the book, he's such a whiny victim when it comes to paying his bill it's embarrassing. He has no shame and no self-respect. Greedy ###! Harsh, I know, but the truth often is.
Rene Bertrand and Justin Sturby are now out of business. Seemed like it was only a matter of time.
I worked for this guy, and he didn't pay me. I hate rene betrand, worst boss ever.
they are not out of business
changed the name to copperpointdesign
http://copperpointdesign.com/
Googled them and found builder's lien on Rene and Dr. Kovacs for 39K! What a thief, should be locked up. He'd probably be happy in jail(wink wink).
I worked for Rene Bertrand, contract work, he lied to every one of us, making the other contractor he hired look bad and as an excuse why he didnt get paid and thats why he couldnt pay us. He literally owes nearly 600, 000$ + to countless trades people, made former employees damage their credit because they lived off credit cards hoping Rene would pay them, it never happened...he lied constantly to all of us, it was horrific when we all discovered the truth about him and by that time it was tooooo late. He took off with the money and paid for his lifestyle, BMW's, living on Beach Ave in Vancouver, USED to live at the Fairmont at 6-8 K a month ( from what I was told) and the list goes on. He is an amazing story teller, his gentle tone and mannerisms would trick everyone. You will always second guess your instinct because he was so good at manipulating them to make you think you were crazy. Its too bad, he could use that talent to be a man of his word, instead...he now started COPPERPOINT design...I'm WARNING EVERYBODY DO NOT HIRE HIM. He is a master of manipulation. Trust me if those other trades guys ever saw him again, they wont wait for the law, they WILL be the law.
Here is a picture of him writing me a cheque that bounced.
His new business name is Copper Point Design. All that is written here is true. Public Beware!
Does anyone know if Rene is still living and working in Vancouver?
Not sure if he's still in town, probably. He lived before at the the edge of Yaletown near the water. Maybe on Marinaside? Try calling Copperpoint Design. Probably him reincarnated, ripping people off still.
Any updates on Rene? It looks like Copperpoint Design is no longer in business.
Totally agree with the complaints. I saw him recently and he's still up to his usual tricks. God knows who or how much money he's into for... He's working in Vancouver during the week supposedly painting some woman's restaurant downtown and living in the interior on the weekends. Just curious...where does all the money goes that he swindles from people? Anyone know?
I have to say I am surprised by what I have read above. As somone who has worked with Rene and for his company for several years I can not disagree more with what is written above. I have observed Rene to be very particular, skilled and dedicated to his quality of work to all of his clients. I have known Rene to go through some hardships throughout his business with finances and as well with finding really good quality trades with intergrity and quality of work. As a business owner myself in the same industry, these hardships are faced among all of us from time to time. Rene has always treated me fairly and honestly and has always fulfilled his financial obligations to me. It is a bit surprising to me about the comments that are made about wondering where he is or is he around. For this I have a simple suggestion for those of you who are looking for him; call him. His phone number is the same as it always has been, and his voicemail is still his recorded voice. For those of you who have misplaced his phone number, or forgot what it is, allow me to remind you: [protected].
He used to live in Kelowna years ago, and from my understanding, he is doing work up there again, he had to leave Vancouver, its too risky for him to be seen by the many other trades and or clients that he swindled money from. He has a very expensive RV in Kelowna ( 5th wheel) and spends time there with friends when he has the chance.
For those who "were satisfied" with his services, good for you, you are lucky and you should do the math...look how many people here have been ripped off by rene, look at the court battles customers filed against rene, look at the liens as well...all info available online.
Rene Bertrand is hands down a con artist. He also has assault charges against him from the past in Manitoba. This, again folks is free information .
So his number was reposted here as [protected]...he's selective with his calls, screens them and good luck trying to get through to him. He's a deceptive ###. 100% of him is a scam, do not get caught in his web of smooth talking...cause that is the ONLY talent he has...and nothing else.
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.
Do you know where I can see the info on the court battles? I also got ripped off by Rene and planning to go to court.
It's obvious the two "positive" comments here are Renee himself. Haha, wat a goof, pathetic really when you have to write your own testimonials. Nice business you HAD there. You reap what you sew loser. Maybe I'll call you next time my house needs cleaning, er, on second though probably not. Probably rob me blind.
Rene Bertrand DOES read these forums, in fact he cares about his image because he wants to see how else he can scam people...if there is lots of information on his rip off poor excuse of a business or how he rips people off then he has to think of other avenues to pursue cash grabs. Everything I say is CONFIRMED by his best friend CRAIG ( will not use last name for privacy purposes) . Craig started his own company in May 2014 and it went bankrupt in May 2015. He used the SAME practices Rene used to run his business...using customer deposits to fund his lifestyle, trips, TV's beer. The constant embezzlement of funds caused the company to go into over 200K worth of debt in 12 months, until Craig bankrupted the company affecting many peoples lives who depend on a paycheque. I was an employee, and everything I say here is backed up with proof of what I'm saying about Craig and Rene. Craig shared lots of information about Rene to a few of us and unfortunately after he abandoned us, owing us thousands of dollars, I am forced to share my experience with Craig. I also did work for Rene and was also ripped off. Rene owed me 5K, Craig 9K.
Did I mention Craig had managed to convince his girlfriend to put the company in her name? Poor girl, has to claim bankruptcy and won't have new credit until she's 34! I feel bad for her.
Craig is loud and convincing. You have been warned.
Again, I have proof for all my claims made here.
Below is a picture of Craig...you have been warned and you are welcome people...I know I won't see my money again, so either way, I will get my monies worth by exposing these Narcissists.
Custom Precision Homes Inc. still exists and it isn't bankrupt. My name is Heidi Soo and I am the legal director of Custom Precision Homes Inc., the company was a start up in 2013 and incorporated in 2014, still operating to set out on making great, meaningful experiences.
When it comes to business however I've learned that events don't always happen as one had expected to imagine in the mind. As a company we went through a few bumps, made irrational mistakes that we are not proud of, had to lay off staff after being advised by professionals that down sizing was the best temporary option. After the last couple big hits the company is working its way out and actively being in contact with anyone whom feels we owe monies to so if you feel that we have missed you, please contact me directly via email at Customprecisionhomes@gmail.com or call me at my cell [protected], have supporting documents ready on how many hours/ scope of work that you were hired to do, we are willing to resolve the issue in a professional manner.
We are a business that has performed 2 jobs for Custom Precision Homes. We are now slowly finding out that not only were we not paid for services rendered by our company, there are 17 other companies that also have not been paid as well and this was based on one job .
We are listing our complaint as well and concur of the financial issues Custom Precision Homes has endured. Our business took an $1900+ hit . The gentleman in charge at Custom Precision Homes, Craig .
After we read the response from Heido Soo written above, we felt compelled to contribute what we know of her. Heidi Soo answered calls, and worked at the front desk. We feel she is intentionally misleading with her title of "legal director".
TB Services LTD
The last message was such a crock of cow patties. Justin Sturby or Rene wrote that themselves. Years of them telling me I 'll get paid and to no avail, Rene doesn't answer my calls or texts anymore and to only get a call from his lawyer which he somehow has the money to pay for. He owes me 10k and he has a lawyer?! The lawyer gives me all sorts of statues of limitation s garbage. Enough. I will find you. I am looking forward to talking with both of you in person very soon. Very soon. Possibly at Justin's real estate office in kelowna. Remax on harvie ave. Mr. Sherlock there looks like a very good conversationalist. I'm sure he and his associates would Love to hear ALL the stories. After all...Justin owned the farm ... Rene was the farmer.
My last posting was July 2015, lets check the facts everyone...where in the hell is Custom Precision Homes? Ding Ding Ding, you guessed it...BANKRUPT. Did I get paid out? NO. Craig Gannon and Heido Soo lied and said "we are in the midst of making an effort to pay back everyone"...they just needed to keep that lie going for a year until bankruptcy was complete. I'm so glad I exposed them online. As for STURBINATOR'S last post, it blows me away that Rene Bertrand STILL DARES to do this to people. Definitely agree, Justin is the GIVER and Rene is the RECEIVER. So Remax in Harvie Drive eh? I'd love to stop by and also talk with Mr Sherlock too, what a fantastic idea.
Rene Bertrand's new business in Kelowna is called ELITE LIFE AND HOME. Here are the links:
https://www.facebook.com/Elitelifeandhome/
https://www.elitelifeandhome.com
Cleaning Painting and Concierge services. Cleaverly designed website but I still found it. Located at
859 Richter St
Kelowna, British Columbia V1Y 2J9
Get Directions
[protected]
WANT PROOF? HOW ABOUT A PICTURE OF RENE HIMSELF!?! Please note, it was RENE BERTRAND not his partner Justin that lied to me repeatedly ...notice how happy Rene is? All those Wine tours and tastings they do in Kelowna? Living the life VERY well, on OUR DIME.
I have been playing cat and mouse with Elite LifeStyle/ Elite Life and Home (Rene Bertrand) for almost 2 years now for money owed for several jobs we were contracted for and have now decided to take it to a legal level. I received a very interesting phone call from someone who is also owed a great deal of money that supplied me with a treasure chest of information. I’m still in shock! What Rene or Justin don’t realize, it that it is my husband that owns the business. He himself talks to contractors and builders on a daily basis. I work as well in the industry and I hear Rene’s name and company come up continually. Until now, I had refrained from including myself in those conversations as I felt it was unethical. Now that I see the amount of pain and suffering they have inflicted on people, the gloves are off!
Check your inbox for a private message. Thank you for your shared input on your experience with Rene Bertrand...
*Cleverly
I have done work for Rene/ Elite Lifestyles/Elite Life and Home in the past and have NEVER been paid on time, he still owes money from invoices due 2 years ago. He is an expert at screening calls/emails/etc. When you do get ahold of him, he blames it on his health or on his receptionist or a job gone bad or or or...its never his fault. He needs to take into consideration all the trades that he has pissed off and word spreads fast!
I was just informed that Rene and his partner Justin went on a 3 week vacation to Mexico...last I checked, they owe a whole lot of money to a whole lot of people so how were they able to afford this? Must be nice to drive new vehicles, live in a large house, go on trips but yet cannot afford to pay the people responsible for making you the money? [censor]
I have also been ripped off, as have many others in Vancouver. Including an elderly care home.
Rene Bertrand [protected] or [protected]) and Justin Sturby [protected]) are scam artists and crooks.
Sadly this trend that is in high gear now in Kelowna, has occurred in Vancouver, to the point where Rene could no longer hide an call new trades guys to scam...word got out super fast once us trades guys started talking...As long as I'm owed money from Rene Bertrand...I'll always keep an eye on his next moves, and report it here and some. People really need to know this guy is ultra bad news. SMOOTH TALKER, gets what he wants from you and fails to respond to texts, calls etc. So true...painfully true.
I think we should band together and contact the media for this story . There is more than enough scammed workers, and home owners on this board to make a real impact on getting the message out there about Rene Bertrand. I know I'll never see my money, its going to cost him with exposure of the truth on a major scale. Who's in?
Did it ever happen? Cause it might happen soon, i'll keep you all posted!
I wish I had seen this board, prior to hiring them.
Would have saved me.
[censored]. Him. This con-artist should be in jail. Its fraud plain and simple. I have a stack of invoices that ill never be paid on. Glad i could spend all my hard earned $$$ and labour renovating homeowners places in vancouver while im stuck [censored]ing renting. Im game for getting a group of ppl together and contacting the local media in Kelowna. This [censored]head needs to have his life ruined.
I'm absolutely stunned that Craig Gannon and Rene Bertrand are free and continue to ruin people's life . Feeling compelled to write an honest google review to https://www.elitelifeandhome.com and warn others about stealing peoples money to fund their high end lifestyle. "ScammedbyRene" I TOTALLY feel you with your frustration...we slave away and never get paid...our living standard takes a hit.
October 20 2018 - NO payments at all from Rene Bertrand or Justin Sturby. FYI Rene's friend Craig Sheldon Gannon also owes me and has not paid at all. Not a call, not an email, not even a response to my posted email address to contact me ( If you have been scammed by theses guys ) For reference it is craigsheldon1974@gmail.com
Still actively monitoring these people, FOR LIFE...until I get my money.
Thank you for all those who have contacted me via private message on this site and with the mentioned email above...I appreciate the idea's on how to follow up with these guys ( legally of course)
DO NOT HIRE RENE BERTRAND I swear you will lose your money. He's is super talented with communication, smooth, calm calming when he talks, ALWAYS blames other trades for not finishing the job, therefore not allowing the homeowner to give him another draw of cash to pay these guys. ALWAYS used that . Also will be quick to pick up the phone when he needs something, but once he gets what he wants, good luck getting a reply via call or text. He will disappear...modern day Houdini .
Did you ever get your money? They are back in Kelowna and now own the Knox Mountain Market!
857 Ellis St, Kelowna BC V1Y 1Y8
[protected]
This is confirmed, I heard Rene is also doing janitorial again. I didn’t think he’d be back in Kelowna since ripping off that poor old woman but I think she probably passed away so the coast was clear.
Correction - craiggannon1974@gmail.com ***
rene bertrand & justin sturby still up to ripping everyone off & laughing at the same time
elite life and home kelowna
I can’t believe that scum bag is still at it, what a piece of [censored]...
I'm just reading these comments for the first time. Rene and Justin scammed me on 2014 on a reno I had done. Rene walked out in the middle of it after asking me another $10, 000 on top of my 50% deposit I gave him. I never saw him again after I gave him the $10, 000. Talked to him a couple of times on the phone and he just gave me stupid excuses about his receptionist, finding workers etc.
Hard to believe he's still jerking people around. Amazing nothing seems to stick...the teflon man. Does anyone know if any lawsuits were effective?
Can someone Private Message me about this please? I have a few questions about this Rene Bertrand guy.
The only private message should be about a class action law suit.
Are those two still ripping people off? They should move to Florida and see if they can work at Mar-a-Largo where they can help Trump rip people off. They would fit right in there with all their dirty little scams. I'm sure by now they aren't welcome in Kelowna any longer and certainly not welcome in Vancouver. If anyone has done a law suit and needs more people to sign up, count me in!
I’m sure if they’re walking and talking they’re ripping people off. How can you tell when Rene is lying- his lips are moving. Thankfully there’s been no recent reports that I could find since he ripped off that little old lady in Kelowna a couple of years ago, but just because we can’t find reports doesn’t mean anything. Often people are probably too embarrassed to come forward after they’re been swindled by Rene. But like mentioned previously, if they’re back in vancouver (or wherever), there’s no doubt Rene is back up to his old tricks; cleaning houses, stealing whatever he can get his grimy hands on. He’ll never change, it’s who he is, part of his identity. I think he gets a charge out of it, I hope I never see them again unless it’s on the news because they were arrested for Fraud and thrown in jail.
Said they had a lawyer and were suing me if I didn't take my post down. I laughed and said go ahead. Would love meeting with them in court. Heard nothing since