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Why work with MODE BUILT?
A better renovation experience from start to finish
Years working with Edmontonians
Renovations completed
In-House Design Studio
Work with our in-house designer to choose finishes, fixtures, and materials in one organized space — no need to visit multiple suppliers.
Detailed, transparent quotes
Clear, itemized pricing so you know exactly what to expect before your project begins.
Dedicated project team
Work with a consistent coordinator and contractor from start to finish.
A clear, structured process
From consultation to final walkthrough, every step is planned and communicated clearly.
All design selections, one convenient location
Most renovators send you driving across Edmonton to source materials on your own. We do things differently. Our in-house Design Studio brings your flooring, cabinetry, tile, and fixtures into a single, organized space. You’ll sit down with our designer to compare finishes side-by-side, map out your budget, and finalize your layout before construction even begins. No endless errands. Just clear, confident decisions.
Explore the Design Studio
What do we do?
Home renovations built to last
We specialize in basements, kitchens, bathrooms, full remodels, and all the spaces in between that you and your family live, work, and play in.
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Basement developments create more room for life and add considerable value to your home as a finished space for you or as a legal suite for future tenants. A Mode Built basement development makes the most of this under-utilized area by optimizing the layout and building everything to code, made to last.
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From a simple upgrade to a complete transformation, there is no space more impactful to renovate than the kitchen. A Mode Built kitchen renovation can make cooking and hosting more enjoyable with the latest conveniences for kitchen design and finishes that bring your style to life in the heart of your home.
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Although the bathroom is a smaller space, upgrading it can have a big impact. A Mode Built bathroom renovation can create a more functional and beautiful space to better suit your daily life. And when the time comes to sell your home, an updated bathroom is a great selling feature.
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A multi-space renovation can turn an older home that doesn’t quite fit right into a space made just for you and the life you want. A Mode Built full-home remodel can include everything from major structural changes to minor design updates, resulting in the home of your dreams without the move.
Meet Shaun and Ryan
We care about the experience and the finished product
In 2012, two like-minded, energetic, outgoing guys working for a local builder noticed that cutting corners was an all-too-common practice. So they had an idea. “With our expertise in business, carpentry, home warranty, and customer service, we could do this better!” Shaun Moore and Ryan DeBruyne started Mode Built with a vision to do as much as possible for clients looking to remodel their home.
More About UsOur Work
Looking for inspiration?
Sometimes you need a little help to bring that vision of your space to life. Take a look through our past case studies and get those ideas flowing.
Ready for the first step on your Mode Built project?
Fill out the form below and we’ll reach out to you to learn more about what you’re envisioning for your space.
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Our clients say it best
Real people with real experiences to help you feel confident in your choice of remodeling experts.
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George
What George's Experience Reveals About Renovation Scope
What happens when your renovation need doesn't fit a contractor's standard project size? Most homeowners assume the answer is a polite no. George faced that exact situation — a smaller project, but one with real health implications. He reached out to Mode Built anyway. The response he got is worth understanding before you contact any contractor. Read what other Mode Built clients say about their renovation experience.
George's Review of Mode Built
"I contacted Ryan and Shaun about a smaller project which would have large beneficial implications on my health. They don't normally take on smaller projects, but they were very eager to help. Ryan patiently listened to all my concerns and chatted with Shaun about potential solutions to my problem. Ryan walked me through the steps they were going to take and by the thoroughness I quickly realized they were the best people for the job. They were able to schedule me in on a quick turnaround and brilliantly solved my problem. They were extremely clean and tidy (which was one of my concerns) and even cleaned the walls and vacuumed the floor of the room when they were done. I would highly recommend Mode Built to anyone looking for home renovations. They were professional, detail orientated, and trustworthy. Ryan and Shaun are the best!"
Why a Problem-First Intake Process Changes the Outcome
Contractors who listen before scoping are more likely to find a workable path forward. George's project was smaller than Mode Built's usual scope — and health-dependent. Ryan heard the full picture, consulted Shaun, and committed. That sequence matters. A contractor who filters by budget before understanding the problem will decline requests that are, in fact, solvable. George's outcome shows that the intake conversation itself is a signal worth paying attention to.
How Two Contractors Evaluate the Same Request Differently
Before you contact a contractor, it helps to know which kind of evaluation you're walking into. The table below compares two common approaches.
| Evaluation Factor | Scope-First Contractor | Problem-First Contractor |
|---|---|---|
| First question asked | "What's the size and budget?" | "What's the problem you're trying to solve?" |
| Response to atypical projects | Declines or redirects | Listens, then consults internally |
| Pre-work communication | Quote and start date | Step-by-step walkthrough before work begins |
| Cleanup standard | Stated in contract | Confirmed and exceeded in practice |
| Principal involvement | Delegated after sale | Owners remain point of contact throughout |
| Risk to client | Misaligned scope | Potentially tighter scheduling availability |
How Mode Built Handled a Health-Driven Renovation Request
Think of a doctor who listens to symptoms before naming a diagnosis. That's the intake model George experienced. Ryan didn't arrive with a solution — he arrived with questions. He listened, consulted Shaun, then walked George through the planned steps before any work began. That sequence — listen, consult, explain, schedule, execute — is worth mapping out, because it's what separates a contractor you can trust from one you're hoping will do the right thing. For context on how this approach scales to larger projects, see Mode Built's approach to full home remodeling projects.
What the Post-Work Cleanup Tells You About a Contractor's Standards
How much does cleanup matter on a health-sensitive project? George said cleanliness was one of his specific concerns going in. Mode Built didn't just meet that concern — they cleaned the walls and vacuumed the floor when the work was done. That's a detail worth asking any contractor about directly: is post-work cleanup included in scope, or is it assumed to be the homeowner's job? On projects where dust, debris, or air quality are factors — including bathroom renovation work where cleanliness matters most — the answer to that question tells you a great deal about how the contractor thinks.
Is Mode Built the Right Fit for Your Project
Mode Built's projects typically start around $40,000. George's situation was an exception — explicitly described as smaller than their usual scope. That context matters. If your project falls within their core service range — basement renovation services Mode Built offers, or kitchen renovation projects across Edmonton — the fit is straightforward. If your project is smaller or atypical, it's still worth reaching out, but go in knowing it may depend on their current capacity. Homeowners who want comparison points can also contact Nuvo Construction, Priority Builders, or Ackard to evaluate scope flexibility before committing to anyone.
The Real Constraint Smaller Projects Face
A contractor willing to take on atypical projects is not necessarily a contractor with open availability for them. Mode Built accommodated George on a quick turnaround — but that may reflect what their schedule looked like at that moment, not a standing commitment to smaller work. The testimonial itself notes they don't normally take these on. If your project is time-sensitive and non-standard, the honest risk is that availability may be limited. That's not a reason to avoid reaching out. It is a reason to contact them early and ask directly, rather than assuming flexibility on scope means flexibility on timing.
Starting a Conversation About Your Renovation Project
The cost of a poor contractor experience isn't just money — it's disruption, rework, and the time spent starting over with someone new. Mode Built, an Edmonton-based residential renovation company specializing in basement developments, kitchen and bathroom renovations, and full home remodels, structures its intake process to reduce that risk from the first conversation. Ryan listens before proposing solutions. Shaun reviews the approach before any commitment is made. If you have questions before reaching out, the answers to common renovation questions on the Mode Built FAQ cover process, timelines, and warranty in plain language.
How to Request an Estimate From Mode Built
Mode Built serves Edmonton and surrounding communities including Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove, and St. Albert. You can call them directly at (780) 221-3433 or request a renovation estimate from Mode Built by filling out the form on their website. A team member will follow up to schedule an in-home consultation. That first conversation — where you describe the problem and they listen — is where George's experience started.
Kathleen Korner
What Kathleen Korner's Basement Renovation Reveals
Most homeowners approaching a basement renovation carry a version of the same fear: the contractor wins the job with a low number, then the real costs emerge once the walls are open. Finding a contractor you can trust before a single nail is driven is the real challenge. The question isn't just who does good work — it's who will tell you the truth about what something costs before you commit. Read more verified Mode Built client reviews to see whether this pattern holds across different projects and budgets.
Kathleen Korner's Review of Mode Built's Basement Work
"We just had our basement completed by Mode Built. Everything was above our expectations. Everything was on budget, on time, and everyone was incredible to work with. They did small things along the way that I never asked for but am grateful that they did (like putting a light under my stairs). I would highly highly recommend this company to anyone looking for a contractor."
Mode Built Basement Renovations in Edmonton: What Clients Report
Kathleen Korner's basement finished on time, on budget, and with the crew adding small improvements she never requested. Mode Built — an Edmonton-based residential renovation company handling basements, kitchens, bathrooms, and full home remodels — draws this same feedback repeatedly across its client reviews. Jay N. reported Mode Built's estimate was accurate on a project where six competing quotes varied by $50,000. Tracey Ma noted her project completed ahead of schedule. Laura Compton highlighted that Mode Built was the only contractor to personally measure her space before producing a quote. The pattern is not a coincidence — it reflects a deliberate pre-build process.
Is Your Edmonton Basement Project Ready to Move Forward?
Before reaching out to any renovation contractor, it helps to know where you stand in the planning process. Work through the five questions below and check your score at the bottom.
| # | Question | Not yet — 0 pts | Ready — 1 pt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Do you have a rough idea of how you want to use the basement — living space, suite, home office, or media room? | Still deciding | Yes, I have a general vision |
| 2 | Do you have a budget range in mind, even a rough one? | No budget yet | Yes, I have a range |
| 3 | Are you aware that basement developments in Edmonton require a building permit? | No — this is new information | Yes, and I want a contractor who handles it |
| 4 | Do you know whether you want a standard development or a legal secondary suite? | Not sure of the difference | I know which one I need |
| 5 | Are you ready to have a contractor visit and measure the space in person? | Not quite yet | Yes — I'm ready for an estimate |
4–5 points: Request an estimate now. 2–3 points: One conversation with a contractor will answer your remaining questions. 0–1 points: Spend more time on the planning stage before reaching out.
Why "On Budget and On Time" Means More Than It Sounds
A detailed estimate is only as reliable as the work that produced it. Contractors who deliver a ballpark figure after a quick walk-through are offloading cost risk onto the homeowner — when surprises emerge during construction, the homeowner pays. Mode Built's approach is different: Ryan DeBruyne personally measures each space, produces a floor plan, and breaks out costs by category before a deposit changes hands. That pre-work is what makes the estimate accurate. Understanding what to expect from a basement renovation in Edmonton — scope, timeline, and cost structure — starts with understanding how a quote gets built in the first place.
The Stair Light Nobody Asked For
Kathleen Korner specifically mentioned that the Mode Built crew installed a light under her stairs — a small addition she never requested but appreciated after the fact. This kind of proactive detail is what separates contractors who meet the spec from those who improve on it. Other Mode Built clients describe the same behavior: crews who flag issues before they become problems, tradespeople who answer questions on-site rather than deferring to a project manager, and a team that treats the homeowner's space as something worth caring about. If you're considering turning unused basement square footage into a legal rental unit, you can also add a legal suite to your basement development — a scope that requires the same attention to code compliance and proactive communication.
How a Mode Built Basement Renovation Works Step by Step
The question every homeowner has after reading a positive review is: what does the process actually look like? Mode Built structures the renovation in six stages, and the client app functions like a flight tracker — you see which trades are scheduled, when they arrive, and what's happening without needing to chase anyone for updates. For answers to common basement renovation questions including timelines and cost ranges, Mode Built publishes an FAQ that covers the most frequent homeowner concerns before the first call.
Mode Built's Six-Step Basement Renovation Process
- In-home consultation: Ryan visits, personally measures the space, and produces a floor plan alongside an itemized cost estimate — before any deposit is requested.
- Design and planning finalization: Drawings are confirmed and selections are locked in, giving the homeowner a clear picture of the finished product and final cost.
- Permit acquisition: Mode Built secures all required building permits from the City of Edmonton — the homeowner does not need to manage this step.
- Scheduled construction: Trades are coordinated through a client-facing app. The homeowner sees who is coming and when throughout the build.
- Active communication: Martina and Shaun remain available for questions and provide updates at each stage. Issues are addressed as they surface, not after completion.
- Final reveal and warranty: The project closes with a walkthrough and is covered by a two-year satisfaction warranty on all work.
The permit step and the warranty are the structural bookends of the process. Permits ensure the work is inspected and meets Edmonton building code — critical for resale and insurance purposes. The two-year warranty means Mode Built stands behind the quality of the finished space after the crew leaves. You can view completed Mode Built basement renovation projects to see the range of layouts and finishes that come out of this process.
Which Homeowners Should Consider Mode Built for a Basement?
Mode Built's projects typically start around $40,000 — which means the company is not the right fit for small cosmetic updates or minor repairs. Homeowners with a full development in mind — framing, electrical, plumbing, insulation, drywall, flooring, and finishing — are squarely in scope. There is also a real cost to switching contractors mid-evaluation: a new company needs time to re-measure, re-estimate, and re-schedule trades, which delays the project start. Permit acquisition and trade scheduling mean even a committed project rarely breaks ground immediately after signing. Other Edmonton renovation contractors — including Nuvo, Priority Builders, and Ackard — serve the residential market and may suit homeowners whose project scale, timeline, or budget sits outside Mode Built's typical range.
Starting a Basement Renovation Estimate in Edmonton
Mode Built — an Edmonton residential renovation company working across basements, bathrooms, and kitchens — begins every project with an in-home visit where the space is measured and a detailed plan is produced at no charge. If your project is ready, request a basement renovation estimate from Mode Built to start that process. If you're also planning updates elsewhere in your home, Mode Built offers kitchen renovation services for Edmonton homeowners that can be scoped alongside a basement project.
Tracey
Finishing a Basement Before a Baby Arrives
You have a hard deadline, a list of contractors who have quoted different numbers for what sounds like the same project, and no reliable way to compare them. That was Tracey’s situation when she hired an Edmonton basement contractor before her first child arrived.
“This review is long overdue but so necessary. We had Mode Built come in and finish our basement before we were due to expect our little one. From the moment we got our initial quote with Ryan, we knew that we were getting professionalism and quality. No other company that we gathered quotes from provided a floor plan right off the bat. Ryan was so personable and understood our needs and respected our timeframe. From start to finish, everyone at MODE is so personable, responsive and incredible at what they do. Shaun took the time to answer any questions that we had or to fill us in on what was going on. We always loved whenever Shaun would pop in. We also loved that they had an app which provided a timeline of what was being done when so we knew which sub-contractors to expect. Whenever there were any issues or concerns, Mike and Martina made sure that they were addressed right away. We could not be more happy with how our basement turned out. They matched it to the rest of the home to the best of their ability and not only were they within budget, but they also completed the job ahead of schedule. There were a few things that came up after the basement was finished and after reaching out to Martina, Shaun came out and addressed it right away. From start to finish, it was an absolute pleasure working with MODE and we could not recommend them enough.” - Tracey
Tracey hired Mode Built to finish her basement before her baby arrived, and the project was delivered within budget and ahead of schedule. The team provided a detailed floor plan at the initial quote — something no other contractor among those she contacted offered — and used a client app to keep the family informed of which trades were coming and when. After completion, minor issues were addressed immediately.
More Info about Basement Renovation
When a renovation carries a personal deadline, every decision in the contractor selection process matters more. Homeowners researching basement development services in Edmonton will find that the quote stage — specifically what a contractor provides before any work begins — is often the clearest signal of how the project will be managed.
Is Your Basement Project the Right Fit for Mode Built?
Use the two branches below to check whether your project aligns with the profile Mode Built is set up to handle well.
Branch A — Strong fit: Your home was built after 1990. Your project budget is $40,000 or above. You want a structured process with a written scope, milestone-based payments, and documented communication throughout. You are comparing multiple quotes and want a basis for accurate comparison. Mode Built’s process — in-home consultation, detailed floor plan, fixed-price quote, app-based project tracking — is built for this profile.
Branch B — Consider carefully: Your home was built before 1990. Your project is a smaller, targeted upgrade below $40,000. You prefer a loose, informal contractor relationship without milestone documentation. You need cash-on-demand payment flexibility that credit cards provide. Mode Built’s preferred project profile does not match these situations well, and a different contractor type is likely a better fit for your scope.
Table of Contents
- How Mode Built delivered Tracey’s project
- Why the floor plan changed the quote comparison
- How Mode Built managed the project day to day
- What to know before hiring Mode Built
Why the Detailed Floor Plan Changed Tracey’s Decision
Comparing Quotes Without a Floor Plan Is Unreliable
When you’re comparing quotes from multiple contractors, how do you know you’re comparing the same scope of work? Most renovation quotes describe work in general terms — “finish the basement, add a bathroom, frame a bedroom.” Each contractor fills in different assumptions about materials, finishes, and structural approach. The numbers look different because the projects are different, even when the descriptions sound identical.
Mode Built’s Floor Plan as an Information Equalizer
Tracey noted that no other contractor provided a floor plan at the quote stage. Ryan DeBruyne produced one at the initial consultation, before any payment and before any commitment. That floor plan made the quote specific — both parties were working from the same documented scope. Two common mistakes in contractor selection work against the homeowner here: accepting a quote with no floor plan or written scope, which leaves cost overrun risk entirely with you; and choosing a contractor who sources materials from box stores rather than established supplier partnerships, which affects warranty coverage and material quality at handoff. Mode Built uses established trade and supplier relationships — not box stores — which is a documented part of how the company structures its projects.
What Mode Built Basement Projects Typically Cost
Mode Built’s average project value in 2026 is $71,000. Projects typically start around $40,000 for a standard basement development. Payments are structured on a draw-based system — you pay as milestones are completed, not upfront. No payment is required until the project physically starts.
Switching to a new renovation company after you have already gathered quotes has real costs. Re-scheduling in-home visits, re-aligning your timeline to a new contractor’s availability, and re-evaluating a shortlist all take time. When you have a hard deadline — a due date, a family event, a scheduled move — that time cost is not abstract. It matters before you decide to restart the evaluation process.
Mode Built also serves homeowners in basement renovation services in Sherwood Park and handles basement development projects in St. Albert, so the draw-based payment structure and in-home consultation process apply across the Edmonton region, not just within the city.
How Mode Built Managed the Basement Project Day to Day
What the Mode Built Client App Actually Shows Homeowners
Tracey described an app that showed the project timeline and identified which sub-contractors to expect on which days. Think of it like a flight tracker for your renovation — you know where the project is, what phase comes next, and who is arriving, without having to call anyone to find out. That kind of visibility removes a significant source of anxiety during a major home project, particularly when a young family is living in the home throughout the build.
The Six-Step Mode Built Basement Development Process
Here is how Mode Built typically structures a basement project from initial contact through post-completion follow-up.
- Initial contact and in-home consultation: Ryan DeBruyne schedules and conducts an in-home visit. He measures the space and discusses the family’s goals, timeline, and budget.
- Floor plan and detailed quote: Ryan produces a floor plan and a detailed written quote covering scope, cost, and timeline — before any payment is made.
- Comparison and decision: The homeowner reviews the quote alongside other contractors. The floor plan makes this comparison accurate rather than approximate.
- Project execution with app-based tracking: Shaun Moore leads field operations. The client app shows the project timeline and expected sub-contractors day by day.
- Milestone-based payments: The homeowner pays as milestones are completed — not in advance, and not as a lump sum.
- Completion, walkthrough, and post-completion follow-up: The project is delivered to the agreed scope. If issues arise after completion, the team returns to address them.
Draw-Based Payments Tied to Completed Milestones
The draw-based payment structure means money tracks actual progress. You pay for work that exists, not work that has been promised. This is the financial parallel to what the app provides — both systems give you visibility into where the project stands at any point.
Most renovation advice cautions against starting a major project under time pressure. Tracey’s experience points in a different direction. Her hard deadline — a baby’s due date — and Mode Built’s milestone-based structure may have created the mutual accountability that contributed to the project finishing ahead of schedule. A clear external deadline gives both the contractor and the homeowner a shared target. Vague timelines often produce vague project management; a fixed date tends to sharpen it.
Named Staff and Post-Completion Follow-Up
Tracey named the people she worked with — Ryan, Shaun, Mike, and Martina. That specificity matters. Large renovation projects pass through multiple hands, and knowing who is responsible for what at each stage is part of what makes communication reliable rather than reactive.
After the basement was finished, minor issues came up. Tracey contacted Martina, and Shaun came out immediately to address them. The warranty was not a line in a contract — it was a person showing up. Mode Built’s legal basement suite development in Edmonton work follows the same staffing and follow-up structure for projects that include secondary suite requirements.
What to Know Before Hiring Mode Built for Your Basement
RenoMark Certification and Two-Year Warranty
What does a warranty actually mean when a contractor has already cashed your final payment and moved on? In Tracey’s case, it meant Shaun Moore came back. Mode Built is RenoMark certified — a designation that requires contractors to meet a higher performance standard than non-certified companies. Every completed project carries a two-year satisfaction warranty. Mode Built — an Edmonton residential renovation company serving homeowners across basement, kitchen, and bathroom projects — backs that warranty with named staff who remain accountable after the reveal.
Financing Through Financeit
Financing is available through Financeit. Mode Built secures approval for approximately 90% of applicants who apply. This is an option for homeowners who want to structure a larger basement project into manageable payments — not a requirement, and not something the company promotes heavily.
When Mode Built Is — and Is Not — the Right Match
Mode Built is well suited to homeowners with homes built after 1990, projects at $40,000 or above, and a preference for a documented, structured process with formal milestones. It is less likely to be the right fit for homes built before 1990 — pre-1990 construction introduces unpredictable conditions like poly-B piping or asbestos that complicate fixed-price quotes and timelines. Very small or informal projects below $40,000, and homeowners who want a low-documentation contractor relationship, are also situations where Mode Built’s process may be more structure than the project requires.
Other residential renovation companies in Edmonton also offer basement development, and for smaller or simpler scopes, a specialty contractor may quote lower and still deliver adequate results. Homeowners planning a basement development in Edmonton or the surrounding area can contact Mode Built to start with an in-home consultation — no payment, no commitment until a quote is reviewed and approved. See completed renovation projects in Mode Built’s case studies for examples of finished basements, kitchens, and bathrooms across Edmonton and nearby communities.