Buyer Beware - For Anyone Considering purchasing a Douglas Homes (Cochrane, Calgary, Airdrie) I urge you to seriously reconsider before choosing to buy directly from Douglas Homes.
Buyer Beware - Douglas Homes (Cochrane, Calgary, Airdrie)
If you're considering buying a home from Douglas Homes, I strongly advise caution. My experience -- from the initial visit to their showroom to months after possession -- has been riddled with poor communication, lack of professionalism, and ongoing unresolved issues.
I cannot express enough the dissatisfaction with the experience I've had with Douglas Homes (DH), beginning from my very first visit to the Cochrane showroom and continuing well past my possession date. The level of professionalism, communication, and overall customer service has been consistently disappointing.
Sales Experience:
The problems started early when DH's realtor refused to submit an offer on a home I was interested in, only for the price to drop weeks later. Attempts to escalate were ignored or rerouted back to the same realtor, who acted rudely and dismissively.
Transparency & Pre-Possession Issues:
Leading up to possession, I was blindsided with threats of extra charges unless financing was finalized within a narrow window -- this after already providing a 10% deposit and an additional payment just days before closing. At the walkthrough, the project manager pointed out deficiencies himself, encouraged flagging issues -- then completely dismissed them by possession day, handing it off to the warranty team with an eye roll and unprofessional comments.
Post-Possession Problems:
Within days, I reported a roof leak -- and was told it wasn't an emergency and would have to wait for warmer weather. Other outstanding issues were met with vague responses or silence. When repairs were done, they were often rushed or caused further damage. One instance involved work being completed without my knowledge, despite my request to be present.
Trades Days -- Poorly Managed:
DH scheduled "Trades Days" to address outstanding deficiencies, but these were disorganized and ineffective. Contractors arrived unprepared, lacking materials or even awareness of what needed to be done. Warranty reps often claimed they hadn't received important inspection reports, even when I had direct confirmation otherwise. Appointments were wasted, and the homeowner's time clearly wasn't valued.
Contractor Morale & Work Quality:
Trades openly voiced frustration with DH, citing payment issues and poor treatment -- which reflected in their work quality. Repairs were frequently botched or incomplete. A third-party inspector was brought in to provide an independent deficiency list, but DH routinely ignored key recommendations, making the process feel performative rather than meaningful.
Lack of Accountability:
Throughout, I was promised follow-ups that never happened. Warranty managers and staff consistently failed to deliver, often deflecting responsibility and citing how busy they were. As a paying customer, I fulfilled my obligations -- but Douglas Homes failed to meet theirs.
There is no enjoyment in this homeownership experience. What should have been an exciting milestone in life has been overshadowed by delays, miscommunication, poor workmanship, and a total lack of customer care.
There is a consistent lack of customer service, professionalism, pride in workmanship, and respect for the homeowner's time, money and energy.
If you're still considering Douglas Homes, do not give them any money until the home is fully complete. Bring multiple family or friends to inspect the home thoroughly before committing anything financially. This has been a disheartening and stressful experience from beginning to present--and one I wouldn't wish on anyone. read more