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Did you know that home renovations and repair services are traditionally one of the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services’ top consumer inquiries and complaints? Statistics Canada reported home renovation spending reaching $5.2 billion in Ontario alone in the third quarter of 2014. Some of the money was wisely spent and some of it was due to improper and inadequate contract work done.
The beginning of spring marks the start of home renovation season. Before you endeavor down this path, you should first have a solid plan and back-up plan for funding the project. Consult your budget, make some trimmings where needed, but make sure a renovation project will not bury you in debt. Investing in your home to improve its worth is wise, just make sure you ask the right questions before you renovate or repair your home. You want to protect your hard-earned money after all!
Consumer Protection Ontario offers the following tips to help make informed choices before hiring a contractor:
• Do your homework – Visit Ontario.ca/ConsumerProtection to learn about your rights and responsibilities before you get started on your project. Find qualified contractors by asking for recommendations from friends and neighbours.
• Ask for a written estimate – Have three contractors view the job and give written estimates. Never accept an estimate over the phone and remember that legally a contractor cannot charge you more than 10 per cent above the estimate.
• Choose wisely – Check references and consumer sources like the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services’ Consumer Beware List before selecting your contractor. Keep in mind that the lowest estimate may not be the best.
• Get a written contract – Once you select a contractor, make sure they include the estimate as part of your written contract. Consumer Protection Ontario has a checklist of what should be included in your contract.
• Changed your mind? – You may be entitled to a cooling-off period. Under Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act, you can cancel a contract within 10 days if you signed the contract in your home and the price is more than $50.
With any service or product, you must ask the right questions. Keep informed and seek advice from peers about contract reviews.