Know your reno rights

[attach]1562[/attach]It’s the time of year when home renovation projects peak. Sadly it could be the time of year when your home reno project goes down the toilet if you don’t do your research.

The Ontario Ministry of Consumer Services receives 55,000 complaints a year, and the second largest area of consumer complaints is about home renovations.

Most of the issues they hear about are about the workmanship of a contractor or a home renovators who hasn’t completed a job, says Minister of Consumer Services Sophia Aggelonitis. But home owners can also play a role in the problems that can arise.

“The one thing I’ve heard a lot about is (home owners) have an idea … then they change their mind.”
If those new ideas aren’t written into an entirely new contract, Aggelonitis says, the consumer may end up with a big surprise bill at
the end of the project.

In fact signing a detailed contract — after one has seen and approved a detailed estimate — is vital for people hiring home renovators, she says.

“You’ve got to make sure you’ve got it in writing,” she says. Never rely on a handshake, in other words.

By law, the final price of a home renovation project shouldn’t be more than 10 percent over the original estimate, unless you have agreed to changes, she says.

Though careful to qualify that most home renovators and contractors are on the up-and-up, Aggelonitis says there are warning signs consumers can look for to prevent being hosed.

“When someone wants you to sign something immediately, your warning lights should go off.”

While door-to-door marketing is perfectly acceptable and often common in communities and smaller towns, she says, a contractor
shouldn’t be asking you to sign a blank contract on the spot.

Doing your research on the contractor — from checking references and their track record to even visiting recent jobs they have done — is absolutely essential.

If home owners have a complaint against their contractor Aggelonitis recommends trying to resolve it with the person first. If that fails, she suggests sending a registered letter to the contractor with copies of the contract and any other evidence that would support a claim against the person or business. Failing that, home owners can submit a complaint to the ministry, which will be investigated.

Tips for dealing with contractors (courtesy Ministry of Consumer Services):

• Hire a contractor hired by friends and neighbours.

• Check with the Better Business Bureau, and municipal building inspectors, as well as the Ministry’s Consumer Beware List to find out if the company you choose has a record of reliability.

• Get detailed written estimates from at least three companies and never accept an estimate over the telephone without the contractor inspecting the area.

• Ask for and check references even if a company or contractor has been referred to you by someone you know.

• Always sign a written contract that has been drawn up especially for the work you want done. Have a lawyer go over the contract especially if large amounts of money are involved.

• Never pay in cash and keep a detailed record of payments.