Consumer Tips on Choosing a Home Renovator or Landscaper

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Edmonton, June 19, 2001 - As home renovation and landscaping season swings into high gear, Alberta Government Services asks Albertans to be aware of their rights and responsibilities, as well as the safeguards in place when it comes to dealing with home renovation contractors.

"Hiring someone to do a home renovation or repair job is usually a complex purchase, as well as a significant investment," said Government Services Minister David Coutts. "But too often, people come to the table without knowing how to prevent many headaches and disappointments that can occur later on."

In Alberta, special regulations apply to contractors who accept money before the work is complete and negotiate or conclude contracts away from their normal place of business. Such contractors must be bonded and licensed with Government Services. In cases reported to Government Services during 2000-2001, Albertans lost over $125,000 to prepaid contractors, many of whom did not meet these requirements.

Consumers are advised to avoid contractors who:

  • Knock on the door to tell you they just happen to be doing some work in the area and can give you a "special price."
  • Promise a discount if you allow them to use your home "to advertise our work." It is likely the same offer has been made available to everyone.
  • Offer "lifetime" warranties that are only as good as the life of the company.
  • Quote a price without seeing the job.
  • Demand a large down payment "to buy materials." Most reputable contractors can maintain charge accounts with their suppliers.
  • Refuse to give you a written contract outlining what they will do, or won't allow you to get other estimates.
  • Only have a post office box for an address, a telephone answering number, or the address of their answering service.

Consumers are entitled to a written contract that discloses the full costs of a job in writing before the work is begun. If a home renovator signs a contract within a consumer's home, for example, and demands any money up front, Albertans can ask to see proof of an active Prepaid Contractors licence, as required under the province's Fair Trading Act.

In addition, Albertans have an automatic 10-day right to cancel any prepaid contract or contract that is solicited, discussed or finalized in their homes, without reason or penalty.

"There are plenty of reputable businesses and consumers need to know they can take the time to find them," said Coutts. "Ask around, check on work done elsewhere and get written estimates from more than one business."

Before signing any contract, Albertans are encouraged to check the licences and securities of home renovators and landscapers with Alberta Government Services. Consumers can find out if a business is licensed by going to www.gov.ab.ca/gs and information on a businesses' complaint history may be available from the local Better Business Bureau. A free tipsheet called Home Renovations and Repairs is also available through Alberta Government Services' web site.

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Media enquiries may be directed to:

Shannon Larkins - Alberta Government Services - (780) 415-6051