The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
As the weather warms up, many residents may be considering home repair and renovation projects. But before you sign a contract for such projects, the Manitoba Consumers' Bureau asks that you keep in mind the following precautions: Get at least three written estimates outlining all details of the work to be done, materials to be supplied, labour specifications, total cost and cost breakdown, amount of deposit, and start and completion dates. Check references to verify the quality of the contractor's work. Read the contract before signing it. Don't sign if you don't understand something. Review payment schedules and deposit requirements carefully. If the contract calls for progress payments, make sure the specific work is completed before the final payment is made. Be aware that the Builders' Liens Act allows consumers to hold back 7.5 per cent of the total cost for 40 days after completion of the job. If approached by a door-to-door salesperson, ask to see a direct seller's licence. If the salesperson can't provide a licence, write down the person's name and the name and address of the company represented, then contact the Consumers' Bureau for more information. You may have 10 days to reconsider and cancel a contract if it was entered into as a result of a salesperson going door-to-door.
