They are meant to protect Manitobans from unscrupulous contractors, but one of Flin Flon’s most experienced freelance carpenters worries planned regulations will inflate the cost of home renovations.
The regulations will require contractors hired for most home improvement projects to have a written contract that lays out the work, price, payment terms and timelines.
“It will drive up prices to the customers,” said Taylor. “In renovations there are so many unknowns and upgrades to do. Contractors will want to cover all possible scenarios.”
Taylor, a journeyman carpenter who has freelanced since the 1970s, called the regulations a red herring to take the public’s mind off “unrest” within the provincial government.
But Consumer Protection Minister Ron Lemieux said Manitobans want the protections.
“Whether it’s renovating a kitchen or bathroom, replacing a roof or building a garage, tens of thousands of Manitoba families plan major home renovation projects every year,” Lemieux said in a news release. “We’ve listened to families’ concerns about home renovations, including paying more than they expected or facing lengthy delays on the renovation work.”
The province said it worked closely with the home renovation industry to ensure the new rules make sense for contractors and others offering home improvement services.
Mike Moore, president of the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association, said his organization supports the regulations.
“We have long advocated the best way to ensure consumers are satisfied with a home improvement project is to get it in writing,” Moore said in a release. “The Manitoba government’s proposed initiative will do just that, helping to ensure consumers and contractors are on the same page, which will avoid surprises later on.”
Under the planned rules, consumers will have to receive a copy of the contract from their contractor before any work can begin.
While the province announced it will bring forth the regulations, it did not say when that will happen.
Though he worries consumers will pay more under the rules, Taylor agreed some contractors do not have their customers’ best interests at heart.
“Some charge exorbitant prices and do inferior work,” Taylor said. “They are out for the dollar, not the quality of the work. Some have little or no experience or knowledge of codes.”
