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Difference between revisions of "Home Repair Contractors"
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{{ | {{REVIEWEDPLS | reviewer = [https://www.ganapathico.com/our-team/anna-kurt/ Anna Kurt], Ganapathi Law Group|date= January 2018}} {{Dial-A-Law TOC|expanded = home}} | ||
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If you own your home, you may want to do some repairs or renovations. Before you hire someone, understand your legal rights and steps you can take to prevent problems. | If you own your home, you may want to do some repairs or renovations. Before you hire someone, understand your legal rights and steps you can take to prevent problems. | ||
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The holdback can be paid out 55 days after the work has been substantially (or mostly) done. This is the time period during which someone can file a '''builders lien''' for money they are owed for work or materials supplied on the project. | The holdback can be paid out 55 days after the work has been substantially (or mostly) done. This is the time period during which someone can file a '''builders lien''' for money they are owed for work or materials supplied on the project. | ||
For more on how this “builders lien holdback” works, see our information on [[Builders Liens ( | For more on how this “builders lien holdback” works, see our information on [[Builders Liens (No. 268)|builders liens (no. 268)]]. | ||
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===If the contractor charges you more than you expected=== | ===If the contractor charges you more than you expected=== | ||
If your contractor tries to charge much more than they estimated the work would cost, they may be guilty of a '''deceptive practice''' under the ''[https://www.canlii.org/en/bc/laws/stat/sbc-2004-c-2/latest/sbc-2004-c-2.html#sec4_smooth Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act]''. It is deceptive for a business to provide an estimate that is '''materially less''' than the final price they charge — unless you agree to the higher price before the work is done. If this happens, see our information on [[Dishonest Business Practices and Schemes ( | If your contractor tries to charge much more than they estimated the work would cost, they may be guilty of a '''deceptive practice''' under the ''[https://www.canlii.org/en/bc/laws/stat/sbc-2004-c-2/latest/sbc-2004-c-2.html#sec4_smooth Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act]''. It is deceptive for a business to provide an estimate that is '''materially less''' than the final price they charge — unless you agree to the higher price before the work is done. If this happens, see our information on [[Dishonest Business Practices and Schemes (No. 260)|dishonest business practices (no. 260)]]. That said, if you keep changing your mind about what you want done or what materials you want, you should expect to pay more than the original estimate. | ||
===If you’re unhappy with the work=== | ===If you’re unhappy with the work=== | ||
Once repair or renovation work has started, if you don’t like what’s being done, say so right away. The best way to solve a problem is to talk it over with the contractor first — it could be a simple misunderstanding. | Once repair or renovation work has started, if you don’t like what’s being done, say so right away. The best way to solve a problem is to talk it over with the contractor first — it could be a simple misunderstanding. | ||
The next step is to put your complaint in writing to the contractor. If the work still isn’t satisfactory, you may have to end the contract and order the contractor off the job. If you can’t solve the problem by negotiations, you might have to sue. For what’s involved in suing, see our information on [[ | The next step is to put your complaint in writing to the contractor. If the work still isn’t satisfactory, you may have to end the contract and order the contractor off the job. If you can’t solve the problem by negotiations, you might have to sue. For what’s involved in suing, see our information on [[Starting a Lawsuit (No. 165)|starting a lawsuit (no. 165)]]. | ||
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|align="left"|'''Tip''' | |align="left"|'''Tip''' | ||
Be careful of home repair contractors who go door-to-door or ask for a lot of money up front. If you think you’ve been unfairly pressured by a door-to-door salesperson or contractor, you may be able to get out of the contract if you act quickly. To learn more, see our information on [[Door-to-Door Sales, Time | Be careful of home repair contractors who go door-to-door or ask for a lot of money up front. If you think you’ve been unfairly pressured by a door-to-door salesperson or contractor, you may be able to get out of the contract if you act quickly. To learn more, see our information on [[Door-to-Door Sales, Time Shares, and Other Contracts You Can Cancel (No. 255)|door-to-door sales and other contracts you can cancel (no. 255)]]. | ||
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You should also ensure your home insurance covers any damage claims by the contractor. | You should also ensure your home insurance covers any damage claims by the contractor. | ||
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{{Dial-A-Law Copyright}} | {{Dial-A-Law Copyright}} | ||
