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Difference between revisions of "Hiring Someone"
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The law says that in any contract, the person you hire: | The law says that in any contract, the person you hire: | ||
* must use reasonable care, | * must use reasonable care, | ||
* must do the work in a "proper and workmanlike manner" | * must do the work in a "proper and workmanlike manner," and | ||
* must use materials of reasonable quality. | * must use materials of reasonable quality. | ||
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==What should I put in a written contract?== | ==What should I put in a written contract?== | ||
[[File:ConsumerLawGuidePage6.jpg | right | frame | link=| <span style="font-size:60%;">Copyright www.shutterstock.com</span>]] | |||
Get a written contract from the person or company you hire. The contract should include the following information: | Get a written contract from the person or company you hire. The contract should include the following information: | ||
* name and address of the contractor, | * name and address of the contractor, | ||
* your name and address, | * your name and address, | ||
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# Talk with the contractor. It could be a misunderstanding. If there is a problem, try to find a solution you can both agree to. Give the contractor a chance to explain. For example, the contractor may be waiting for materials. | # Talk with the contractor. It could be a misunderstanding. If there is a problem, try to find a solution you can both agree to. Give the contractor a chance to explain. For example, the contractor may be waiting for materials. | ||
# If you and the contractor cannot come to an agreement, you may wish to find a mediator who can help you both find a solution. To find a mediator, go to [http://www.mediatebc.com/Find-a-Mediator.aspx www.mediatebc.com] and look for "Civil Mediators" | # If you and the contractor cannot come to an agreement, you may wish to find a mediator who can help you both find a solution. To find a mediator, go to [http://www.mediatebc.com/Find-a-Mediator.aspx www.mediatebc.com] and look for "Civil Mediators." In Metro Vancouver call 604-684-1300. Outside Metro Vancouver call toll-free 1-877-656-1300. | ||
# As a final step, you can cancel the contract and fire the contractor. | # As a final step, you can cancel the contract and fire the contractor. | ||
===What if I change my mind?=== | ===What if I change my mind?=== | ||
When you changed your mind about what you wanted done, expect to pay more than the cost you agreed to in the contract. If you cannot come to an agreement about the <span class="noglossary">bill</span>, the matter may end up going to court. In case you have not paid the whole <span class="noglossary">bill</span> and refuse to pay the balance, this may force the contractor to start an action. They may also be able to pressure you by filing a | When you changed your mind about what you wanted done, expect to pay more than the cost you agreed to in the contract. If you cannot come to an agreement about the <span class="noglossary">bill</span>, the matter may end up going to court. In case you have not paid the whole <span class="noglossary">bill</span> and refuse to pay the balance, this may force the contractor to start an action. They may also be able to pressure you by filing a builder's ''lien'' against the title of your property. If you have paid the whole <span class="noglossary">bill</span> then you may need to start an action to recover some of what you paid. | ||
===What if we disagree about the <span class="noglossary">bill</span>?=== | ===What if we disagree about the <span class="noglossary">bill</span>?=== | ||
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===What can I do if the work is faulty and or unsafe?=== | ===What can I do if the work is faulty and or unsafe?=== | ||
The BC Building Code is a law that sets standards for buildings. If you think that some of the work is not up to building standards, you can report it in writing, with a copy to your contractor. To find out more about building codes and where to send your report, go to the website for your local town or city. Search for "Licenses and Inspections" | The BC Building Code is a law that sets standards for buildings. If you think that some of the work is not up to building standards, you can report it in writing, with a copy to your contractor. To find out more about building codes and where to send your report, go to the website for your local town or city. Search for "Licenses and Inspections." If the work does not meet building code requirements, the contractor <span class="noglossary">will</span> have to correct it at his or her expense. | ||
===When may I have to go to court?=== | ===When may I have to go to court?=== | ||