Orillia OPP are reminding people to be cautious when entering into agreements with contractors.
They say they have received numerous reports of contractors conducting business lately that contravenes the Ontario Consumer Protection Act.
If you are about to start or are in the process of working with a contractor, please remember these tips:
Get the particulars in a detailed and itemized contract.
Keep down-payments to a minimum (10% is the recommended maximum).
Never pay the full amount of the contract before the work is complete. Remember, legitimate home renovation companies have enough credit to buy the materials they need.
Avoid cash deals. These deals are harder to trace if a criminal or civil proceeding is to commence at a later date.
Soliciting door to door for contracting work should be approached with caution.
Reputable companies comply with the law.
A professional licence shows that a contractor is qualified to do the work you're hiring him/her to do – like plumbing or electrical.
For more tips/information on the Consumer Protection Act, please visit, www.opp.ca , www.ontario.ca or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
