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How to deal with objectionable handyman?

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Posted by: from Guelph
3/28/2015 at 8:05:45 PM

I have read all terms/privacy & ask if my question is not to be put in this forum-excuse me & advise.

The handyman had a very objectionable way of dealing with me, however that being said, one can usually deal with 'personalities'. I will state that money, outside normal agreements was demanded, threats of property loss (to myself) - which in the end happen & public flare ups causing me to seem to be unwilling or unable to meet the financial costs.

I am treading lightly here as some of this activity is outside of the law. This was not a big job per se but I never want to be in that position again & I am certainly wiser but if this person were licensed or unlicensed could that make a difference?

I am not looking for reimbursement but I am told this person (working full time as a handyman) must be licensed & I guess that is where I need to go & find out & I would simply be advising the licensing bureau of this business & asking that a check on this person be done.

This is why I ask at the start to advise me if this is a forum for this question. Somewhere the public must be protected.

Thanks,

Emmjae

REPLIES (5)
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Date/Time3/28/2015 at 10:24:01 PM

Emmjae,

This can be a two way street. However, you should have asked if this person/company was insured, licensed, and if he/she carried WCB, all of which are important. What I recomment is to have a contract in place. It doesn't have to be anything fancy but should be clear as to the work to be don, who is paying for the materials, the agreed cost of the project, and I would even include a time frame for completion. One consulation is that if this person is rude and/or has a bad reputation, they won't be in business much longer. In the future, shop around and be wary of "deals". Also, ask for references, it would ease the pain considerably.

Sorry for your bad experience.

Regards,

Mark

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Date/Time3/28/2015 at 10:55:16 PM

Hi Emma,

First and foremost, sorry to hear that your going through a challenging time with this person or company. If this individual was a reputable business person or company...you wouldn't feel threatened. We see this kind of activity on a daily basis. Individuals that are not what they claim to be and then take action towards you once they feel they have the upper hand.

It is wise to contact as many references as possible from the company and ask a lot of questions. In some projects or renovations, there are at times, issues that come up and CAN be delt with in a professional manner if the individual your dealing with has any self respect for themselves and their business.

Should you require any advise or help with your situation, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be more than happy to assist in any way we can.....and of course, no charge for advice.

We wish you all the best with this matter.

TRU-PRO RENOS

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Mark from CMJ Renovations in Oakville
Date/Time3/29/2015 at 6:45:08 PM

I am not really sure what the question is here. As a handyman doing odd jobs he may not need to be licensed it depends on the bylaws of the town you live in. If he has been doing electrical work for you that is a different story and he must have a valid electrical licence and have pulled permits. If he is threading you are trying to commit fraud I suggest you file a report with the police.

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Brian from Next Restoration in Rockwood
Date/Time3/29/2015 at 6:46:30 PM

Emmjae,

Sorry to hear about your experience. Usually people or companies that are qualified and good at what they do eliminates a lot of errors and bad emotions. Always request a reference when hiring some one you don't know and don't always go for the cheapest price, that could be another sign to look out for.

Hope things work out for you.

Best regards,

Brian

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Date/Time3/31/2015 at 7:52:52 AM

Emmjae,

An unfortunate but all to common issue in our trade. As with anything there will always be good and bad. The due diligence is on the person looking to hire someone. Your home or business is likely the biggest investment a person is likely to make in their life and they should take every step possible to protect it. Ask questions, a lot of them. Ask for references, both current and older. Ask to physically see all relevant documentation. Never just take the word of someone trying to make money off of you, Check and re-check EVERYTHING. I had a young guy work with me and determined right away that he would never posses the skill required to do this job professionally, he now runs his own business and promotes himself as a "Construction Expert".

BUYER BEWARE is a good mantra.

Regards,

Fred Kerrison.

Kerrison Contracting

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