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Improper installation of electric radiant heating mat

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Posted by: from Vancouver
6/14/2017 at 5:47:35 PM

I recently had my bathroom renovated and heated flooring was part of the agreement, though it was not included in the original estimate. On the final day of work I spoke to my contractor who was just leaving the building and he informed me that the work was mostly finished and he would be invoicing me the following morning and hoping for immediate payment. 80% of the job has been paid immediately upon his invoicing up until this point. When I went into my suite I found that the thermostat for the floor heating mat system had finally been installed (he had told me it was unavailable for the last 3 weeks since the tiling was completed), so I tested it out to find that it was not installed in the right place (ie, right next to the doorway instead of centered where most of the foot traffic is). I emailed him about this and he said that he is very experienced in installing the product and chooses to install them "as far away from the toilet as possible". The instructions state that 6" from the toilet wax ring is the only clearance it needs. I emailed a rep for the product who confirmed that having put the mat 2' away from the toilet ring and 1' away from the base of the front of the toilet would leave excessive cold spots and that the recommendations listed in the instructions for installation are based on standard electrical and building codes, and to give heated coverage as close to 100% of the most used areas of the floor. My contractor is demanding the last payment, has not apologized or offered a solution, has not admitted that there is anything wrong with where he has placed it, and is trying to guilt me that he is having to take out a loan to pay his workers, and that he has made almost no money on the project as he was trying to make it as affordable as possible for me (even though I received two other very comparable quotes in terms of labour costs). I have received one ball park quote that to re-do the floor will cost more than he claims I owe him. My question is: Am I obligated to pay the last invoice? Do I need to give him the option in writing to re-do the job at his expense if he wants final payment? I really don't trust this person anymore and am hoping I can hire someone else to fix it. If it wound up costing less than the last invoice I'm fine paying him that difference.

REPLIES (3)
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Robert from ElecTriLight Ltd. in Oakville
Date/Time6/14/2017 at 8:17:18 PM

Did you get an electrical permit and inspection?

https://www.safetyauthority.ca/page/electrical-inspections

This is 100% mandatory for an electrical inspection to be carried out prior to any mortar being installed.

Read this from an Ontario man who dies and suffers 3rd degree burns.

http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/contractor-gets-record-537500-fine-after-senior-burns-to-death-on-heated-bathroom-floor

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Date/Time6/14/2017 at 10:17:56 PM

The work that you have explained there is hardly any scope of work repairs that can v=be done. One has to rip out completely and redo it is the best solution. It would be better if it was done by an licensed Electrician, with proper permit. If you have sufficient funds pending I would not allow him to touch anything, hirer proper trade and get it done to code and for future peace of mind.

Damage is done document all, and send it via legal notice why it has to be corrected and why he is not to be penalised for the job not done to code or specifications in your case.

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Date/Time6/14/2017 at 11:57:50 PM

Both replies are correct, but an electrical inspection only addresses the safety factor not how far front the toilet the heating mat/wire should be.

If you didn't specify it in writing where you wanted it placed, the contractor is going to say he did what he thought was right.

If you feel the work was not done to your satisfaction, you have the right to ask him to correct it, or have someone else do it.

The problem you have, is that he can go and put a lien on your property for the balance owing and you will have to go to court to prove he is wrong and is not entitled to his final payment.

Either way this could become a costly mess. I would get some legal advice before giving him anymore money or hiring someone else to redo his work. You don't want to risk having to pay twice.

Hope this was helpful.

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