Is there a new law coming into effect for contractors?

1/16/2015 at 12:45:07 PM

In Ontario a law has existed for years to protect against rising estimates / quotes. Any increase of 10% must be provided in writing and approved prior to work being completed. I don't remember if it applied to estimates or quotes or both.

Scheduling issues are dealt with the actual contract and may be taken to court for performance bond failure.

That is my understanding of it in Ontario anyway. It has been a while since I studied it, to be a Master Electrician we had to study Consumer Protection Laws for Ontario and that was the one of the bigger issues we dealt with in class.

Cheers

John Kuehnl-Cadwell

Master Electrician

Datawise Solutions Inc

1/16/2015 at 11:18:30 PM

Hello Bruce,

Yes there is a new regulation for contractors coming out in Manitoba. The contracts will have to lay out the price, payment terms and timelines for the project and the contractor will have to give a copy of the contract to homeowners before any work can begin.

Sincerely,

Dan Feniuk

Hometown Builders Ltd.

General Contractor Winnipeg

1/17/2015 at 11:14:12 AM

Bruce,

This issue comes up often. The best way to protect yourself is to have a contract that specifies the timelines and costs. Any additional charges should be discussed and agreed upon before the work is done.

Also, remember an estimate is NOT a quote. A quote should provide the details of work and material and other costs that may be involved, giving you a total for the package. Any changes, either by the contractor or you, should be an amendment to the contract.

You shouldn't have to go into legal action ... nor should the contractor. Sometimes it is the contractor who is placed on the "short end" when a client expects more that the initial agreement.

The basic advice is to be as clear as possible on all the work to be done.

Regards,

Mark