Georgestown Neighbourhood Association

We have received negative reports about contractors now working in the neighbourhood.

For example: one of the people writing us said that his contractor demanded one-third payment up front, one-third in the middle, and a-third at the end. He then demanded a fourth payment!

We were also told that this contractor has in some cases over-stated labour costs on the invoice, though he actually knocked the price down without refuting it when this was brought to his attention. Moreover, his work appears to have been done in a haphazard manner. In one case, it took seven months to resolve all the problems this company caused to a roof. The workers took shortcuts, thereby causing extensive water damage to both the house under repair and the neighbours’. The contractor was forced to rip up both of the torch-on rooves and re-do them as well as the clapboard that bordered the neighbouring house.

In another instance, we were told that an individual took out an account at Kent’s, allowing the contractor to charge materials needed for the job to the account. Many of the items were discovered to have never been used on this house, though once again he promptly made a refund when the charges were discovered.

Some tips:

· Please remember that reputable contractors do not ask for money up front nor use your accounts with suppliers.
· Ask for and check references.
· Get a work plan, a schedule and an estimate in writing.
· Discuss with the contractor how unexpected problems and delays will be handled.
· Ask how the work area will be made secure, weatherproof and safe while the project is ongoing.
· Determine who is handling permits. For those of us in the Heritage Area, this process can take a little longer.
· Determine liability. If the contractor does not or cannot accept responsibility for this, you are taking the responsibility yourself.
· Consider taking before and after photos.
· Check this site for recommendations.
· Add your own report -- good or bad -- to the site. It will only be as useful as you make it!