consumer protection

Choosing and working with a contractor/professional/subcontractor can be a great experience if all goes well; In Ontario, almost anyone can call themselves a "contractor" except for the mandatory trades like a plumber, electrician, engineer etc. that need to be licenced, so it is "buyer beware" in regards to hiring any contractor. A new home builder needs to be registered under Ontario legislation. Several websites state they "prequalify"their contractors-but don't be fooled ! They "prequalify" contractors by asking no more than several questions e.g. about the companies insurance (which has nothing to do with ability or integrity). Having liability insurance or WSIB insurance does not make you a good contractor or credible one either. Background checking, references (what OntarioContractors.com's directory provides!) and a contract in writing will help your job go smoothly along with the following excellent resources:

Consumer information and protection:

http://www.cbs.gov.on.ca/mcbs/english/consumer_info.htm-Gov't of Ontario help for Consumer's

http://www.hiringacontractor.com/En/default.asp - Canadian Home Builder' Association instructions

Generic Contract Example-PDF - a contract used for typical renovations/jobs etc-ask your contractor to provide one; More formal ones may be drawn up by lawyers.

List of Tips on hiring and working with a contractor

Better Business Bureau (BBB)

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1) ***File a Complaint:*** Any problems whatsoever with a member or non-member file a complaint by visiting: http://www.bbb.org/complaint.asp
(File a Complaint with the Ministry of Government Services of Ontario :***Important: Need to contact business in question first, to try and resolve issues)

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2) ***Check the Legitimacy of a Business Member or Non-Member:*** To check out if a company has any complaints please visit: http://search.bbb.org/search.html
*Note Well* We do not have every company listed in the above search.
BBB Reliability Reports (SouthWestern & Central Ontario)- http://www.bbbmwo.ca/search.html
Other BBB Reliability Reports -http://lookup.bbb.org/

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3) ***Contact Your Local BBB:*****
In order to locate your local BBB please visit http://lookup.bbb.org
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4) ***Find out the Status of your Complaint:***
Please contact the local BBB in the area where the company you filed your compliant against is based. http://lookup.bbb.org
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5) ***Wish to Tell Us About a Scam You Found?***
Please report it to your local BBB http://lookup.bbb.org
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(Companies)Wish to Apply For A Seal?
- Reliability Seal: https://www.bbbonline.org/reliability/apply.asp
- Privacy Seal: https://www.bbbonline.org/privacy/apply.asp
- Local Membership: http://lookup.bbb.org