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Reputable contractor a must
Consumers buying pools can sink or swim
depending on the care taken when choosing a
builder and arranging the contract.
Numerous swimming pool horror stories
have been reported to the Ontario Ministry of
Consumer and Commercial Relations
(MCCR) in recent years. Frustrated pool
buyers have lived with dangerous, unsightly
holes in their back yards for months, as
contractors' found endless excuses for not
fmishing the work, says Roberta Allan, chief
"'consumer advisor for the ministry.
"Pools cost thousands of dollars, so don't
just dive head first into a purchase," Allan
says. "Take the time. to find a reputable,
reliable contractor and set up a good
contract."
Friends and neighbors who already have
pools may be able to recommend a company.
They can also provide details on maintenance
costs and other expenses.
The Ontario Swimming Pool Association at
(416) 671-1990, is an excellent source of
information.
Before a type and size of pool is chosen,
visit your municipal building department to
find out which designs would conform to local
bylaws. You may need a building permit
before work can begin.
Next, get at least three reliable firms to
quote on the job.
Add up all the expenses, including
everything from the actual construction to
safety equipment. Can you afford the total
bill? If so, pick a contractor who quoted on the
job, ask for references and check them out.
Once the contract has been drawn up, be
sure you understand it completely. Every
expense for materials, labor and optional
equipment should be listed. Sizes, brands
and qualities should also be included.
A completion date is vital to the contract.
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The most frequent complaint Allan hears
from consumers is that their pools were not
finished on time.
Unfortunately, even a written completion
date isn't a guarantee. Consider asking a
lawyer to draw up a clause penalyzing the
contractor a certain amount of money for each
day of delay past the completion date.
If a deposit is required when the contract is
signed, keep it to about 10 per cent.
Normally, payment for a pool is made in
installments. The buyer pays a certain
amount when each phase of construction is
finished. The contract should state the
amount of each "progress payment" and
when it is due.
Under the Construction Iden Act, a buyer
must hold back 10 per cent of each progress
payment until 45 days after work is
completed. That way, if the contractor or
sub -contractor fails to pay a supplier for
materials, you cannot be held liable.
Homeowners are responsible for ensuring
the contractor can get heavy machinery onto
the site. But the contract should stipulate who
will pay if the home or property is damaged
during pool construction.
Check warranties on all equipment. If you
purchase a pool that has a liner, make sure
the manufacturer has local service facilities.
Shipping liners to the United States for
repairs can be costly.
Under the Consumer Protection Act,
contracts signed away from the seller's
permanent place of business - for example, in
a home - may be cancelled if certain
conditions are met. The contract must be for
$50 or more and the customer must request
cancellation in a letter sent by registered mail
or hand -delivered to the seller within two
dear working days of the date a copy of the
contract was received.
The Business Practices Act provides
further protection if the seller has made false,
misleading or deceptive claims.
Brochures explaining the two acts are
available from the ministry, along with a
booklet on home repairs that gives further
advice on setting up contracts with builders.
To obtain copies, contact the Consumer
Information Centre, 55.5 Yonge Street,
Toronto, Ontario M7A 2H 6, (416) 963-111i or
(toll-free) 1-800-268-1142.
Consumers who feel they have legitimate
complaints about a builder should contact
their local Consumer Services Bureau.
Book.
(Continued from Page 10)
double glazed. Insulated shades help keep
the heat in after the sun goes down.
In theory, you could build a house that
didn't need any source of heat other than the
sun, lights, appliances and the heat from the
occupants' bodies but it would be very
expensive. Most energy-efficient houses
need some auxiliary heat. The new high -
efficiency furnaces work with an induced -
combustion system and shut themselves off if
there is not enough air. Nevertheless, all
furnaces .should have an outside -air supply
duct.
"A fireplace does not belong in an
energy-efficient home", according to the
authors. If there is already one in the house it
must be provided with air from outside.
Most things we do to save energy - except
turning down the thermostat and taking quick
showers - cost money. The book offers a
formula, taking into account present and
projected fuel costs and interest rates, to
calculate how much extra you can afford to
invest in an energy-efficient house.
Choosing an Energy -Efficient House -- a
buyer's guide (NHA 5662) Price: $3. is4
available at local offices of CMHC. Or, send
cheque or money order to: The Cashier,
Financial Services Division, Canada Mort-
gage and Housing Corporation, Montreal
Road, Ottawa, Ontario KIA OP7.