The Goderich Signal-Star, 1986-04-23, Page 58w
Swimrning pools are
becoming uite popular
still want to go ahead, visit your local
municipal office to find out what bylaws
may affect the project," Allan says. "You
should also ask how and when to apply for
any necesary building permits."
Then get at least three contractors to
quote on the job and pick a companny. It you
haven't already done so, get
from the chosen firm and check them out
before signing.
Once satisfied the contractor is reliable,
examine the contract carefully. It shouldset
out all costs for materials, labor and op-
tional equipment. To protect yourself, get
sizes, brands and qualities of materials
listed. Insist that the contract also includes
a completion date. If the contractor refuses
to commit to a specific date find one who
will.
Although a written completion date may
help motivate the company to get your pool
done on time, some firms might still pro- -
crastinate. Consider asking a lawyer to in-
clude a clause in the contract penalizing the
company a certain amount of money for
each day completion is delayed.
The contract should also state who is
responsible for repairing any property
damaged during pool construction.
Keep deposits to about 10 per cent of the
total eost of the job, Allan advises.
Construction costs are normally paid in
-d- stallments,. called progress payments, as
• each phase of work is finished. Details must
be set out in the contract.
Under the Construction Lien Act, buyers
must hold back 10 per cent of each progress
payment until 45 days following substantial
completion of the project. This ensures you
cannot be held liable if the contractor fails
to pay suppliers or subcontrators.
Get details about all warranties offered on
equipment and workmanship included in the
contract. If the pool has a liner, insist it is
purchased from a manufacturer with local
service facilities. Liners can be damaged
and it can be expensive to ship them to the
United States or another province for
repairs.
Pool construction contracts signed in your
home can be cancelled by sending a
registered letter to the company within two
clear working days of the signing date.
For more information about home
renovation contracts and other consumer
issues, contact the Consumer Information
Centre at 555 Yonge St., Toronto, M7A 2H6
— (416) 963-1111 or toll free at 1-800-268-1142.
Ontario residents with an 807 area code may
call the Toronto number collect.
The Canadian Spa and Pool Associa-
tion/Ontario Swimming Pool Association is
also an excellent resource. For information
on pools contact the association at Suite 305,
6303 Airport Rd., Mississauga, Ont. L4V 1R8
— (416) 671-1990.
Consumers who feel they have been un-
fairly treated by a contractor should contact
the nearest Consumer Advisory Bureau of
the ministry.
PAGE 27 -
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