Always Trust a Fully-Licensed Professional for Your Home Comfort Installation

Far too often our technicians are called to come to the rescue of customers who have fallen victim to an underground contractor. In this situation, installers (usually working from their trucks without a license or business address) sell equipment and provide their services on a cash-only, no-paperwork basis. While the initial price may seem like a bargain, the stress and additional expenses of a poorly installed job far outweigh any apparent savings.

Risks in Hiring "Underground" Contractors

Paying strictly in cash with no written agreement can pose a number of significant risks to homeowners. According to a recent report prepared for the Ontario Home Builders' Association (OHBA), these include:

• The contractor may charge fees for work the homeowner didn't agree to.
• The homeowner has no means to back up his/her claims in court should a dispute arise after the work is completed.
• The contractor may not be insured properly, which means his insurance policy might not cover damage to the home - or that of a neighbour.
• The contractor may not follow building codes or municipal regulations.
• The homeowner will be responsible for paying any additional costs necessary to bring the equipment installation up to the correct standards.
• If there is an injury on the job, the homeowner could be held personally liable for medical or rehabilitation costs.

According to OHBA policy and communications manager Norma Kimmins in the Hamilton Spectator, January 18, 2011, "The consequences of paying cash under-the-table can be dire for homeowners. Consumers often do not have any legal recourse and could be subject to significant liability if an accident happens within the home. Illegal renovations introduce health and safety risks to construction workers and the homeowners who hire them."

Remember, Gas Furnaces are Complex Machines That Need to be Installed Correctly

When it comes to the complicated task of installing or repairing a sophisticated appliance such as a gas furnace, you should rely on a licensed professional to ensure your system works properly and your family is safe.

The work that a contractor such as AtlasCare completes is highly technical as it requires a thorough understanding of combustion and natural gas. For example, a poorly installed furnace vent can lead to your system being "red tagged" or, even worse, can create an extremely dangerous gas leak in your home - threatening your entire family.

Remember as well, the warranty will only apply if your furnace is installed by a manufacturer-approved contractor.

Useful Advice for Choosing a Contractor

For your own financial and legal protection, the OHBA offers this valuable advice when choosing a contractor:

• Always investigate the contractor's history and reputation for quality work.
• Ask for and check references. Do this before you sign any written agreements. Ask if you can call these references, or visit their homes and see for yourself.
• Make sure the level of quality is up to your expectations. Review the warranties offered by both the contractor and manufacturer.
• Check to see if the contractor belongs to any professional organizations.
• Keep receipts or any paperwork associated with your installation or renovation.
• Do not hire a contractor for cash or without a written contract!

Only a Fully-Licensed Professional Can Deliver the Level of Service You Deserve

We strongly advise you to select a fully-licensed company for your installation or home comfort service needs.

For more than 75 years, AtlasCare has been providing exceptional service in the GTA and Hamilton regions. Our philosophy is very simple: to offer our customers the best service, the best products, the best value, honest advice, and the best industry expertise and know-how.

As a fully-insured and professionally-accredited contractor, we are always willing to offer references to prospective customers. In addition, we are proud to be the only residential home comfort company in Canada to achieve ISO 9001-2008 certification, based on our dedication to superior quality, process management, and customer satisfaction.

The management and staff of AtlasCare are proud to hold memberships with the following organizations:

• Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO)
• American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
• Heating Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI)
• Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA)
• Electrical Safety Authority (ESA)
• Oakville Chamber of Commerce
• Canadian Association of Family Enterprise (CAFE)
• Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)

Sources

Al Macrury. "Will Underground Economy Bury Us All?" The Hamilton Spectator, A11, Jan. 18, 2011.

Ontario Home Builders' Association. "Hiring a Renovator? Do Your Homework". January 28, 2009. http://ohba.ca/pdfs/Jan%2028%20-%20Hiring%20a%20Renovator%20-%20Media%20Release.pdf

Ontario Home Builders' Association. "Sales Tax Harmonization and the Residential Renovation Sector in Ontario". November 2009. http://www.lhba.on.ca/content/documents/Altus-OHBA%20-%20HST%20Renovation%20Report%20-%20FINAL.pdf