From page 26
yellow pages and your local news-
Paper.

One factor to consider when
making your short list is whether
the contractor is registered with the
Energy Conservation Contractors
Warranty Corporation, which
guarantees that conserva.
tion-related work will be com.
pleted to your satisfaction, The
corporation’s toll-free number is
1-89)-263-5974,.

You should also ask prospective
contractors for references and run
a quick check with the local Better
Business Bureau or consumer pro-
tection agency.

2. Meet with contractors.

To ensure a range of opinions
and cost) estimates, arrange for
prospective contractors to visit
your home to appraise the sob and
discuss the various options for
proceeding. Contractors — should
provide you with a written estimate
detailing the work to be undertak-
en, material and labor costs, addi-
tional costs or conditions and a
mutually satisfactory method of
payment.

The estimate should be sizned
and dated by the contractor bur
you are not required to. sien
anything at this point.

3. Carefully evaluate each
estimate.

Consider the quality of service
and materials offered by contrac-
tors and their abdity to complete
the work according to your needs.
Price is an important consideration
but avoid hiring an inexperienced
contractor simply to save yourself
a few dollars. Tt may end up
costing you in the long run.

Village
Carpets & Intericrs

A instatiation and
saics of quality
carpets, floar-
ing. blinds.
wallpaper

ceramic tile. and
drapery

836 West U5th Strect
North Vancovuer, B.C.
es (Off Fell Ave.) E
B 988-7573 9988-75744

POANOPITON B

4. Ask for a written contract.

Once you have made your
choice, ask for a written contract
incorporating the detaiis of the
estimate. A clause should be in-
cluded outlining the liability in-
surance carried by the contractor
to protect you from legal action ff
an injury occurs on your property
while the work is in progress.

As ovell, responsibility for in-
cidental damuge, clean-up. correc-
tive action for problems caused by
the work, and repairs required
after the work is completed should
be stipulated in the contract.

Don't sign the contract until you
have read it carefully and under -
tand its terms and conditions. All
costs and other details should: cor-
respond with the contractor's
estimate, When vou are satisfied

that this is the case, sign the con-
tract and retain a copy for your
own records and protection.

5. Check the work.

Upon the completion of the job,
ask the contractor to deseribe ex-
actly what has been done. Check
all of the work carefuliy to ensure
it is completed to your satisfaction
before making final payment.

Each province has legislation
that helps limit your tiability
should the contractor neglect to
pay suppliers, emplovees or sub-
contractors. [ff vou are not
salisfied with the work and vour
contractor is revistered with the
Energy Conservation Contractors
Warranty Corporation, contact the
corporation an|aediately.

27 - Friday, November [8, 1988 - North Shore News

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