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You Get What You Pay For: Buyer Beware!


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Lately, we've seen a surge in builders and homeowners reaching out for help to fix the work done by other contractors. Honestly, this isn't surprising, considering the current state of the economy. Many homeowners are looking to save money by choosing the cheapest quotes, but that can quickly turn into a risky game of renovation roulette. 


You might think hiring a General Contractor (GC) or Project Manager protects you, but this isn't always the case! Are they really vetting all the trades, doing their due diligence, and checking references? It’s vital to ask whether the contractor has a close relationship with their suppliers or trades people. When contractors are recommended by suppliers, you can rest assured that the work is being done right and according to specifications. This relationship also ensures any warranties remain intact—an essential detail that often goes overlooked.


Take a recent situation where a client reached out CanMac Siding to have them assess a project completed by their GC. At first glance, everything seemed fine. However, upon closer inspection, they discovered some pretty alarming oversights: no strapping behind the siding allowing for ventilation, no flashing around openings for waterproofing, improper spacing for expansion and contraction, and no touch-up paint applied at the joints. While these might seem like small details, they can significantly impact the quality and warranty of the work—leaving the homeowner on the hook for thousands of dollars if an issue arises.



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So, who ends up paying for these mistakes?


Often, it's the homeowner left to deal with a contractor who operates out of a van with no fixed address, making it nearly impossible to follow up or resolve issues.


The bottom line? Choosing the cheapest option often means compromising on quality. CanMac's prediction is that in just a couple of years, the public will see a rise in repairs stemming from subpar work done by those bargain contractors.


Contractor Red Flags to Watch Out For:


  • Lack of Experience: If the GC is a jack-of-all-trades without specific experience with your project, be wary.

  • No Warranty: Most reputable contractors offer labor and product warranties. If they don’t, it might be a sign of low confidence in their work.

  • No Fixed Address: A contractor who shows up in a work van with no business cards is a red flag.

  • Limited References: If they hesitate to provide past client references or an existing portfolio, proceed with caution.

  • Unlicensed and Uninsured: Always ask for proof of proper licensing and insurance. Without them, you could be at serious risk.

  • Supplier Recommendations: Contractors recommended by suppliers, like James Hardie’s Elite Installer program, tend to deliver higher quality work.

  • Poor Communication: A reliable contractor should be accessible for updates and queries. Lack of communication can foreshadow issues later on.

  • Unclear Project Plans: A credible contractor will present a detailed project outline. If they’re vague, it could lead to unmet expectations.

  • Price Fluctuations: While estimates can change, significant increases without explanation are a warning sign.

  • Cheap Materials: If a contractor insists on using low-quality materials without proper justification, be skeptical of their motives.

  • Insufficient Knowledge: If your contractor seems uncertain about building codes or project approaches, they may lack the necessary expertise.

  • Too Good to Be True Prices: If someone is offering amazing discounts but wants a quick decision, take a step back and reconsider.

  • Negative Reviews: Check online for customer feedback. Consistently poor reviews are a big red flag.


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By keeping an eye out for these red flags, you can make a more informed decision when hiring a contractor.


CanMac consistently recommends that clients obtain 2-3 estimates and emphasizes the importance of making direct comparisons. Their itemized estimates and detailed markup drawings provide clarity on exactly what will be installed, eliminating any unexpected surprises. Be sure to verify references, connect with previous clients, read Google reviews, and confirm that the contractors are insured for both liability and WSIB.




Not sure where to start?

Since 2005, CanMac has been proudly serving the Halton and Peel communities, with a solid reputation built on repeat customers and referrals. Stop by and visit their showroom in Burlington to explore their range of products. Their friendly and knowledgeable crew members are ready to tackle any questions or concerns you may have.



Happy clients
Happy clients

When you choose CanMac Siding for your installation services or product purchases, you can rest easy knowing that the job will be done right and according to specifications. With our labor warranty, you’ll have peace of mind because that’s truly priceless!


Schedule a consultation with a CanMac's siding and aluminum experts today!


Check them out on social media - Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and X @canmac.siding.inc 

Phone: (905) 639-1007

11b-5115 Harvester Rd. Burlington, ON



 
 
 

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