Last week, Consumer Protection Minister Ron Lemieux introduced legislation that will make renovations a more pleasant experience for consumers and contractors.
Bill 14, known as the Consumer Protection Amendment Act (Home Improvement Contracts), mandates that every home renovation or improvement transaction must be preceded by a written contract. This allows the consumer to know who they are dealing with, whether that company has the appropriate workers' compensation and insurance coverage, the services to be provided, all necessary permits, prices and length and scope of work to be done.
When fully implemented, this legislation has the ability to greatly curtail Manitoba's underground economy, long the bane of the honest contractor's existence. A more level playing field will allow the consumer to compare service providers that won't put the homeowner at risk through insurance liability, unpaid taxes, warranty concerns and incomplete work.
All of this comes at a perfect time for those thinking of renovating their home. From Jan. 9 to 11, the Kitchen Bath and Renovation Show will be presented at the RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg. Presenting sponsors All Canadian Renovations Ltd. and Penta Spray Foam Systems will be there along with many additional specialists in the home renovation industry. Everything that you might need to make your tired home come back to life will be under one roof.
As if one great show wasn't enough, the Manitoba Real Estate Association and Winnipeg Realtors are partnering to present the annual Home Expressions Show from March 27 to 29, also at the convention centre. This rite of spring is a must-see for those itching to get a jump on the warmer weather just around the corner.
These two shows combine for more than 450 exciting display booths and generally draw crowds exceeding 25,000 attendees.
Don't let your neighbours get the jump on you this year. Be the first and the best in the neighbourhood.
With all of the extra information consumers will receive courtesy of an active awareness campaign surrounding home renovations, they will be fully prepared to venture into an exciting home renovation.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Homebuilders' Association
