Burlington Electrical Contractor Convicted
Published November 20, 2017 at 2:15 am
He accepted a deposit three years ago – and made promises to complete the work – but never finished the job and now a Burlington electrical contractor has been convicted of unfair practice under On
He accepted a deposit three years ago – and made promises to complete the work – but never finished the job and now a Burlington electrical contractor has been convicted of unfair practice under Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act (CPA).
It all started in July 2014.
That’s when Justin Smith, operating as D & S Electrical Contractors, provided a customer with an estimate of $10,982.71 to supply and install a generator at a customer’s house.
Smith accepted and provided a receipt for a $7,500 deposit in late July 2014.
Work began on or about August 10, 2014, and stopped on or about Sept. 10, 2014.
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The generator wasn’t delivered or installed; work completed included installation of a small concrete slab, two exterior conduits, and two exploratory holes in the basement drywall.
The decision came down in Milton court on Sept. 21.
Justice of the Peace Paul Welsh ordered Smith to return the $7,500 deposit to the client.
In addition, he’s facing a two-year probation period with terms of restitution, a reporting requirement and reporting an address change.
Consumer Protection Ontario suggests deposits should be no more than 10 per cent of the estimated cost, according to Ministry of Government and Consumer Services spokesperson Sandra Bento.
Tips for Hiring a Licensed Electrical Contractor
By law in Ontario, Licensed Electrical Contractors are the only contractors allowed to conduct electrical work for hire. When hiring someone to do work, homeowners and businesses are reminded to:
- Ensure the contractor holds all required qualifications and licences – including an ECRA/ESA licence for electrical work. You should also ask for their references.
- Check that the contractor has secured all appropriate permits and inspections.
- Advise the contractor that you expect a copy of the ESA Certificate of Inspection from them once the electrical work is complete.
To verify or find a Licensed Electrical Contractor, click here.
More information on the Electrical Safety Authority can be found at esasafe.com and ESA’s customer service centre can be reached at 1-877-ESA-SAFE (372-7233).