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Important information

• Additional Info:

  On
  January 5, 2022, BBB Serving the Atlantic Provinces sent a letter to Standard
  Paving Limited requesting information regarding the operation of their business.
  
  This was prompted by inquiries from consumers received by BBB over the past few
  months.
  
  Consumers have reported that the business offers quotes which are lower than the
  industry standards in order to strike the deal. Once the deal is closed, the
  business asks for a deposit before they start the work. Consumers have reported to the BBB
  that the once the business takes the deposit, communication with them becomes extremely
  difficult and they do not start the work despite of multiple follow ups and
  assurances from the business. In some of the cases it has been observed that deposits were not refunded by the business.
  
  Having received no response to our first letter, BBB sent a second letter to
  the business on January 17, 2022. As of January 28, 2022, we have received no
  response to our second letter.
  
  BBB urges consumers to do extensive research before hiring a Contractor. If
  there are any doubts or questions, contact the Business for clarification and
  ask them to email you the policies.
  
  Consider these tips when hiring
  anybody to work in your home :
  
  Research and gather information - Search for a contractor’s Business
  Profile at BBB.org for free information on their history of complaints, read
  verified Customer Reviews, and see if they are an Accredited Business. BBB
  Accredited Businesses make a commitment to uphold BBB's accreditation standards
  including: to build trust, advertise honestly, tell the truth, be transparent,
  honor their promises, be responsive to their customers, safeguard privacy and
  embody integrity. Also search for the name of the company online along with
  "Complaint", "Review" or "Scam" to find different
  results. Ask the company if employees and sub-contractors undergo a background
  check. Are they trained and certified? What identification will they show when
  they come to your home?

  Get it in writing - Always get estimates in writing
  and never let any work begin without a written and signed contract. Do not be
  pressured into signing an agreement before you are ready and make sure you read
  and understand everything before signing. The contract should include contact
  information, start and complete dates, a detailed description of the exact work
  to be done, any material costs, payment arrangements, and warranty information.
  Specify who is to obtain necessary building permits and who is responsible for
  clean-up. Make sure all verbal promises are included in the contract. Ask how
  much work will be subcontracted and ask for information on the subcontractors.
  Ask questions if you do not understand any part of the contract. Never sign an
  incomplete or partially blank contract.

  
  Ask for references - Ask the contractor for a list
  of recent local references you may contact. Ask the references about the
  services performed and their overall experience with the contractor and the
  quality of the work. Ask if the contractor stuck to the estimated budget and
  completion date for the project. If possible, inspect the contractor's work
  yourself. Ask if the contractor is a member of a professional association that
  has standards or a code of ethics.

  
  Ask for multiple quotes - You should always shop around
  and get at least three quotes from different businesses. Make sure all bids
  consider the same set of criteria. Remember that the lowest bid may not
  necessarily be the best bid; if one bid is significantly lower than the others,
  the contractor may be cutting corners or may not understand your work
  requirements.
  Get it in writing - Always get estimates in writing
  and never let any work begin without a written and signed contract. Do not be
  pressured into signing an agreement before you are ready and make sure you read
  and understand everything before signing. The contract should include contact
  information, start and complete dates, a detailed description of the exact work
  to be done, any material costs, payment arrangements, and warranty information.
  Specify who is to obtain necessary building permits and who is responsible for
  clean-up. Make sure all verbal promises are included in the contract. Ask how
  much work will be subcontracted and ask for information on the subcontractors.
  Ask questions if you do not understand any part of the contract. Never sign an
  incomplete or partially blank contract.

  
  Verify license and Insurance - Always be sure that the company
  you decide to work with has the necessary licenses and insurance to work in
  your region.

  
  Confirm building permits - Your contractor must have the
  correct permits before starting your project. They will usually obtain the
  permits, but you will probably pay for them. That should be detailed in your
  contract. Request that all final inspections be completed by the local building
  official prior to final payment.

  
  Inquire about a lien waiver - In some Canadian provinces,
  there is a mandatory Builders Lien holdback, so ensure you understand any
  financial obligations you may be liable for.

  
  Think about future service issues - Make sure you are aware of your
  warranty coverage and how to deal with service issues.
  Arrange a payment schedule - Never pay in full up front.
  Stagger your payments so your final payment is not due until the work is
  complete and you have fully inspected it. Do not pay cash; make sure your check
  is written to a company, not an individual, or that you use a credit card.
  Paying with a credit card will provide some recourse should the job not be
  completed as stated in the contract.

  Get a receipt - Request a receipt marked “Paid
  in Full” when the job is completed, and your final payment made.
  Keep your contract - Hold on to your contract for
  future reference or if any questions arise after the work is complete.

  Inquire about a lien waiver - In some Canadian provinces,
  there is a mandatory Builders Lien holdback, so ensure you understand any
  financial obligations you may be liable for.