That driveway contractor with a deal? Maybe not, consumers warned

Contractors going door-to-door, selling paving jobs, have caught the attention of consumer protection officials in Saskatchewan who say they have noticed an increase in complaints about the service.

The increase in complaints coincides with the busy summer construction season.

The real pros they know how much material they need to do for a job.- Matthew Barton

"It tends to happen in the summer months," Matthew Barton, a spokesperson for the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority, said. "We see the door-to-door solicitation of driveway repairs every year. We've received inquiries about multiple companies this summer."

Officials noted that companies selling at the doorstep must have a licence to do so.

Barton said consumers should be cautious, especially if someone offers to do work withthe leftover material from another job.

"Most contractors are professionals," Barton said. "They don't have leftover materials from jobs, usually. The real pros they know how much material they need to do for a job."

Barton encouraged people who have been contacted by unlicensed companies to notify the consumer affairs authority.

Complaints investigated

He also made reference to a company that has already caught their notice.

"One of the official complaints we have received is about a company that is an unlicensed direct seller. It's called Western Way Paving," Barton said. "They're not licensed. They should not be doing business in Saskatchewan at this time until they get a license."

He said more complaintsabout other companiesare currently under investigation.

"We're asking people to be cautious," Barton added. "If they come and approach you and make a pitch on your doorstep, we're really asking you to slow down the pitch of the sale."

He said consumers should get details about proposed workin writing.

"Understand clearly before you get involved, before you hand over any money, what the materials are going to be, what the labour cost is going to be, the deadlines for completion and method of payment," Barton said. "People really need to be clear before they agree to anything."

More information is available on the website for the Financial Services and Consumer Affairs Authority.