Don’t Get Caught in a Reno Rush!

Renovation Help

Hi HandyForce Family,

Welcome to this week’s newsletter, where we’re diving into a wild story that’s equal parts cautionary tale and homeowner victory. Buckle up—it’s a good one!

The Door-Knock Disaster (and How We Saved the Day)Picture this: one of our long-time clients, let’s call him Tom, was sipping his morning coffee when knock knock—a slick-talking contractor was at his door, pitching a home renovation deal that sounded too good to be true. Tom, caught up in the excitement, signed a contract for tens of thousands of dollars. Fast-forward just 24 hours, and the reno had already started. The contractor? Demanding most of the payment upfront. Tom’s gut? Screaming, “I’ve made a huge mistake!”
Panicked, Tom called us at The HandyForce for advice. Here’s what we told him (and what every homeowner needs to know):

Slow Down and Talk It Out:
Before signing on the dotted line, hit pause. Chat with friends, family, or even Google for reviews. Better yet, give us a call—we’re always happy to weigh in!

Know Your Rights:
In Ontario, the Consumer Protection Act gives you a 10-day cooling-off period to cancel door-to-door contracts. Check it out here. Knowledge is power!

Vet Your Contractor:
If someone’s knocking on doors and ready to start tomorrow, ask yourself: why aren’t they booked solid? The best in the biz are busy—trust us.

Get It in Writing:
Verbal promises mean nothing. If it’s not in the written scope of work, it’s not happening. Don’t let “he said it was included” burn you.

Nail Down Payment Terms:
Payment amount, type, and schedule should be crystal clear in writing. No surprises, no stress.
Armed with this advice, Tom marched back to his contractor with newfound confidence. He leveraged his rights, renegotiated the deal, and secured a fairer payment schedule. Was it ideal? Nope. Should it have happened before the reno started? You bet. But Tom turned a potential disaster into a win—and you can, too.

Tom’s story is a reminder: don’t let a smooth-talking stranger rush you into a bad deal. Take your time, do your homework, and protect your wallet. Got a reno coming up? Call The HandyForce first—we’ve got your back.

Until next time, stay handy!

The HandyForce Team