Electrical Contractor Fined for Unfair Practices
November 24, 2017
In July 2014 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.
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.
