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WETBY FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 1989,PAGE- 21 Cotrols pavie wy.t.o good usiness -When having a driveway paved, got ail details of the job carved in stone, thon keep a close oye on the work, consumer advisors warn. A written contract is considered vital for any renovatiion project. Paving jobs alone sparked nearly 200 complants to the Ontarlo govm.minent last year.. 'Unethical companies who undercut the competition -- charging really low prices, but doing lousy work -- were the worst cuiprits," says Marilyn Gurevsky of the Ministry of Consumer and Commercial relations (MCCR). "In the paving business, a dirt-cheap job is usuaily a waste of money. Shop around by ail means, but don't pick a contractor based on a low pcealone." Âczcording to Gurevsky, consumers often have* trouble with driveway paving jobs because they don't, undertad what they neèd, what they1re buying or whether they were given what was pronused. Different types of work wiil be Fallng jobless Rates (unernploymnent as a % of labour force) mie.Canada 90 . ...~.... . . .... ..... . .... ... ... . ......... 7.5 .. ........ ....... .. 3.0 .... ....~. . ..-.. ........................ o.---......... 98347 IM-392 1%3.97 999.0 requlred, depending on- the condition of the driveway. The job can vary froma simple resurfaclng te complote excavation and replacement of theexidstingpavement. <The quantities of stone and other materials used is crucial, says the mninstry expert. "'This is -where a lot of disroputable compa»es rip people off'," she warns. 'Customers don't know how much material is needed and, even if they do, they rarely watch te make sure they get the correct amount." By following five basic rifles, co 1mr can avoid scams, misunderstandings1 and financial losses,. Gurevsky says. Do some research. The ministxy hasý produced, a detalled guide te driveway paving,« provlding. indepth information about such things as types of material commonly used, necessary depths, and the different inds of work lnvolved. According te, the guide, "a six-inch base of stone, topped with two. inches of asphalt; meets most needs." That "two inches" representes the depth once -the asphalt has been compacted. Get three written estimates. After becoming familiar with materials and terminology used in the pavlng industry, call at least three contracters for estimates. Be sure each quota is based on the same specifications. Be suspicious of extremely low p rices. Cet recommendations or references. Nover' hire a contracter without talking te, at least one recent customer. Read the It must include the name and address of both the paving ANNUAL INTEREST G.i..1 YEAR Cali our rate hoiines for up to the-minute Best GJ.C. rates on all te.cns. Speclal rates on RRSP and RRIF. 428-8791 or 428-8613. eLower Back Pain e Foot Problems Consuit our prof essionals for FREE video gait analysis. YTHE, GMT WORKS 375 Finley Ave, Suite 103, Ajax 686-1969 rDISCOVER SATISFACTION 800 Taunton Rd. W. Oshawa 576-2239 QUALUTY NURSERY STOCK COMPETITIVE PRICES Come in and compare. Cali about our do tý yoursefflandscaping package to save$$$s. AIR CONDUTIONUNG ANDHIEATING ' SALES.é SERVICE # INSTALLATIONS % hao A OoSwn<mfldO Company and the customer. Complote details about the job must be listed, including the type of work to be done and driveway dimensions. Depths and qualities of materials to be supplied should also be set out. "Dont forget te write in a start and completion date and keep deposits te a maximum of 10 per cent," Gurevsky advises. Keep an oye on work in progress. Don't get in. the way, . but be sure the constract fs being followed. According te the mnnstry, a properly paved driveway sho uld have a lifespan of at least 10 years. Industry representatives who helped te, prepare the paving brochure say, most defects show up during the first 12 months and the standard one-year warranty is, therefore, sufficient. Companies are not obliged te fulfili all the provisions of their warranties, so get details in writing. But remember, if the contractor goos out of business,, se does the warranty. Under the, Ontario Consumer Protection Act, consumers can cancel most contracts for more than $50 signed in their homes. Juat send a letter of cancellation by registered mail or hand dliver it te the company witbin two clear workcing days of the date the contract- was signed. But, if you have paid in full and have already received the item -or services involved, the "cooling off' period does flot apply. Customers who feel they have been unfairly treated by a paving contractor- can contact the nearest Consumer . Services Bureau of the ministry for help. Copies of the paving brochure and other pamphlets on consumer rights are available fromn the Consumer Information Centre at 555, Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario, M7A 2H6 - - (416) 963-1111 or toil-free at 1-800-268-1142. Untario residents with an 807 area code may cail the 416 number collect. The TTYITDD lino fôr the hearing/speech impairod la (416) 963-0808. '~ ~ 8-153 Brook St.N. Whitby WHITBY BUY & SEL Buy - SelI- Trade, COLLECTOR PLATES, FIGURINES & DOLLS Sunday, August 20Oth at Heydenshore Pavillon Sponsored By PRECIOUS PLATES 'N THINGS ozoS 1 1é;l " NEW COMICS " USED BOOKS " TRADE BOOKS -*&D Now Open Sundays Whlthv 434-3871 Alax 427-8070 ýDp(-f-onc ir H R e eC . :1az W itb plas.i As) Woo Secaistfo Selection of hardwoods & softwoods. Plns. Oaic. Birch, Mapie Decklrng & Fencing Hawdwood OAK, BIRCH. MAHOGANY Lame selection: oîtrns in: Oak, pine mahogSlly mrade on the promises 328 RITSON RD. N. OSHAWA 725-4744 . PL