A New Brunswick homeowner is urging others to be cautious when hiring contractors after paying for a deck project that was never finished. The homeowner, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the contractor accepted a substantial deposit but stopped showing up after only partial work was done.
Survey reveals widespread problem
The incident comes as a new survey finds that many Maritimers have experienced a contractor taking payment without completing their work. According to the survey, nearly 1 in 5 respondents reported having paid a contractor who then failed to finish the job.
“We were left with an unfinished deck and thousands of dollars out of pocket,” the homeowner said. “I want others to know they should get everything in writing and never pay the full amount upfront.”
Advice for homeowners
Consumer protection officials recommend checking references, getting multiple quotes, and using a contract that outlines payment milestones tied to completed work. They also advise against paying more than a small deposit before work begins.
The homeowner has filed a complaint with local authorities, but says the process has been slow. “I hope my story helps someone else avoid this situation,” they added.
