Do you sometimes feel that you are being gouged by renovation people? I do most of the times. Consumer ignorance can play a big part on what they are willing to pay for a particular job. The government is trying to do something about this and I hope that all homeowners will participate vigorously. Something needs to be done to help people keep up their property and not taking out another mortgage to do repairs. February 5, 2014 MANITOBA GOVERNMENT ASKING FOR PUBLIC INPUT TO ENSURE CONSUMERS GET A FAIR DEAL ON HOME RENOVATIONS, REPAIRS – – – Homeowners Would Pay Only What They Were Quoted, Would Would Have to be Completed on Time: Minister Lemieux Manitobans can voice their concerns about home improvements to help the province develop new rules to ensure consumers are getting fair prices, all quotes are accurate, and renovations and repairs are completed on time, Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Sport and Consumer Protection Minister Ron Lemieux said today. “Having your home or condo renovated or repaired can be a stressful process, especially when the work ends up costing more than expected or isn’t completed on time,” said Lemieux. “We want to ensure families are treated fairly, receive clear estimates and pay only what they had expected to pay.” Feedback from Manitobans is being sought on issues such as the accuracy of home-improvement cost estimates, renovation contracts and timelines as well as the problems homeowners may have experienced. This feedback will help in understanding the concerns of Manitobans and guide any changes required to ensure families are treated fairly and get a good deal when renovating their home, the minister said. Manitobans can share their home renovation and repair experiences by March 31 online at www.gov.mb.ca/cca/cpo, via email to consumers@gov.mb.ca or by mail to the Consumer Protection Office, 302-258 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3C 0B6. “A home is the biggest investment most Manitoba families will make and that’s why we will take action to ensure consumers get a good deal on renovations and repairs, as well as from real estate agents,” added Minister Lemieux. “This builds on legislation our government passed last year that will require a warranty on new homes.” The Manitoba government has already taken aggressive steps to protect consumers and get Manitobans a better deal by introducing new rules on cell phone contracts, car repairs, car purchases and payday loans, the minister said. - 30 -