3 Important Steps

LeBlanc Custom Homes of the greater Moncton area, is committed to providing top quality service and products. This is why we use the 3 important steps for our clients, to guide us in making our clients feel that they made the right choice.

STEP 1 - Know Who You Are Hiring
LeBlanc Custom Homes has many satisfied customers. Ask us if you would like to see references for projects similar to yours. Take the time to call these homeowners and ask if the work was done properly, on time and on budget. Find out if any follow-up work was required and if this was done satisfactorily, also, feel free to ask if they would hire us again.

STEP 2 - Protect Yourself From Risks
LeBlanc Custom Homes protects you from a number of risks. These risks exist whether you are repairing, renovating or building a new home. Here are some things you should know:

~ LeBlanc Custom Homes business liability insurance can protect you. If your home is damaged by us or if we cause damage or injury to third parties, like your neighbours.

~ LeBlanc Custom Homes is covered by Workers Compensation. This protects the workers that are working on your project. If an injury happens then Workers Compensation will step in. Without this coverage, you face an increased risk of claims or financial loss if a worker is injured.

~ LeBlanc Custom Homes has a valid GST/HST number, which tells you that we are registered with the Government Of Canada.

~ LeBlanc Custom Homes complies with the lien regulations of New Brunswick, which specifies how much money you must hold back from payments. This protects you if for what ever reason we fail to pay suppliers or subcontractors.

~ LeBlanc Custom Homes written warranty specifies what is covered and for how long. When building a new home on land that you own, you can request coverage under a new home warranty program.

~ LeBlanc Custom Homes will provide written receipts for all deposits and payments you make.

~ It is also important that your project complies with local building codes. Any change to the structure of your home, even something very minor, requires a building permit. Home owners are responsible for obtaining a building permist; however, LeBlanc Custom Homes can usually get the permit(s) on your behalf.

~ Inform your home insurance company before any work begins. Some homeowner policies don't cover contruction-related risks or theft of building materials from the work site. Call your home insurance representative to make sure that you have adequate coverage.

STEP 3 - Get It In Writing
LeBlanc Custom Homes always uses contracts when working with their clients. Having a written contract is essential. It helps protect you from the nightmare of lawsuits that can result from accidents, work-related injuries, or damages to third parties. Even for small projects, it's important to make sure you're protected. The size of the job does not limit the liability you face if an accident occurs. Accidents can happen even with the simplest home repair. A written contract also helps protect you from many other potential problems.

Without a contract you could lose any deposit or advance payment given to the contractor, or find yourself charged far more than you expected. Also, there is little you can do about poor quality or incomplete work. Also, you have little assurance that you will get warranty coverage and after-sales service.

A contract doesn't have to be complicated. For simple home repairs, it could be only a page long. For bigger projects, you'll need more information such as drawings and a specification list. Although the following list is not comprehensive, it provides examples of the information that should be in all contracts:

  • The name, address and telephone number of the contractor
  • A full description of the work and the material and products to be used
  • When the work will start and be completed
  • How much you will be charged for the work and when you will have to pay
  • The amount of payment you will hold back as required by the lien legislation in your province
  • The contractor's warranty detailing what is covered and for how long
  • A certificate from an insurance company proving that the contractor carries business liability insurance
  • A letter of clearance from you provinces workers compensation program confirming the contractor is registered
  • The contractor's business number or GST/HST number and
  • The contractor's business license number (where required by the municipality)

LeBlanc Custom Homes will draw up a contract for you to review. You don't have to sign anything unless you are satisfied that it includes all the necessary information and accurately represents what you have agreed to.