A cautionary tale for seniors

Dear Editor

I have a cautionary tale for seniors who become involved with the government Keep Seniors in Their own Home grants.

I was involved in the program and hired a local contractor. He seemed so kind and thoughtful to what I needed that I made the serious error of not reading the quote well enough. I had signed the contract.

I was in need of a specialized tub to deal with a chronic health issue. After months of waiting it arrived but lacked one of the crucial elements I needed the tub to have to deal with my problem. His answer was "that's what I quoted.”

I am certain he knew exactly what I needed. I was heart broken. Any attempts I made to have him help me acquire a tub with the specifications I needed went nowhere.

There are other problems with the project that I have also had no luck getting addressed. These issues were pointed out during an inspection by the contractor, but his attitude was “too bad, so sad.” Repeated phone calls, leaving messages, has made no difference.

I now know I should have asked around, as through my later inquires I learned things about him that would have changed my mind.


The point of this letter is to advise anyone hiring a contractor to be totally sure to read every word of the contract. I didn't have any recourse, so now I am stuck with what I have.

Kathy Gagne

Mayfair