Voices
Good guys versus bad guys
by Steve MaxwellEthical and profitable contractors operate in particular ways. Here are some of them.
After the Federal budget, what are the rules on Income Sprinkling?
by canadiancontractorContractor who has their spouse do the books, digital marketing and more, wonders if the tax man will now go after them for income sprinkling.
Tens of billions of additional debt in Ottawa’s new budget… this senior citizen has had enough
by canadiancontractor“If they didn’t waste our money, they wouldn’t have to keep raising our taxes,” says B. Ziebart in Vancouver.
Energy-efficiency rebates all about politicians’ “image” – not reality
by canadiancontractorWe shouldn’t use common sense when trying to argue these things, says this 40-year veteran of the window installation business
Home renovations for disabled and seniors: B.C. program leads the way
by canadiancontractorB.C.’s HAFI program provides grants up to $20,000 for eligible seniors and/or the disabled who need renovations to stay in their homes, Marilyn Lees advises
20-year veteran window installer wonders why he has to prove himself to the government yet again
by canadiancontractorHe has strong words for the bureaucrats who run Ontario’s GreenOn program
Green On program… almost impossible to qualify
by canadiancontractor“The company entrusted with qualifying dealers and installers in not prepared to handle the number of inquiries.”
Mandatory sprinklers for houses would put house affordability out of reach
by canadiancontractor“Today’s houses are way too complicated. They cost way more than they should.”
Cost/benefits of sprinklers in new homes not justified, he argues
by canadiancontractor“Technology like the Haven will offer improved safety for much less cost and make expensive concepts obsolete.”
Custom homebuilder finds Amazon’s prices cheaper than Home Depot’s
by canadiancontractor“You try to support local stores to keep jobs.”
Net Zero Energy homes should be voluntary, NOT mandatory!
by canadiancontractorNZE homes are just the beginning of government regulating a whole sector of our population out of home ownership, says Terry Higman
Beware of energy-efficient housing policies driven by politicians with “no skin in the game”
by canadiancontractorAffordability, not energy-efficiency, is the reality for most home buyers. This fact is lost on the bureaucrats, writes Casey Edge of the Victoria Residential Builders Association
Small scale residential solar – Solar Dad and John Bleasby debate the challenges
by canadiancontractor“I can say with complete conviction that if a solar system doesn’t save money and pay for itself within 5 or 6 years, homeowners will not buy it.”
Advice to the contractor who fell through a ceiling AND got stiffed by client
by canadiancontractor“This is your education. And you have paid for it through this situation. So accept it.”
Comment on the Crane Girl charges being dismissed
by canadiancontractor“Not sure if I totally agree with the judge.”
Reply to the contractor that fell through the ceiling
by canadiancontractor“Unfortunately, in this day and age, that’s just about all on you.”
Contractor fell through ceiling, now getting stiffed by the client
by canadiancontractorLife as a renovation contractor isn’t always as much fun as most people make it out to be!
He’s not interested in the Green Ontario rebates
by Steve PayneMark Mitchell threw out his application for the Green Ontario rebate program as soon as he saw the words ‘Ontario College of Trades’