I have been struggling to write this blog. I am going to discuss a sensitive topic infecting my industry.
I love the construction industry and the people who work in my industry. I love working with homeowners and contractors as they navigate the landscape of contracting.
I recently spoke to a contractor who has firsthand knowledge of a disturbing trend in the City of Calgary. Contracts often include insulation, vapour barrier and drywall in the same contract. Contractors are installing insulation and VP, getting a city inspection, then returning to the house and removing the insulation to install it in the next house they have under contract. The contractor will then lock the house while the drywall is installed, and new homes are being sold with not insulation in the walls. I was told the same insulation can be re-installed in as many as 15 homes.
These are new builds being sold without insulation. New homeowners are completely unaware of the critical missing insulation. Large home builders are so occupied with earning an extra dollar or two, they are willing to employ cut-rate sub-contractors and are often not aware of the thievery. They often do not have the manpower or dedicate the resources to ensure the quality is up to a minimum standard.
I could not believe what this guy was telling me and a I said so. He assured me it was 100% true and had been employed to install and uninstall insulation when he first arrived in this country. He was so overwhelmed with moving and getting established he did not find the practice unusual at first. After some time, he realized the practice was sketchy and tried to quit. He was told he was indebted to the contractor so much he could not quit. In retribution he has been telling his story and as result got fired from his job and kick out of the house where he was living. In fear, he kept quiet for some time. His situation is much better now, and he is living a comfortable life.
I have determined the best way for new homeowners and potential homeowners to fight back is with a home inspection. Or even better, hire your own consultant to attend and manage contractors while your future home is being built.
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