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What is ReliableConnections.com?
ReliableConnections.comTM is a hassle-free on-line service that helps you to find
pre-screened trade contractors for every type of home repair, renovation,
maintenance or emergency situation... 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All work
preformed by ReliableConnections.com contractors is complemented by our Reliable AssistanceTM
. But that's not all. ReliableConnections.com allows you to
compare how other consumers have rated the contractors you're considering before
you hire them, using our online Reliable RatingTM system.
Why should I choose ReliableConnections.com over traditional
approaches to hiring contractors?
You benefit from the experience of our Project Manager who assigns qualified pre-screened independent contractors to your job or project:
7 Reasons to Use our Service
Our Project Manager has over 20 years of professional experience in project and people management. Our independent contractors are selected based on verified credentials and references and are approved members of our team.
Our Code of Conduct and Reliable Assistance part of our service.
We make it our business
to understand your needs and what it takes to get your projects done properly. We
track the experience and qualifications of hundreds of contractors, then use our
proprietary software to identify the best trade contractors to handle your specific
project. It's fast, hassle free; and backed by our Reliable Assistance.
Where is ReliableConnections.com service available?
Currently, we provide service primarily in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Specifically we provide services
in these municipalities:
Brampton, Concord, Downsview, Etobicoke, Markham, Mississauga, North York, Richmond Hill, Scarborouh,
Thornhill, Toronto, Unionville, Weston, Willowdale, Woodbridge. However, we are
systematically expanding the Reliable Connections Service, as we build our network of
qualified contractors.
What kind of help can I get from trade contractors referred by ReliableConnections.com?
Our trade contractors can handle virtually any job related to home repairs, maintenance and renovations. Whether you require a home addition, home renovation or simple improvements and maintenance services, ReliableConnections.com can provide highly skilled, thoroughly screened trades contractors to meet your needs.
How do I know that the right trade contractor is being referred to me?
You are prompted, during the estimate request process, to provide all relevant information about your project and to submit a brief written description of your service need. The system then searches through the profiles of all registered trade contractors to find those with the best capabilities to meet your needs. Those contractors are given your project details and, if necessary, they will contact the homeowner for further details.
How does ReliableConnections.com select qualified trade contractors?
ReliableConnections.com trade contractors go through a rigorous screening process
to ensure they have the appropriate qualifications and licensing. As well, we check
their customer references and insist that they charge fair prices. All member trade
contractors agree to abide by Reliable Connections' Code of Conduct. You, as a homeowner member,
can get
information and consumer ratings for every Reliable Connections trade contractor on
our web site. Our mission is to find the right trade contractor whenever you need
help around the house. Our goal is to get your job done right.
Am I obligated to hire the recommended trade contractor?
No. We recommend only contractors with the skills necessary who want to accept your
project. However, the final selection and acceptance of a contractor's estimate is
up to you. To help you choose the right contractor, we provide detailed information
and consumer ratings for each one. This information, together with the job
estimate, allows you to select the contractor that's right for you.
What is the ReliableConnections.com Reliable AssistanceTM?
The ReliableConnections.com Reliable Assistance provides four levels of assistance. Chances are, you'll never need to use our Reliable Assistance but, if you
require it at some point, you'll be pleased to know you have these assistance steps available to you:
- If you have concerns about the way your project has been completed,
speak directly to your service contractor to resolve the problem. You can
request a warranty follow-up service right from your Personal Page in our website.
- If you're dissatisfied with your contractor's resolution of the problem,
we add our Dispute Resolution process, with three additional levels of quality
assurance.
You may call on ReliableConnections.com to act as a mediator. ReliableConnections.com
will examine both sides of the problem and make a resolution recommendation.
- If you're dissatisfied with the resolution recommendation, you may request that
another ReliableConnections.com contractor inspect the situation and make a new resolution
recommendation. ReliableConnections.com charges a $250 fee for this inspection service.
(Fee is subject to change without notice).
If the inspection reveals that the disputed problem was caused by your contractor,
half of the inspection fee will be refunded to you.
- If you're still dissatisfied, ReliableConnections.com will pay up to $500 labour
costs to have another independent contractor resolve the problem.
For complete details of our SERVICE and ASSISTANCE, read your Membership Agreement
when you request a job estimate from ReliableConnections.com.
Why are ratings by homeowners important?
The ReliableConnections.com Reliable RatingTM tells you how other customers felt
about the service they received from individual contractors. And of course, your
ratings of the contractors you hire do the same for others. When your projects are
complete, you will be asked to fill-in a simple on-line Reliable RatingTM
questionnaire describing how satisfied (or dissatisfied) you were with each trade
contractor who worked on your projects. Job performances are rated on a scale of
1 to 5 (5 is best, 1 is worst) based on value for money, timeliness, courtesy and
quality of work. Your individual evaluation is kept confidential but your rating is
consolidated with other users of the same trade contractor to establish a consumer
satisfaction rating that any ReliableConnections.com member can use.
What is my Personal Page?
Your Personal Page is a personal secure and confidential space on our web site that
belongs to you. It allows you to keep and update all relevant information
the ReliableConnections.com system needs to provide high quality automated service
to you. You can access this account at any time using your Username and Password.
What is Tell A Friend?
Tell A Friend allows you to tell your friends about the value you've found at ReliableConnections.com. When you click the Tell A Friend link you'll be asked to fill in your friend's e-mail address and enter your personal message. When you click the Submit button, your message is automatically sent to your friend.
What if I change my mind and want to cancel a project?
If you decided to stop a project, you must work out arrangements between yourself
and the trade contractor. You will be required to pay for the work that's been
completed. The procedure on our web site to stop the project is the same as for
completed project, but the service warranty will not be applicable to projects
stopped prior to completion.
How does a contractor become approved by ReliableConnections.com?
All trade suppliers registered with Reliable Connections are meticulously screened to ensure that they are licensed, insured, professionally competent, and reliable, have good references and offer competitive pricing.
ReliableConnections.com requires:
- Business and trade licenses
- Liability insurance coverage
- Business insurance and bonding (if applicable)
- The length of warranty the trade contractor offers to customers
- Up to 10 references for each trade contractor
- Commitment to comply with the ReliableConnections.com Code of Conduct
- A trade contractor profile which must be approved and published on the ReliableConnections.com Website.
Does ReliableConnections.com remove trade contractor members for poor performance?
Yes, we do. ReliableConnections.com thoroughly screens trade contractors before accepting them. If a performance problem is reported, we investigate both sides of the issue before deciding whether to remove a trade contractor from the ReliableConnections.com roster. Your feedback, of course, is important to motivate our contractors to provide high quality service.
What is the difference between a licensed and non-licensed trade
contractor?
A license is required by municipal governments to perform a specific trade in the
area of the government's jurisdiction. Licensing requirements vary by municipality;
some trades do not require a license at all. Trades that must be licensed in Toronto
are (for details see Municipal Licensing & Standards):
- Plumbing and Heating contractors;
- Building renovators;
- Chimney repairers;
- Drain contractors;
- Insulation installers; and also
- Scrap Collectors, Auctioneers, Building cleaners, Transient trades, Special sales, Hawkers and pedlars.
How does ReliableConnections.com get paid?
ReliableConnections.com receives revenue from the following sources:
- Nominal homeowners membership fees
- Small commissions paid by trade contractors
- Advertising and other fees from associated companies.
How can homeowners be sure they're not paying too much for home services?
Purchasing services through ReliableConnections.com is the first step. Our trade contractors agree to a set of business conduct rules, including a commitment to fair pricing practices. Additionally, using ReliableConnections.com's automated service, it's easy and convenient to obtain up to three estimates for a larger project. You should also pay close attention to bids and contracts. All prices and job descriptions should be clearly stated on the contract.
Should I accept an offer to pay less in cash?
Beware of any contractor who offers to do the job cheaper for cash! A good trades contractor will not offer a lower price for cash and will always provide a written receipt for payment. Make sure the trades contractor's GST number appears on the invoice. It may seem tempting, but stop to consider what you are doing. If you are offered the job at a lower price for cash, the contractor is avoiding paying GST, which means there will be no official record of the job and no guarantee of satisfaction. It also shows that the contractor is prepared to cut corners. Our Dispute Resolution Process applies only to fully documented projects that have written, signed contract and a proof of payment.
Do I use my credit card to pay ReliableConnections.com?
You enjoy all the advantages and benefits of our unique service and our website for a period of three months for a nominal fee. We guarantee that we will be able to give you at least one free project estimate in the three months membership period, or we will refund your money in full.
Other questions.
If you cannot find the answer to your question, please send us an e-mail.
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Ontario