03/01/2026
Must read - home contract!
Know your Consumer Rights. You can cancel ANY home contract in a 10-day window. DO NOT sign a contract in their showroom or office as that eliminates your 10-day cooling-off period. Read the contract carefully before providing any deposit.
I have sold windows & doors, garage doors, Fencing and Decking in Ottawa for the past 10 years. My goal/focus has always been on ensuring my clients were not ripped off and got a fair and honest deal and a quality product.
Here are some of the suggestions I share with each new deck client.
1: You are making a decision you will need to live with for a couple of decades. This isn't like a leased auto. TAKE YOUR TIME, ask endless questions and write down the answers to validate them!
THIS IS NOT A DECISION YOU SHOULD MAKE BASED ON PRICE, IT WILL BITE YOU IN THE ASS DOWN THE ROAD.
2: Always get at least 3 quotes. But research who you are getting quotes from and look at the details.
3: Understand the pro and con of different deck types: wood, pvc, composite.
4: Most special promo deals are just made up to get you to sign.
5: Insist on a detailed material spec and ways to install. KNOW WHAT YOU ARE BUYING!
6: If they tell you even the smallest lie at this stage, walk away.
7: Remember, you can either get a quality deck product and installation, as well as future service or a cheap price; you can’t get both, so select wisely.