Imagine paying for a service because it seemed like a fantastic deal, but then the job isn’t done to expectations or even done at all.
This situation is happening all too often at properties throughout Muskoka in regard to their driveway paving projects, explains Niki Pickett of Ital Paving.
She wants the public to beware of fly-by-night companies from out of town who leave flyers and offer these too-good-to-be-true prices.
“It’s definitely a buyer-beware world in paving, and other trades as well,” warns Niki. “One person I know of paid for a full asphalt driveway, but the company laid aggregate. They called me when they couldn’t get hold of the company who did the work, complaining that it wasn’t setting – well, that’s because they didn’t use asphalt.”
Another property owner thought they were purchasing a newly paved driveway but then found that the people who did the “work” only cleaned up weeds around the edges and power washed the existing pavement.
“To protect your investment, it’s a must to hire a reputable, experienced, certified, and local company that can provide references and will answer when you call,” she says. “You can’t go on these online marketplaces or trust some flyer advertising from guys with a barrel of tar and a pick-up truck – they’re not a professional paving company.”
Niki says she’s not looking to diminish any proper tradespeople running quality businesses, but that it’s important for property owners to know there are scam artists posing as quality companies.
It’s vital to ask the right questions before getting into any agreements, such as does the business have a location in your community? How long have they been in business? Can they provide references? Do they have WSIB?
Ital Paving is a 40-year-old family owned and operated paving business with a property in Gravenhurst on Highway 11 South. As active members in the community, they sponsor local sports organizations, contribute to many charitable fundraisers, and more.
One reason clients recommend Ital Paving is because they deal directly with Niki on the project from start to finish. She meets directly with her clients to find the right paving solutions for their property, as well as being on site to operate equipment with her team.
“We don’t have salespeople trying to earn a commission,” says Niki. “I work directly with each client to understand what their wants and needs are, because each property is unique.”
With so many posers out there, it’s vital to research and choose an experienced and knowledgeable company for your paving needs.
TEXT CHRIS OCCHIUZZI
PHOTOS ANDREW FEARMAN
