News
CHBA, Government of Canada announce partnership to renew Get it in Writing!

July 8, 2015 – The Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) is pleased to announce an agreement with the Government of Canada to renew its successful public information program, Get it in Writing!, for the next three years. This industry-lead initiative provides homeowners with advice on how to hire a contractor, and the dangers of dealing with illegal ‘cash’ operators.

“Cash operators threaten the financial security of homeowners, the physical integrity of their homes, harm the businesses of legitimate renovators, and undermine the well-being of all Canadians by evading taxes that support  the government services we all depend on,” says CHBA CEO Kevin Lee.

Get it in Writing! will assist homeowners who are planning a renovation, and emphasize how having a written contract gives homeowners control over their renovation, and protects them while helping to ensure they get the renovation results they want.

“Homeowners who think they are getting a deal when they agree to pay cash for a lower price often end up paying far more when things go wrong, and they have no way to hold the contractor accountable,” Lee added.

“Where there is a receipt, there is consumer recourse. And where there is a receipt, there is also a record of a tax obligation,” says the Honourable Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Minister of National Revenue and Minister responsible for Canada Revenue Agency. “The Canadian Home Builders’ Association has long been a valuable partner of our Government in helping to raise public awareness about the risks of participating in the underground economy in the construction industry. CHBA is also a leader among peers in increasing consumer awareness.”

The website getitinwriting.ca will be the focal point for consumer information, complemented by an extensive social media campaign. The project will also provide consumer information materials to building supply stores, municipal building permit offices and real estate agents that they can give to customers.  CHBA renovator members will also play a major role in delivering the Get it in Writing! message to their prospective customers.

On behalf of its membership, CHBA advocates for the home renovation industry and home owners seeking to renovate their homes.  Home renovation and repair represent more than half of all residential construction investment—over $60 billion each year.  The industry supports over 500,000 jobs and nearly $28 billion in annual wages. And it is an industry adds quality and value to Canadians’ largest personal asset – their home.

For more information
www.chba.ca