HawthorneVillager.com

A gentleman from the ESA knocked on my door looking for access to inspect my central air installation. He said they need access to the second floor to inspect and that's why he's knocking on the door mid Saturday when someone is home.

I ended up turning him away. I did get his card and called the Mattamy Concierge who knew nothing about it personally.

I just told the guy he wasn't coming in until I got confirmation from the builder that this is all on the up and up. He was annoyed and said I likely wouldn't get in touch with someone today. I just told him, that's fine, I'll call you back if I'm suppose to let you in.

Anyone else know anything about this? I have no problem allowing him access if it's a requirement but until I get confirmation, it's a no go.

Thanks

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HVE

Yes, ESA came around our subdivision too claiming that 90% of the central air installations didn't have permits. In Milton you need a permit from ESA before getting your CAC installed. The company who installed our got fined for not marking the breaker in the basement. The ESA dude isn't very nice.

Doesn't matter if it's on the up and up or not, the guy is a mental midget if he expects homeowners to just let a stranger 'from the ESA' in without an appointment first. How would we know it's not just anyone with a business card printed at Staples showing up to case the joint. Shame on them for not calling, making an appointment, and providing you with a way to validate their identity.

He showed up at our door just now and my husband called Four Season Comfort (company who installed our AC) to validate his identity. He was legit (Ed from ESA).

Why would he need access to your second floor, or is that where your condenser is.

John Allingham, Professional Engineer
Owner & Certified Home Inspector
Halton-Peel Home Inspection
(416) 254-5869
www.peelhomeinspection.com

When the ESA guy came to my door, I recognized him from my electrical safety course from work. ESA is a good organization, and really do care about everyone's safety. Although they could learn a thing or two about customer service, and not showing up unannounced.

During my phase of building 16a, a number of breakers were installed upside down for AC units.

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Pain is Temporary Pride is forever

Glad to know it's someone legit, thanks for posting this.
Better safe than sorry =)

Thanks ... He seemed legit, but I just don't understand why there was no notice sent out.

I would have liked to accommodate him but I'm not all that trusting.

I will be calling Mattamy on Monday to see what the deal is.

(oh and I'm in a Village home with the AC unit on the 2nd floor balcony)

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HVE

Yes, some of these inspectors should follow a better policy (formal ID cards maybe with a picture ) when asking to access a home and a homeowner is right to demand this, considering all that happens now.

But, if it is legit, I'd recommend you letting them access and getting the pass sticker. If not and you have an electrical fire because a builder screwed the installation (see www.oakvillehomes.wordpress.com to see how Mattamy screwed wiring) your insurance company might not cover your costs and the builder will of course deny all responsibility.

Getting the right authority to pass your equipment only increases your safety and lessens your liability.

The problem is that every joe that arrives at your door has something around their neck now that appears to be official. Every clown out there has exploited that now.

I'm almost 8 months after close and someone is showing up to do an electrical inspection on my A/C unit. That alone sounds fishy ... or at the very least sounds as though someone has dropped the ball. In the meantime, if they were that far behind on these inspections, then a notice should have been sent out alerting me that an inspector will soon be knocking and that I'm to allow them access.

Especially, oakvillehomes, for the reasons that you've just pointed out.

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HVE

Yes, your right, there should be notice but, companies can't be bothered. For the record, my hydro inspection was many years after occupancy. I guess things have changed. Just got a new furnace and A/C and the inspection came within a couple of weeks.

But then, my installer made the phone call. I wonder how many phone calls aren't made by the builders???

Ultimately they need to get in but, I agree, there should be a better system in terms of security. Seems we only change after a 9/11 event or some housewife gets killed.

I just noticed the following link to an article in the Toronto Star where someone posed as a water utility repairman and scam and elderly woman. Just shows how viglilant we must be.

Shame that people take advantage of people's trust to do this type of thing and it just makes it harder for those on legitimate business.

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/crime/a ... police-say

The day after cogeco installed our cable/internet there was a guy who ce who said he is supposed to check the installation. I was hesitant but I let him in since my husband was home too. Up to now, I have no idea of it was legit or not!

The cable companies do audit their sub-contracted installers from time to time.

There was a while there where I was pointing out to home owners problems with the cable installations such as lack of grounding, no silicone to seal exterior holes, improperly split run to a cable/phone modem, etc..

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Professional - Audio - Video - Data - Security - Central Vac - Insured - Trained - Certified
http://www.phand.ca/