Poor customer service on the part of a residential home builder was the motivation behind a protest that took place in east Brampton recently. Countrywide Homes, based out of Concord, managed to stir up residents of a new subdivision in the Bramalea Road and Sandalwood Parkway area.
Residents claim the developer has not properly addressed a number of problems residents are experiencing with their new homes.
As such, homeowners hit the streets over the weekend in a bid to hammer their message home.
But company officials said they stand by their product and insists they've done all they can to address issues posed by homeowners.
"Countrywide Homes is a quality and reputable builder who prides itself on customer service and the delivery of a quality home. Our sales at the Gates of CountrySide community have been, and continue to be, an immense success with a great deal of satisfied customers," said Countrywide Homes Vice President Claudio Maggioni in a statement. "We are thankful for our quality team members who serve this community and our track record with Tarion (Warranty Corporation) speaks for itself."
One homeowner who joined the picket line is Garfield Fray.
Fray, who lives on Sherbrooke Street, said he has experienced a number of problems with his new home, though his complaints with the builder have ultimately fell on deaf ears.
For instance, he said the builder had installed a different tile design than the upgraded style he paid to have done in his home.
When he brought it up with the builder, Fray said company representatives insisted the tile design in the house is the one he chose.
Typically, there is a clause in the purchase contract that states a builder can change the product at any time.
However, Fray complained the contract he signed also states the builder must give him advance notice of any changes, which he said he did not receive.
The tile issue is one of many beefs neighbours have with the builder, Fray said.
"The service has been extremely poor. For one minute you think you are alone, but then you talk to (your neighbours) and you realize they are worse off than you are," said Fray, who moved into the home in December.
Demonstrators gathered in front of the builder's model home, located at Father Tobin and Bramalea roads, before making their way over to the sales office at Bramalea Road and Dewside Drive.