K from Coquitlam

In Nov. 2012 we spoke to Ecowest about replacing our windows, hot water tank, and furnace. They spoke to us about interest free home renovation loans and we signed a loan for $39 k. In January 2013 the work was done and we were pleased with their products and service. We then decided to have them do our bathrooms, and we signed another loan application for $35 k. We did not really need loans as we had a line of credit, but the fact that the loans were interest free for a year and we could pay them off at any time, seemed like a good deal. It took us a while to choose all our bathroom products and we didn't order all our products through Ecowest until the beginning of May. At then end of June we asked for a start date on our project, but they couldn't give us one. Eventually our bathrooms were started and completed in Oct. 2013. We were pleased with the qualify of the products and the work actually did get done in a timely manner, once it started. What's the problem? We did not realize that as soon as we signed the loans, Ecowest received all of our money, although there is a clause, item 12 on these loans that states that all goods and services have been received and that the client authorizes for the funds to be released to the Dealer (Ecowest). When we took out the loans, we did ask what would happen if we reduced the scope of work to be done and Ecowest owed us money. We were informed that, "we will just write you a cheque." Well, now the work has been completed and we are owed money. We have been trying to collect it since Nov. 2013, and have been consistently told they need another month. Unfortunately it is our understanding that the company is now in a financial mess. We believe the company engaged us prematurely in these loans, putting us at risk. Ecowest had 100% of our money, months in advance of when the work began.