- Know and Use Your Cooling-Off Rights
Under Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act, any in-home renovation contract worth $50 or more comes with a 10-day cooling-off period. You can cancel it for any reason, with no cancellation fees, as long as no work has started.
If work has begun, you can still cancel—but you’ll owe reasonable compensation for labor and materials already delivered.
- Be Wary of Common Scams
Some prevalent door-to-door scams include:
“Right now only” offers—urgent signature required for “special pricing.”
Free inspections (e.g. for chimneys or roofs) leading into unnecessary, overpriced repairs.
Red flags include: high upfront deposits, no paperwork, cash-only offers. Contracts should include estimates, permits, and licensing info.
- Be Strategic in Contractor Hiring
Get multiple written quotes (3–4) to compare scope, cost, and terms.
Ask for references and speak directly with past clients.
Prefer contractors with a local presence, established reputation, and professional associations (e.g. RenoMark via the Canadian Home Builders’ Association).
- Verify Credentials and Compliance
Check trades licensing for any specialized work, via organizations like Skilled Trades Ontario.
Confirm they carry liability insurance, Workers’ Compensation, and appropriate bonding for large projects.
Avoid contractors who push to work without a permit or ask you to pull them—that’s a legal responsibility and a liability risk.
- Always Use a Detailed Written Contract
A robust contract should include:
Names, addresses, and business registration of both parties
Scope of work, materials, and product specifications
Start and completion dates
Payment schedule with max 10% deposit
Warranty details, cleanup responsibility, and permit obligations
If changes arise, document them as formal amendments. For major jobs, consider phased contracts and holding back 10% retention for 60 days to secure lien protection.
- Recognize Red Flags Early
Stay alert for these warning signs of untrustworthy contractors:
License, insurance, or professional presence missing.
Requests for large upfront payments (>10–15%).
Flat lowball bids or vague scope.
Cash-only terms or high-pressure sales.
Poor communication or no references/online presence.
- Stay Involved and Insist on Documentation
Regularly inspect progress, and communicate concerns promptly.
Prefer traceable payment methods, like checks or credit cards, over cash. Always get receipts.
Maintain a complete paper trail of contracts, change orders, emails, and photos.
- Turn Insights from Real Homeowners into Action
Reddit users from Ontario share insightful, real-world strategies:
Break payments into installments, aligned with work milestones—not upfront.
Specify exact materials by model number; hold final payments until all liens are cleared.
Daily site checks and clear, written agreements help avoid surprises.
“Contracts! No contract, no deal—even if it seems like a good price.”