Can a contractor charge me for work not in the original quote?

No, a contractor in Ottawa cannot charge you for work that wasn't included in the original quote without your written approval first. Under Ontario's Consumer Protection Act, any changes to the original contract must be agreed to in writing before the work begins.

Your Rights Under Ontario Law

In Ontario, contractors must provide clear, detailed quotes that specify exactly what work is included. If they discover additional work is needed during the project, they must:

• Stop work and explain the issue to you
• Provide a written change order with the additional cost
• Get your written approval before proceeding
• Not hold your project hostage to force approval

The original quote creates a binding contract, and contractors cannot unilaterally add charges for work outside that scope.

Common Ottawa Scenarios to Watch For

Many Ottawa homeowners face surprise charges during renovations, especially for:

• "Unexpected" structural issues during kitchen or bathroom renovations


• Additional electrical work that "wasn't visible" during the initial assessment


• Permit fees that weren't included in the original quote


• Material cost increases after the contract was signed

A reputable contractor should have identified most potential issues during their initial assessment and either included contingencies in their quote or clearly outlined what additional work might be discovered.

Red Flags in Ottawa Contractor Quotes

Be wary of contractors who:

• Provide vague quotes without detailed line items


• Start work before providing a written contract


• Claim they "always find extra work once we open things up"


• Refuse to provide fixed-price quotes for well-defined projects


• Don't include permit costs in their electrical, plumbing, or structural quotes

Protecting Yourself in Ottawa

Always insist on detailed written quotes that specify:

• Exact scope of work included


• All permit costs (City of Ottawa permits, ESA electrical permits, TSSA gas permits)


• Material specifications and allowances


• What happens if additional work is discovered


• Clear change order process

For major renovations in Ottawa, consider hiring contractors who offer preliminary assessments or design consultations to identify potential issues before providing final quotes.

If You're Already Facing Surprise Charges

Contact the Ontario Consumer Protection Office at 1-800-889-9768 if a contractor is demanding payment for unauthorized work. You can also file complaints with the Better Business Bureau or seek mediation through the Construction Dispute Resolution Services.

Remember: legitimate contractors want happy customers and will work transparently with you on any necessary changes. Those demanding payment for unauthorized work are often operating outside proper business practices.

For help finding contractors who provide transparent, detailed quotes, check verified professionals in our Ottawa contractor directory.