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

In Ontario, contractors cannot charge you for work beyond the original quote without your written consent - but there are important nuances to understand for Ottawa homeowners.

Under Ontario's Consumer Protection Act, any changes to the original contract scope must be agreed to in writing before the work begins. This protects you from surprise charges, but contractors can legitimately charge for additional work if proper procedures are followed.

When Additional Charges Are Legal

Contractors can charge extra when they discover unforeseen conditions (like knob-and-tube wiring behind walls during a kitchen renovation, or structural issues during a basement finishing project). However, they must stop work, document the issue, provide a written change order with costs, and get your signature before proceeding.

For example, if you're renovating a home in Westboro and the contractor discovers asbestos insulation that wasn't visible during the initial assessment, they can charge for proper abatement - but only after presenting you with a detailed change order and getting written approval.

What Constitutes Proper Change Orders

A legitimate change order in Ottawa must include the specific additional work required, itemized costs, timeline impact, and your signature. Verbal agreements don't hold up legally. The contractor should also explain why the work wasn't foreseeable during the original quote process.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be suspicious if a contractor frequently "discovers" expensive additional work after starting, especially on items that should have been obvious during the initial assessment. Reputable Ottawa contractors do thorough initial inspections and account for common issues in older homes (which much of Ottawa's housing stock is).

Also watch for contractors who start additional work without stopping to get approval, then present you with a bill afterward. This violates Ontario consumer protection laws.

Your Rights and Protections

If a contractor charges for unauthorized work, you can dispute it through Ontario's consumer protection framework. Document everything - take photos of the claimed issue, keep all written communications, and don't pay for work you didn't approve in writing.

For significant disputes, contact Consumer Protection Ontario at 1-800-889-9768. You can also file complaints with the Better Business Bureau or seek resolution through small claims court.

Best Practices for Ottawa Homeowners

Always insist on detailed initial quotes that account for potential issues in older Ottawa homes. Ask contractors about their change order process upfront, and never sign blank change orders. For major renovations in areas like the Glebe or Sandy Hill where homes are 80+ years old, consider having a pre-renovation inspection to identify potential issues.

Remember that legitimate additional work does happen - Ottawa's older housing stock often contains surprises. The key is ensuring proper documentation and approval before any extra work begins.

For finding contractors who follow proper change order procedures, check our verified contractor directory at ottawaconstructionnetwork.com/directory.