Can I cancel a renovation contract after signing it?

Yes, you may be able to cancel a renovation contract after signing in Ottawa, but your options depend on how and when you signed it, and the specific terms of your contract.

Under Ontario's Consumer Protection Act, you have specific cancellation rights for home renovation contracts. If the contract was signed at your home (not at the contractor's business premises), you have a 10-day cooling-off period to cancel without penalty. This applies to contracts over $50 and gives you the right to cancel by giving written notice within 10 days of receiving a copy of the contract.

For contracts signed at the contractor's office or showroom, you generally don't have automatic cooling-off rights under consumer protection law. However, you should carefully review your contract terms, as some contractors include their own cancellation clauses that may allow cancellation within a certain timeframe, often with penalties or fees.

What to look for in your contract:

Check for cancellation clauses that specify your rights and any associated costs. Many renovation contracts include provisions for cancellation before work begins, during work, or upon completion of certain phases. Pay attention to any cancellation fees, which might include costs for materials already ordered, design work completed, or administrative fees.

If work has already begun, cancellation becomes more complex. You'll typically be responsible for paying for work completed, materials purchased, and potentially additional costs like restocking fees or cancellation charges from suppliers. The contractor may also be entitled to compensation for lost profits on the uncompleted portion, depending on your contract terms.

Steps to cancel properly in Ottawa:

First, review your contract thoroughly and document your reasons for cancellation. Provide written notice to the contractor as soon as possible - never rely on verbal communication alone. If you're within the 10-day cooling-off period for door-to-door sales, send your cancellation notice by registered mail or deliver it personally with proof of receipt.

Keep detailed records of all communications and take photos of any work completed to date. If you've paid deposits or made progress payments, understand that getting refunds may depend on your contract terms and what work has been completed.

When you might have stronger cancellation grounds:

If the contractor is unlicensed (check ESA licensing at esasafe.com for electrical work, or TSSA certification at tssa.org for gas work), lacks proper insurance or WSIB coverage, or has misrepresented their qualifications, you may have grounds to void the contract entirely. Similarly, if proper permits weren't obtained through the City of Ottawa (613-580-2424), this could affect the contract's validity.

Protection and next steps:

If the contractor refuses to honor legitimate cancellation rights or is demanding unreasonable fees, contact the Ontario Consumer Protection office at ontario.ca/consumer or call 1-800-889-9768. For disputes over payments or contract terms, you may need to consider legal advice or mediation services.

For future contracts, always ensure you understand cancellation terms before signing, verify all licensing and insurance, and confirm that proper City of Ottawa permits will be obtained through ottawa.ca/building before work begins.