General Questions
General questions about working with contractors and navigating renovations in Ottawa
What does a workmanship warranty cover?
In Ottawa, a workmanship warranty covers defects in the contractor's installation, craftsmanship, and labor - but understanding exactly what's include...
Should I always get a written contract for renovations?
Absolutely yes - in Ontario, any home improvement contract over $50 must be in writing, and for renovations in Ottawa, a detailed written contract is...
What are the height restrictions for additions in Ottawa?
In Ottawa, residential additions are typically limited to a maximum height of 11 meters (36 feet) for most residential zones, but the specific restric...
Can I withhold payment if the work is not done properly?
Yes, in Ontario you can withhold payment for defective work, but you must follow specific legal procedures to protect yourself from construction liens...
What are common renovation scams in the Ottawa area?
Ottawa homeowners face several common renovation scams, with door-to-door contractors and unlicensed workers being the biggest threats in our area. T...
What certifications should an HVAC technician have?
In Ottawa, HVAC technicians must have TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) certification to legally work on gas appliances and heating syst...
What is the Ontario Consumer Protection Act for home renovations?
The Ontario Consumer Protection Act (CPA) provides crucial protections for Ottawa homeowners hiring contractors for renovation projects, including man...
What is the Committee of Adjustment in Ottawa?
The Committee of Adjustment in Ottawa is a quasi-judicial body that hears applications for minor variances, consents (property severances), and appeal...
What is a minor variance, and how do I apply for one?
A minor variance in Ottawa is permission from the Committee of Adjustment to build something that doesn't quite meet the zoning rules - like building...
What is liquidated damages in a construction contract?
Liquidated damages in construction contracts are pre-agreed penalty amounts that contractors must pay for each day a project runs past the completion...
What are the warning signs of driveway paving scams?
Driveway paving scams are extremely common in Ottawa, especially in neighborhoods like Kanata, Orleans, and Barrhaven where door-to-door scammers targ...
What is a holdback, and do I need one for renovations in Ontario?
Yes, you absolutely need a holdback for renovations in Ontario - it's required by law under the Construction Lien Act and protects you from potential...
What should I do before signing a renovation contract?
Before signing any renovation contract in Ottawa, take time to verify your contractor's credentials, understand the permit requirements, and protect y...
Can I include a penalty clause in my renovation contract?
Yes, you can include penalty clauses in your renovation contract in Ottawa, but they must be reasonable and enforceable under Ontario law. However, th...
Should I use a lawyer to review my renovation contract?
For major renovations in Ottawa (over $25,000), having a lawyer review your contract is often worth the $300-500 investment to protect yourself from c...
Can I cancel a renovation contract after signing it?
In Ontario, you have limited rights to cancel a renovation contract after signing, but there are specific protections depending on how and where you s...
Is there warranty protection for home renovations in Ontario?
Yes, Ontario has specific warranty protection for home renovations, but coverage depends on the type of work and contractor you hire. In Ontario, ren...
Can a plumber also do HVAC work in Ontario?
In Ontario, plumbers and HVAC technicians require different licenses, so most plumbers cannot legally do HVAC work unless they hold additional certifi...
What notice do I need to give neighbors for a variance?
In Ottawa, you don't personally notify neighbors for a minor variance application - the City of Ottawa handles all neighbor notification as part of th...
Can I widen my driveway in Ottawa?
Yes, you can widen your driveway in Ottawa, but you'll need a permit from the City of Ottawa and must comply with specific zoning requirements and set...
Do I need the ESA certificate to sell my house?
No, you don't need an ESA certificate to sell your house in Ottawa, but any unpermitted electrical work could become a major issue during the sale pro...
What rebates are available for energy-efficient renovations in Ottawa?
Ottawa homeowners can access several energy efficiency rebates through federal, provincial, and utility programs, but navigating these requires workin...
What is the statutory holdback in Ontario construction law?
In Ontario, contractors and property owners must hold back 10% of the contract price for 60 days after completion under the Construction Act (formerly...
What is the Ontario Construction Lien Act and how does it protect me?
The Ontario Construction Lien Act (now called the Construction Act) is a powerful law that protects Ottawa homeowners by requiring you to hold back 10...
What is the Home Construction Regulatory Authority in Ontario?
The Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA) is Ontario's new regulatory body that oversees home builders and vendors, replacing Tarion as the wa...
Do I need an architect for my home renovation in Ottawa?
Most Ottawa home renovations don't require an architect, but larger structural projects and additions over certain sizes do need professional design u...
What should be included in a renovation contract?
A renovation contract in Ottawa should include specific payment terms, detailed scope of work, and all required licensing and permit information to pr...
What is a reasonable warranty period for renovation work?
In Ottawa, most reputable contractors offer a 1-year warranty on workmanship, though warranty periods can vary significantly based on the type of work...
Should the contract include a completion date with penalties?
Yes, your Ottawa construction contract should include a specific completion date with reasonable penalties for delays, but structure it carefully to p...
What is the 10-day cooling off period for home renovations in Ontario?
Ontario does NOT have a 10-day cooling-off period for home renovation contracts - this is a common misconception that can leave Ottawa homeowners vuln...
What is the Tarion warranty, and does it cover renovations?
Tarion warranty is Ontario's new home warranty program, but it does NOT cover renovations - only newly constructed homes and condos. Tarion Warranty...
Can a handyman do electrical or plumbing work in Ontario?
No, handymen cannot legally perform electrical or plumbing work in Ontario - these trades require specific licensing and permits that only certified p...