How do I handle a contractor who keeps changing their quote?

A contractor who keeps changing their quote is a major red flag in Ottawa's construction market - this often signals poor project management, scope creep tactics, or worse, potential fraud.

When working with contractors in Ottawa, legitimate price changes should only occur for specific, documented reasons. Here's how to protect yourself:

Why Quotes Change (Legitimate vs. Red Flags)

Legitimate reasons include discovering unexpected structural issues, changes in material costs, or scope modifications you've requested. However, constant quote changes without clear justification often indicate a contractor trying to increase profits after securing the job, or someone who didn't properly assess the work initially.

Your Protection Under Ontario Law

Under Ontario's Consumer Protection Act, contractors must provide written estimates for work over $50. For projects over $500, they must provide a detailed written contract before starting work. If a contractor keeps changing prices without proper documentation, they may be violating provincial consumer protection laws.

Immediate Steps to Take

First, stop all work immediately if it hasn't started yet. Don't sign anything new or make additional payments. Document every quote change in writing - take photos of written estimates and save all emails or texts discussing price changes.

Contact the City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 to verify if your contractor has pulled proper permits. Check their ESA license at esasafe.com/contractor-locator if electrical work is involved, or their TSSA certification at tssa.org for gas/HVAC work. Verify their WSIB clearance at wsib.ca to ensure you're protected from liability.

What to Demand from Your Contractor

Request a detailed breakdown of every price change with specific justifications. Legitimate contractors should provide clear explanations like "discovered knob-and-tube wiring requiring ESA-approved replacement" or "structural beam needs engineer approval per Ontario Building Code Section 9.4."

Ask for a fixed-price contract with a clear change order process. This should specify that any changes require your written approval before implementation, with detailed cost breakdowns and timeline impacts.

When to Walk Away

If the contractor cannot provide clear documentation for changes, refuses to put agreements in writing, or pressures you to sign immediately, end the relationship. Other red flags include demanding large upfront payments, lacking proper licensing, or being evasive about permits.

Your Recourse Options

Contact the Ontario Consumer Protection office at ontario.ca/consumer to file a complaint. For significant disputes, consider contacting a lawyer familiar with Ontario's Construction Act, particularly regarding lien rights and payment disputes.

If work has started and you've made payments, understand your holdback rights under Ontario's Construction Act - you can retain 10% of payments for 60 days after substantial completion to protect against liens.

Finding Better Contractors

Use the City of Ottawa's contractor verification process and always get three detailed quotes from properly licensed contractors. Check references from recent Ottawa-area projects and verify all licensing through official Ontario channels before signing any contracts.

Remember, professional contractors in Ottawa understand the permit process, provide clear documentation, and respect your right to understand all costs upfront.