How do I handle a contractor who won't return my calls?

If your Ottawa contractor isn't returning calls, you need to escalate quickly using written communication and know your legal options under Ontario's consumer protection laws.

Start by switching to written communication immediately. Send an email or registered letter documenting your concerns, outstanding work, and deadline for response. This creates a paper trail that's crucial if you need to pursue legal action later. Give them 48-72 hours to respond in writing.

Document Everything First

Before taking action, gather all your documentation: the signed contract, payment records, photos of completed and incomplete work, and any previous communication. If you don't have a written contract, this significantly weakens your position, but you still have options under Ontario consumer protection laws.

Check if you paid by credit card - you may be able to dispute charges for incomplete work through your credit card company. This can provide immediate relief while you pursue other remedies.

Verify Their License Status

Use this time to verify your contractor's credentials haven't lapsed. For electrical work, check licensing.esasafe.com to ensure their ESA license is current. For gas work, verify TSSA certification at tssa.org. If they're unlicensed, this strengthens your position significantly.

Check their WSIB clearance certificate status at wsib.ca/clearances. If it's expired, they're working illegally and you have additional leverage.

Know Your Holdback Rights

Under Ontario's Construction Lien Act, you should be holding back 10% of the contract value until 60 days after substantial completion. If you haven't been doing this, don't make any further payments until the communication issue is resolved. This holdback is your strongest protection.

Escalation Steps for Ottawa Contractors

Contact the Better Business Bureau and file a complaint - many contractors will respond when they see this affects their rating. If they're members of a trade association, file complaints there as well.

For contractors doing work requiring City of Ottawa permits, contact Building Code Services at 613-580-2424. If permit work is being done improperly or abandoned, the city has enforcement powers.

Legal Options in Ontario

You can file a claim in Small Claims Court (up to $35,000) or Superior Court for larger amounts. The Tarion Warranty Corporation covers new home construction, but most renovation work falls under general consumer protection laws.

Contact Legal Aid Ontario at 1-800-668-8258 for guidance on your options. Many lawyers offer free consultations for construction disputes.

When to Cut Ties

If a contractor goes more than a week without responding to written communication, especially if work is incomplete or defective, consider this abandonment. Don't wait months hoping they'll return - your legal position weakens over time.

Prevention for Next Time

Always include communication requirements in your contract: response time to calls/emails, regular progress updates, and consequences for non-communication. Require all change orders and communications in writing.

The key is acting quickly and documenting everything. Ottawa contractors know that homeowners who understand their rights and document properly are the ones who get results.

For help finding properly licensed and vetted contractors for future projects, check our verified contractor directory at https://justynrookcontracting.com/directory where all contractors are pre-screened for licensing and insurance compliance.