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 your most important protection.

Under Ontario's Consumer Protection Act, contractors are legally required to provide written contracts for any work exceeding $50. But beyond the legal requirement, a proper contract protects you from cost overruns, scope creep, and disputes that are unfortunately common in Ottawa's busy renovation market.

What Your Ottawa Renovation Contract Must Include

Your contract should specify the exact scope of work, materials (including brand names and model numbers where applicable), timeline with start and completion dates, and total cost broken down by labor and materials. It must include the contractor's full business name, address, phone number, and license numbers (ESA for electrical, TSSA for gas work, WSIB clearance number).

Payment schedules are crucial - never pay large amounts upfront. A typical Ottawa renovation payment schedule might be 10% to start, 25% at rough-in stage, 25% at drywall completion, 25% at substantial completion, and 15% final payment after deficiencies are corrected. Under Ontario's Construction Lien Act, you're entitled to hold back 10% of the contract value for 60 days after substantial completion.

Essential Contract Clauses for Ottawa Projects

Include specific permit requirements - who obtains them and pays the fees. In Ottawa, building permits for renovations typically cost $200-500+ and take 15-25 business days. Specify that all electrical work will be done by ESA-licensed contractors and that gas work requires TSSA-certified technicians.

Your contract should address change orders (how additional work will be priced and approved), cleanup responsibilities, protection of existing areas, and what happens if materials are delayed or unavailable. Include a clause about City of Ottawa inspections and who's responsible if work fails inspection.

Red Flags in Renovation Contracts

Be extremely wary of contractors who want large upfront payments, refuse to provide written contracts, or pressure you to sign immediately. Avoid contracts with vague language like "as needed" or "builder's choice" for materials. Never sign contracts that waive your lien rights or include clauses preventing you from withholding payment for defective work.

Door-to-door contractors offering "leftover materials" or time-limited deals are almost always scams. Legitimate Ottawa contractors are busy enough that they don't need high-pressure tactics.

Getting It Right in Ottawa

Before signing, verify the contractor's credentials through ESA's contractor locator (esasafe.com), check WSIB clearance status, and confirm they're properly insured. For major renovations, consider having a lawyer review the contract - it's a small cost compared to your total investment.

If disputes arise, contact the City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424) for permit-related issues, or Ontario's consumer protection office for contract violations. Having everything in writing gives you the documentation needed to resolve problems.

A detailed written contract might seem like extra paperwork, but in Ottawa's competitive renovation market, it's the difference between a successful project and a costly nightmare.