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 costly disputes and ensure proper lien protection.

When dealing with significant home renovations in Ottawa, a legal review becomes particularly valuable because Ontario's Construction Act includes complex lien and holdback provisions that many homeowners don't fully understand. A lawyer familiar with construction law can ensure your contract properly addresses the mandatory 10% holdback period, lien rights, and payment schedules that comply with Ontario regulations.

When Legal Review is Most Important

For projects requiring City of Ottawa building permits - especially structural work, additions, or secondary dwelling units - the contract complexity increases significantly. These projects often involve multiple trades, extended timelines, and substantial financial commitments where a poorly written contract can leave you vulnerable. Kitchen renovations ($25,000-$80,000), bathroom overhauls ($15,000-$50,000), and basement finishing projects ($40-$80 per square foot) in Ottawa frequently benefit from legal oversight.

The lawyer should specifically verify that your contractor has provided proper WSIB clearance certificates, carries adequate liability insurance, and that the contract includes appropriate permit responsibilities. In Ottawa, disputes over who obtains permits through the City's Building Code Services (613-580-2424) are common, and clear contract language prevents confusion.

What Lawyers Look For

A construction lawyer will examine change order procedures, which are critical in Ottawa's older housing stock where unexpected issues frequently arise. They'll ensure the contract specifies how additional work gets approved and priced, preventing the surprise bills that often lead to disputes. The payment schedule should align with Ontario's Construction Act requirements, typically limiting deposits to 10% and tying payments to completion milestones.

The contract should clearly define what happens if permits are delayed through ottawa.ca/building portal, weather impacts the timeline, or the contractor fails to meet ESA or TSSA inspection requirements. These Ottawa-specific scenarios need proper contract protection.

Red Flags That Require Legal Review

If your contractor requests large upfront payments (over 10%), refuses to provide WSIB clearance, or includes vague completion timelines, definitely get legal review. Contracts that don't specify permit responsibilities, lack detailed material specifications, or include unusual lien waiver language should trigger immediate legal consultation.

Cost vs. Protection

Most Ottawa construction lawyers charge $300-$500 for contract review, which is minimal compared to potential dispute costs. Consider that construction disputes in Ontario often involve legal fees of $5,000-$15,000, making preventive review extremely cost-effective.

For smaller projects under $10,000, legal review may be overkill, but ensure you still verify the contractor's ESA license at esasafe.com, check WSIB clearance at wsib.ca, and understand your rights under Ontario consumer protection laws at ontario.ca/consumer.

The investment in legal review provides peace of mind and protection that's particularly valuable in Ottawa's competitive renovation market.