What does the workmanship warranty cover?

In Ontario, workmanship warranties typically cover defects in the contractor's installation and craftsmanship for 1-2 years, but what's actually covered depends entirely on what's written in your contract with your Ottawa contractor.

The workmanship warranty is separate from manufacturer warranties on products and materials. It specifically covers problems that arise from poor installation, faulty workmanship, or the contractor not following proper building practices. This might include things like improperly installed flooring that's buckling, electrical work that doesn't meet code, or plumbing connections that leak due to poor installation.

What Should Be Included in Ottawa Contracts

When hiring contractors in Ottawa, your written contract should clearly specify the workmanship warranty period and what it covers. Most reputable contractors offer 1-2 years on workmanship, though some specialized trades might offer different terms. The warranty should cover returning to fix any defects in their work at no charge to you, including both labor and any materials needed for the repair.

Your contract should also specify what's NOT covered - typically normal wear and tear, damage from misuse, or problems with manufacturer-defective products (which would be covered under separate manufacturer warranties). Make sure the warranty terms are in writing before you sign anything.

Ontario's Consumer Protection

Under Ontario's Consumer Protection Act, you have additional rights beyond what's in your contract. If a contractor fails to honor their workmanship warranty, you can file complaints with Consumer Protection Ontario at ontario.ca/consumer or call 1-800-889-9768. For more serious issues, the Construction Lien Act provides additional protections - you can hold back 10% of payments for 60 days after substantial completion to ensure warranty issues are addressed.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious of contractors who won't put warranty terms in writing, offer unusually short warranty periods (less than 1 year), or try to exclude too many things from coverage. Also watch out for contractors who aren't properly licensed with ESA (for electrical) or TSSA (for gas work) - unlicensed work typically voids any meaningful warranty protection.

Verifying Your Contractor's Ability to Honor Warranties

Before hiring any contractor in Ottawa, verify they have current WSIB coverage at wsib.ca/clearances and proper liability insurance. A contractor who goes out of business or loses their insurance can't honor warranty commitments. For electrical work, verify ESA licensing at esasafe.com/contractor-locator, and for gas work, check TSSA certification at tssa.org.

Always get warranty terms in writing as part of your contract, and keep all documentation. If issues arise during the warranty period, document them with photos and contact your contractor in writing to create a paper trail.

For help finding properly licensed and insured contractors in Ottawa who stand behind their work, check our verified contractor directory at https://ottawaconstructionnetwork.com/directory.