What is a reasonable warranty period for renovation work?

In Ottawa, most reputable contractors offer 1-2 years warranty on workmanship, with material warranties varying by manufacturer - but the key is getting this clearly defined in your contract before work begins.

Ontario's Consumer Protection Act provides some baseline protection, but renovation warranties aren't standardized like new home warranties. Here's what you should expect and negotiate for different types of work:

Typical Ottawa Contractor Warranty Periods:

• General renovation work: 1-2 years on workmanship


• Electrical work: 1 year minimum (ESA requires defect correction)


• Plumbing: 1-2 years on installation, manufacturer warranty on fixtures


• HVAC installation: 1 year on installation, equipment warranties separate


• Flooring installation: 1 year typical, though some offer 2-3 years


• Roofing: 2-5 years on workmanship, 10-25 years on materials

What Should Be Covered:
Your warranty should clearly distinguish between workmanship defects (contractor's responsibility) and normal wear-and-tear or material failures (usually manufacturer's responsibility). Workmanship coverage includes improper installation, failure to meet Ontario Building Code requirements, or work that doesn't match contract specifications.

Getting It In Writing:
Never rely on verbal warranty promises. Your contract should specify exactly what's covered, for how long, and the process for making claims. Include language about the contractor's obligation to return and fix issues at no charge during the warranty period. For major renovations in Ottawa, many contractors will also provide a warranty certificate separate from the main contract.

Red Flags to Watch For:
Be cautious of contractors offering unusually long warranties (5+ years on workmanship) or no warranty at all. Extremely long warranties often indicate inflated pricing, while no warranty suggests the contractor may not stand behind their work. Also watch for warranties that require you to use specific maintenance products or services.

Material vs. Workmanship Warranties:
Understand that most materials come with separate manufacturer warranties. Your contractor should help facilitate these claims but isn't responsible for product defects. However, if improper installation causes premature material failure, that falls under workmanship warranty.

WSIB and Insurance Considerations:
Ensure your contractor maintains WSIB coverage and liability insurance throughout the warranty period. If they go out of business or lose coverage, warranty claims become much more difficult. You can verify current WSIB status at wsib.ca/clearances.

Documentation is Key:
Keep detailed records of all warranty communications, photos of any issues, and copies of repair requests. This documentation becomes crucial if you need to pursue resolution through Ontario's consumer protection mechanisms or small claims court.

For major renovations over $50,000, consider asking about extended warranty options or third-party warranty programs that some Ottawa contractors participate in. These provide additional protection if the original contractor becomes unavailable.