What is the 10-day cooling off period for home renovations in Ontario?

Ontario does NOT have a 10-day cooling-off period for home renovation contracts - this is a common misconception that can leave Ottawa homeowners vulnerable if they're counting on protection that doesn't exist.

The confusion often comes from mixing up different consumer protection rules. Ontario's Consumer Protection Act does provide cooling-off periods for certain types of contracts, but standard home renovation agreements are specifically excluded from these protections.

What Ontario Actually Protects

The 10-day cooling-off period in Ontario applies to:

• Door-to-door sales over $50


• Timeshare agreements


• Personal development services (like gym memberships)


• Direct sales contracts made away from the seller's permanent place of business

Home renovation contracts signed at the contractor's office, your home during a scheduled appointment, or after you initiated contact are NOT covered by cooling-off provisions.

Special Exception: Emergency Repairs

There is one renovation-related cooling-off period in Ontario: if you're pressured into signing for "emergency repairs" by a door-to-door contractor, you have 10 days to cancel. This applies when contractors show up uninvited claiming you need immediate roof, furnace, or other urgent repairs.

Protecting Yourself in Ottawa Without Cooling-Off Rights

Since you can't rely on a cooling-off period, Ottawa homeowners need to be extra careful before signing:

Before You Sign:

• Verify the contractor's WSIB clearance at wsib.ca/clearances


• Check ESA licensing for electrical contractors at esasafe.com


• Confirm TSSA certification for gas/HVAC work at tssa.org


• Get at least three detailed quotes for comparison


• Ensure they have proper insurance and Ottawa business licensing

Contract Protection:

• Never pay large amounts upfront (10% maximum recommended)


• Ensure all permits are the contractor's responsibility


• Include specific materials, timelines, and cleanup requirements


• Verify they understand Ontario's Construction Lien Act holdback requirements (10% held for 60 days after completion)

Red Flags to Avoid:

• High-pressure tactics demanding immediate signing


• Requests for full payment upfront


• No fixed business address in Ottawa area


• Unwillingness to provide references or licensing information

If You Need to Cancel

Without a cooling-off period, your options are limited to what's written in your contract. Some contractors may include their own cancellation clauses, but they're not required to. If you signed with a scammer or unlicensed contractor, contact the Ontario Consumer Protection Office at ontario.ca/consumer or call 1-800-889-9768.

The key is prevention - take time to properly vet contractors before signing, because once you sign a legitimate renovation contract in Ontario, you're generally bound by its terms.