What is the cooling off period for contractor contracts in Ontario?

In Ontario, there is NO automatic cooling-off period for contractor contracts signed in your home or at the contractor's location. This is a critical protection gap that many Ottawa homeowners don't realize exists.

When You DO Have Cooling-Off Rights

You only get a 10-day cooling-off period under Ontario's Consumer Protection Act if:

• The contract was signed at a location OTHER than your home or the contractor's business premises


• Examples: home shows, door-to-door sales that move to a neutral location, mall kiosks


• The contract must be over $50


• You can cancel within 10 days of receiving a written copy of the contract

The Ottawa Reality: Most Contracts Have NO Cooling-Off Period

If you sign a renovation contract:

• In your Ottawa home during a consultation


• At the contractor's office in Kanata, Orleans, or anywhere else


• After requesting the contractor to visit your property

You are legally bound immediately. There's no "I changed my mind" period like you get with door-to-door sales or gym memberships.

Protecting Yourself Before Signing

Since you can't rely on a cooling-off period, take these steps:

Verification First: Always verify the contractor's credentials before signing anything. Check their ESA license at esasafe.com if they're doing electrical work, verify WSIB clearance at wsib.ca, and confirm they're properly insured.

Multiple Quotes: Get at least three detailed quotes from different Ottawa contractors. This gives you time to think and compare without pressure.

Contract Review: Take time to read every detail. Legitimate contractors won't pressure you to sign immediately. If they do, that's a red flag.

Payment Schedule: Never pay large amounts upfront. Ontario's Construction Lien Act allows you to hold back 10% for 60 days after completion, but that only helps if you haven't already overpaid.

What If You've Already Signed?

If you've signed a contract and want out, your options are limited:

• Check if the contract has its own cancellation clause


• Look for misrepresentation or unfair practices that might void the contract


• Contact the Ontario Consumer Protection office at ontario.ca/consumer for guidance


• Consider legal advice if significant money is involved

Red Flags in Ottawa

Be especially wary of contractors who:

• Show up unsolicited after storms (common in Ottawa after ice storms)


• Pressure you to sign immediately with "today only" pricing


• Request large upfront payments


• Can't provide proper licensing verification


• Don't offer detailed written contracts

The lack of cooling-off protection makes it essential to do your homework before signing any contractor agreement in Ottawa. Take your time, verify credentials, and never let anyone pressure you into an immediate decision on a major home renovation project.