What should I do if my contractor won't finish the job?

If your contractor won't finish the job in Ottawa, your first step is to document everything and understand your legal rights under Ontario's Construction Act - you have stronger protections than many homeowners realize.

Immediate Steps to Take

Start by putting your concerns in writing. Send a registered letter to your contractor outlining the unfinished work, referencing your original contract, and setting a reasonable deadline for completion (typically 10-15 business days). Keep copies of everything - your original contract, payments made, photos of incomplete work, and all communications.

Check if your contractor is properly licensed through the ESA (for electrical work at esasafe.com/contractor-locator) or TSSA (for gas/HVAC work at tssa.org). If they're unlicensed and doing work requiring permits, this strengthens your position significantly.

Understanding Your Legal Protections in Ontario

Under Ontario's Construction Act, you have the right to withhold payment for incomplete work. If you haven't paid in full, hold back at least 10% until completion - this is actually required by law for contracts over $500. The contractor cannot place a construction lien on your property for work they haven't completed.

For contracts over $50, Ontario's Consumer Protection Act may also apply, giving you additional rights including the ability to cancel certain contracts within specific timeframes.

Escalation Options in Ottawa

Contact the City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 if permit work is involved. They can confirm whether work meets code requirements and may issue compliance orders. This is particularly important for structural, electrical, or plumbing work that requires inspection.

If your contractor is incorporated, file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and check their standing with the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services. For significant amounts, consider small claims court (up to $35,000 in Ontario) or consult with a construction lawyer.

Financial Protection Strategies

Never pay contractors in full upfront. Ontario construction best practice is to pay no more than 10% down, with progress payments tied to completed milestones. If you've already overpaid, document this carefully as it strengthens any legal action.

Verify the contractor has WSIB coverage at wsib.ca/clearances and appropriate insurance. If they don't, you could be liable for workplace injuries, giving you additional leverage to demand completion.

Getting the Work Completed

You may need to hire another contractor to complete the work. Get detailed quotes for the remaining work and keep all documentation. Under Ontario law, you can potentially recover the additional costs from the original contractor if the replacement work costs more than your remaining contract balance.

Official Resources and Next Steps

Contact Consumer Protection Ontario at ontario.ca/consumer or 1-800-889-9768 for guidance on your specific situation. They can help you understand your rights and next steps.

For permit-related issues, reach out to City of Ottawa Building Code Services. If the work involves utilities, contact ESA (1-877-372-7233) or TSSA (1-877-682-8772) depending on the trade.

The key is acting quickly while documenting everything. Ontario's construction laws favor homeowners who can prove their case with proper documentation and who haven't waived their rights through improper payment practices.