Construction & Renovation:

Question: What should I do if a contractor says the work is done but my renovation has defects and they’re demanding final payment in Ontario?

Answer: If you’re in Ontario and facing a renovation dispute over alleged defective work versus a contractor’s demand for payment, document deficiencies with dated photos and written notes, gather the contract, change orders, invoices, texts, and emails, request a clear deficiency list and timeline in writing, avoid paying more than required until deficiencies and holdback obligations are properly addressed, and consider an independent inspection to support negotiation or court.   Legacy Legal Services provides Legal Professionals services for homeowners and contractors across Ontario, offering practical, cost-conscious help to evaluate evidence, quantify claims like unpaid invoices or partial-completion value, and pursue resolution through demand letters, negotiation, Small Claims Court, or Superior Court, so call (226) 246-3825 to get started.

Common Disputes Affecting Contractors

Court disputes between a property owner and a contractor hired for a construction or renovation project frequently arise.  In some courts, especially the Small Claims Court, cases involving contractors and homeowners are prevalent.  In such cases it is common that a property owner will accuse a contractor of poor quality work; and in turn, the contractor accuses the property owner of failure of payment.

Challenges

Construction law cases can be very challenging to litigate due to the extent of laws involves as well as the extent of evidence usually involved and the need for independent witnesses to inspect and provide expert reports as to what constitutes as proper workmanship and thus whether the trade standards or the contractual specifications for the project were met, valuation of the portion of work properly completed, among other things; and accordingly, even the seasoned legal professional may find construction law cases as burdensome to litigate. Disputes involving construction or renovation projects are often additionally troublesome as contractors and property owners alike will frequently begin a lawsuit without first obtaining proper legal advice.

Furthermore, lawsuits involving construction or renovation projects commonly include legal issues that go beyond defective workmanship issues and may also include concerns such as unjust enrichment, consumer protection laws, failures to mitigate, among other concerns.