Renovation disputes are common and expensive. Here’s the 2026 playbook for protecting yourself throughout the process.
Before work begins:
- Get a detailed written contract (scope, payment schedule, timeline, warranty, change order process)
- Verify WSIB clearance certificate (current, not expired)
- Verify general liability insurance ($2M+ minimum) — ask for the certificate of insurance naming you as additional insured
- Check HST registration (CRA Business Registry search)
- Call 3 references from comparable recent projects
During construction:
- Don’t pay ahead of schedule — pay at milestones as defined in contract
- Do a walkthrough at rough-in stage (before walls are closed) — this is your best opportunity to spot issues
- Document everything in writing — changes, approvals, concerns
- If something looks wrong, raise it immediately and in writing. Don’t assume it will be corrected at the end
Payment discipline:
- Never pay the final holdback until deficiencies are resolved
- Keep 10% holdback until the final inspection is passed and deficiency list is complete
- In Ontario, a 45-day lien period applies after substantial completion — you can withhold holdback until this period expires
Lien protection:
- Ontario’s Construction Act gives subcontractors and suppliers the right to lien your property for unpaid amounts — even if you paid your general contractor
- Consider a statutory declaration (sworn statement from your GC) confirming all subcontractors and suppliers have been paid before releasing final holdback
If things go wrong:
- Document everything photographically
- Send written notices by email (creates timestamp record)
- Small Claims Court handles disputes up to $35,000 in Ontario
- HCRA licensing complaints can be filed if the contractor is HCRA-registered
Read real dispute resolution experiences at home.renovation.reviews. LF Builders — 50 years of transparent, dispute-free renovation.
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