Renovation contract in Ontario puts the project scope, price, schedule and responsibilities in writing before construction starts. It gives both the homeowner and contractor a shared reference when questions or changes come up. Use this checklist to review an agreement and ask for clarification before you sign.
What to include in a renovation contract
- Names and contact details: identify the homeowner, contracting business and the person responsible for project communication.
- Detailed scope: list rooms, demolition, installation, finishes, quantities and what is excluded. Attach drawings or specifications when they form part of the agreement.
- Price and estimate: state the total or explain how the price will be calculated, including taxes, allowances and exclusions. Ontario says that if an estimate is included, the final price generally cannot exceed it by more than 10% unless you agree to additional or different work or a new price.
- Payment schedule: show deposit and milestone amounts and when each payment is due. Ontario recommends keeping down-payments to a minimum and no more than 10% of the total.
- Schedule: include anticipated start and completion dates, working hours and how delays are communicated.
- Materials and selections: record product names, models, finishes, allowances, who orders them and how substitutions are approved.
- Changes: require written change orders that describe the revised work, price and schedule, signed or approved before the extra work begins.
- Permits and inspections: identify who will apply, pay and arrange inspections. Confirm permit requirements with your municipality before construction.
- Subcontractors, cleanup and warranty: describe who coordinates trades, removes debris, protects occupied areas and handles warranty requests.
- Insurance and workplace coverage: ask for current proof relevant to the work and confirm the business and subcontractors are properly covered.
Ontario consumer protections to know
Ontario’s official guidance says home renovation contracts worth more than $50 must be in writing. If you sign a renovation or repair contract worth $50 or more in your home, you generally have a 10-calendar-day cooling-off period. Exceptions and details can depend on how the agreement was made and what happened after signing, so read the government guidance or get legal advice for your situation. If an estimate is part of the contract, the price rule described above applies unless you agree to new or different work or a new price.
Read Ontario’s home renovation contract and consumer-rights guidance. This article is general information, not legal advice.
Red flags to resolve before signing
Pause if the agreement has a vague scope, blank spaces, verbal promises that are missing from the document, pressure to sign immediately, a large upfront payment, or no process for changes and delays. Ask for references and proof of insurance. Do not rely on a rebate or permit promise without checking the relevant program or municipality yourself.
Questions to ask your contractor
- What exactly is excluded from the price?
- How are hidden conditions or extra work priced and approved?
- Who obtains permits and schedules inspections?
- How will the home be protected and cleaned each day?
- What is the written workmanship warranty and how do I request service?
Frequently asked questions
Should every change be in writing?
Yes. A written change order records the added or revised work, cost and timing so there is less room for misunderstanding.
Is a deposit legally capped at 10%?
Ontario’s consumer guidance recommends keeping down-payments to a minimum and no more than 10%. Treat this as government advice for consumers, and review your project terms before agreeing to a payment schedule.
Plan your renovation with a clear agreement
Razco works with homeowners across Toronto and the GTA. Before work begins, we review the scope, selections, schedule and next steps together. Explore our renovation services or contact Razco to discuss your project.