This article is aimed at both the client and the contractor who will be responsible for the renovation project. Both have a vested interest in making sure that the contract they sign is clear and contains all the information that is important to specify. For both parties, this is a question of protection and clarity.

Giving or getting a quote and signing the contract

The field of construction and renovation has a reputation that is hard to shake off, which is that contractors often improvise and pay little attention to detail. It is common to see contracts that are incomplete and even completely left unwritten. Unfortunately, this sometimes leads to problems because, in the event of a problematic situation, a misunderstanding or a lack of honesty, the absence of written evidence can complicate the situation further. That's why it's so important to put everything in writing and to be very specific. Grey areas must be avoided.

Once a contract has been drawn up, it is important that the client and the contractor review it together point by point. This makes it easier to know if both parties are on the same page. In addition, this step can be a good way to detect signs to recognize a poorly organized or even ill-intentioned person.

The elements that must be included in a renovation contract

According to the Régie du Bâtiment du Québec and the Office of Consumer Protection, the following information should be included in a renovation contract:

• The full name and address of the contractor;
• The licence and permit number (if applicable);
• A declaration stating that the contractor agrees to comply to municipal by-laws and building codes;
• Their liability insurance information as well as the name of their insurance company;
• A detailed description of the work to be done as well as the materials required for their completion;
• The general conditions;
• A description of the different parts of the project and the associated amounts;
• The payment methods;
• The total price of the work;
• A signature from both parties.

Specifying the clauses associated with the contract

Any element that could cause the nature of the renovation contract to change should be written on the document. For example, the customer may request a written statement informing that in the event that additional work needs to be done, they must absolutely be notified.

The visual structure of the renovation contract

There are no specific instructions to follow regarding the disposition of the content presented in the contract. This does not mean that it should be written and presented randomly. For precision, the content should be divided into clear sections, separated by lines or spaces.

In general, the first section is used to identify the client and the contractor and present their contact information. The next section includes a description of the work to be completed with all the information related to the project.

The section on costs and payments is particularly important. This is where there may be potential sources of litigation. It is important for both parties to ensure that everything is clear with respect to amounts to be paid, deposits, timelines, terms and methods of payment.

The other sections vary from contract to contract, but in many cases, there is a calendar of the work, a portion covering insurance, guarantees, standards, security, clauses and conditions. Of course, at the end of the contract, boxes are included where the contractor and client can sign.

Renovation contract: what you should do in case of a problem

As illustrated in the previous paragraphs, a poorly drafted contract can lead to problems. Unfortunately, it is not possible to go back once the document has been signed (except in certain occasions such as with door-to-door salespeople in the province of Quebec).

What to do in case a dispute arises due to a misunderstanding on a renovation contract? Several options are available to both parties. The first step, of course, is to try to come to an agreement to resolve the situation. However, if this is not possible, they can turn to the legal options. The tool that comes first and is generally very efficient is the formal notice. The party making the complaint sends the formal notice to the other party, asking them to offer compensation or to find a solution, failing which other procedures will be initiated. If the formal notice does not have the desired effect, they can turn to the courts to settle the dispute.

Faced with this seemingly complex process, there are resources available to simplify the steps and reduce associated costs. For example, BidSettle is an online service which allows you to send a formal notice quickly and inexpensively. It is also possible to use it for a negotiation service or to speak to a lawyer who will be able to offer legal advice.

Would you like to know more about the resources available to solve problems following the signing of a renovation contract? Here are some articles that might be useful:

• A contractor asks to be paid before the work is done: what you should do
• Legal recourses for a poorly executed renovation project

Note: this text presents options in case a contractor does not fulfil their part of the contract. It does not represent legal advice. For specific advice about your case, talk to a lawyer.