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Construction & Renovation:
Contractor Disputes Including Workmanship Quality Concerns, Among Other Issues
Last Updated: June 12 2026
Question: How can I resolve a defective workmanship or incomplete construction dispute with a contractor in Ontario?
Answer: If you’re dealing with alleged defective work, incomplete work, or a payment fight on a renovation or construction project, Theresa Forrest, Paralegal provides Paralegal support across Ontario to help you organize evidence, assess contract and trade-standard issues, quantify damages or the value of partial work (including quantum meruit and unjust enrichment arguments), and pursue or defend a Small Claims Court case up to $35,000 per plaintiff. Call (519) 902-4223 to discuss a practical, cost-conscious plan to protect your rights and move the dispute toward a clear resolution.
Common Disputes Affecting Contractors
The disputes between a property owner and those hired to perform project work, whether as construction or renovation or maintenance projects, frequently end up in court. In some courts, such as the Small Claims Court, with a $35,000 limit per Plaintiff, defective workmanship cases are among some of the most commonly occurring cases. Allegations often include defective work or incomplete work.
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.
