Should I hold back money on an Ottawa ramp job?

The Construction Act requires an owner to hold back 10 per cent of the price of services or materials as they are supplied, so ask a lawyer how that applies to your ramp job.

Liens expire 60 days after completion events under the Act, so ask a lawyer about release timing before you hand over the final amount on any larger job.

What this means for a ramp contract

A few things are worth knowing before you sign anything:

• Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2002, if the contract was made at your home (not at the contractor's place of business), it is a direct agreement. It must be in writing and delivered to you, and you have 10 days after receiving that written copy to cancel without any reason.
• If the contract includes an estimate, the final charge cannot be more than 10 per cent over that estimate, regardless of how the contract was signed.
• If you want to cancel a direct agreement in writing, keep a copy of whatever you send. If work has already started, speak with a lawyer before cancelling.
• The Government of Ontario's guide for seniors notes that seniors can be targeted by dishonest renovation companies, and advises asking for three references and checking them before work begins.

On the WSIB side, WSIB says people who own or run a construction business in Ontario must have coverage, with some exceptions, including independent operators doing only home renovation work for the person who hires them or that person's family. Workers the contractor hires, however, must still be covered. Ask the contractor directly whether their workers are covered.

Ask the contractor to set out the payment schedule in writing, including what triggers each invoice, and take it to a lawyer if the job is large.