Construction & Renovation: Contractor Disputes Including Workmanship Quality Concerns, Among Other Issues

Question: What are common disputes in construction projects in Canada?

Answer: Common disputes in construction projects often involve allegations of defective or incomplete workmanship, breach of contract, or unjust enrichment. These disputes require substantial evidence and expert analysis to resolve, making them complex to navigate in courts like the Small Claims Court with a $35,000 limit per Plaintiff. Considering legal guidance early can help streamline the process and mitigate further complications. For professional support in your construction dispute, Reznik Legal Services can guide you through the intricacies of construction law, from inspection to evidence gathering.

Common Disputes Affecting Contractors

Court disputes between a property owner and a contractor hired for a construction or renovation project frequently arise.  In some courts, especially the Small Claims Court, cases involving contractors and homeowners are prevalent.  In such cases it is common that a property owner will accuse a contractor of poor quality work; and in turn, the contractor accuses the property owner of failure of payment.

Challenges

Disputes involving construction or renovation projects are often challenging due to the many legal issues that typically apply within the realm of construction law. Common issues may involve the extent of, and quality of, evidence required, such as the need sometimes for an independent witness to inspect and provide a reports as to what workmanship was done correctly and what workmanship was done incorrectly thus whether the required workmanship standards were met. 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 allegations of poor quality of work and also include legal issues such as quantum meruit disputes over the value of partially completed work, consumer rights concerns, mitigation requirements, and much more.