What warranty should I expect on renovation work?

Most reputable contractors in Ottawa provide a 1-year warranty on workmanship, though warranty terms vary significantly based on the type of work and materials used. At Justyn Rook Contracting, we stand behind our work with comprehensive warranty coverage because quality renovations should give you peace of mind, not ongoing headaches.

Workmanship vs. Material Warranties are two distinct categories you need to understand. Workmanship warranties cover the actual installation and construction quality - things like proper tile installation, plumbing connections, electrical work, and structural modifications. This typically ranges from 1-2 years with established contractors. Material warranties come directly from manufacturers and can range from 1 year for basic fixtures up to lifetime warranties for certain products like some faucets or flooring.

Different renovation areas have different warranty expectations in the Ottawa market. Bathroom renovations should include warranty on waterproofing (crucial in our freeze-thaw climate), tile work, plumbing connections, and fixture installation. Kitchen renovations typically warrant cabinet installation, countertop installation, plumbing, and electrical connections. For basement finishing and secondary suites, expect coverage on framing, drywall, flooring installation, and any plumbing or electrical rough-in work.

Ontario's consumer protection laws provide additional safeguards through the Consumer Protection Act, which requires written contracts for home improvement work over $50. However, don't rely solely on legal minimums - a contractor confident in their work will offer clear warranty terms upfront. Licensed contractors carry WSIB coverage, which protects you from liability if workers are injured, but this is separate from workmanship warranties.

Red flags to avoid include contractors who won't provide written warranty terms, offer unusually long warranties (often a sign they'll disappear), or exclude common issues like minor settling cracks or seasonal wood movement. Be wary of contractors who blame every issue on "normal settling" - quality work should minimize these problems. Cash-only contractors rarely honor warranties since they're often not properly licensed or insured.

What should be excluded from reasonable warranty expectations includes normal wear and tear, damage from misuse, issues caused by settling of homes over 50 years old, and problems arising from work done by other contractors. Seasonal wood movement in our Ottawa climate is normal, but major gaps or structural issues are not.

Get warranty terms in writing before work begins, including specific coverage periods for different components, what constitutes normal wear versus warranty issues, and the contractor's process for addressing warranty claims. Reputable contractors will also provide you with all manufacturer warranties for materials and appliances installed.

For major renovations like kitchens, bathrooms, or secondary suites, ensure your contractor is properly licensed and insured - this protects both the warranty validity and your investment. Want to discuss warranty coverage for your specific renovation project? Contact Justyn Rook Contracting for a free consultation where we'll explain exactly what's covered and for how long.