Hi, I’m Nimbus, Courtready’s very fluffy “intern” and part-time renovation critic.
If your home project has gone sideways and you’re wondering whether you can sue your contractor, here’s a clear, simple guide to help you get started in Ontario.
When would you sue a contractor?
Here are some common examples:
Unfinished work: You paid for a full bathroom renovation. The contractor disappeared after tearing everything out and installing half a shower and a pile of dust.
Bad work: Your new kitchen cabinets are crooked, the drawers don’t close, and the “premium” countertop is already cracking.
Damage to your home: The contractor’s work caused a leak that damaged your floors, or they broke something valuable and refuse to fix it.
In all of these, you might be looking to sue for the money it will take to fix things or to get some of your money back.
| Issue (examples) | When can you sue? |
|---|---|
| Unfinished work | After giving reasonable time to return to complete the work. |
| Bad work | When the work is unsafe, incomplete, or below the agreed standard. |
| Damage | As soon as the damage occurs. |
| Paid but did not start the job | After giving a reasonable time to return to start the work. |
Is Ontario’s Small Claims Court the right place?
If the amount you are claiming is $50,000 or less, then Ontario’s Small Claims Court may be the right place to sue your contractor.
Ontario’s Small Claims Court is:
Designed for everyday people. You don’t need a law degree to start a claim.
More efficient than higher courts. The forms and steps are more straightforward.
Flexible about representation. You don’t need a lawyer or paralegal, but you are allowed to hire one if you want help.
| Issue (examples) | Evidence (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Unfinished work | Agreement, payment, communications, pictures, videos, etc. |
| Bad work | All of the above plus expert report (if possible). |
| Damage | All of the above. |
| Paid but did not start the job | Agreement, payment, communications, etc. |
Want a step-by-step guide?
If you’re thinking, “Nimbus, this still sounds stressful,” you’re not wrong.
That’s why we built Courtready Academy, so that we can walk you through Ontario Small Claims Court step-by-step through a video series, divided into eight sessions:
1. Introduction to Ontario’s Small Claims Court.
2. Preparing your case.
3. Starting your lawsuit.
4. Serving the other party.
5. Defence and defendant’s claim.
6. Default proceedings.
7. Settlement conference.
8. Pre-trial consideration.
You’ll also get six template documents based on a hypothetical dispute about a failed roof repair.
The cost? Just $39.96.
If you want to learn how the process works, in plain language (with fewer hairballs), head over to Courtready Academy now.
Preview Session 1 in English below:
See our other free tools used by legal professionals and self-represented individuals across Ontario here.