Question 1

What should a written concrete contract in Ontario include?

Accepted Answer

A written contract for concrete work in Ontario should cover the scope, the materials, the price, and the legal protections the Consumer Protection Act, 2002 gives you. Here is what to look for before you sign. The Consumer Protection Act, 2002 says that a direct agreement, meaning one negotiated or concluded somewhere other than the supplier's place of business, must be in writing, signed by both parties, and delivered to you if it is over $50.

Question 2

Should the Ottawa contract cover cold-weather protection?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the contract should address cold-weather protection whenever there is a real chance the air temperature will drop below 5 °C during or after the pour. The 2024 Ontario Building Code sets out what that protection must achieve. Under section 9.3.1.9 of the Code, when the air temperature is below 5 °C, concrete must be kept at not less than 10 °C and not more than 25 °C while it is being mixed and placed, and then maintained at not less than 10 °C for 72 hours after placing.

Question 3

Paying for patio work in Stittsville: what should the contract say?

Accepted Answer

A written contract protects you on both sides. Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2002, any direct agreement over $50 must be in writing, signed by both parties, 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 supplier cannot charge more than 10 per cent above it. Get the contract before any work starts.

Question 4

Red flags in a concrete quote from a Nepean contractor?

Accepted Answer

Start with the City of Ottawa hardscaping contractor licence. Since March 1, 2026, any business installing concrete patios, walkways, steps or pads in Nepean must hold that licence, carry commercial general liability insurance of not less than $2,000,000 per occurrence and automobile liability of not less than $2,000,000, provide a written contract, and give you a copy of the City's Landscaping Education Guide.

Hiring & Quotes

What should a written concrete contract in Ontario include?

Should the Ottawa contract cover cold-weather protection?

Paying for patio work in Stittsville: what should the contract say?

Red flags in a concrete quote from a Nepean contractor?