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Construction & Renovation: Contractor Disputes Including Workmanship Quality Concerns, Among Other Issues
Question: What are common disputes affecting contractors in Canada?
Answer: Contractors in Canada often face disputes over payment and workmanship quality, which are frequently contested in Small Claims Court. These cases may require detailed evidence, such as independent inspections, to assess if workmanship standards were met. Additionally, legal challenges can include quantum meruit disputes, consumer rights, and mitigation obligations. Without proper legal guidance, these issues can become complex. For effective resolution and to safeguard your interests, consider a free consultation with Paladin LLP.
Common Disputes Affecting Contractors
The disputes between a property owner and those hired to perform project work, whether as construction or renovation or maintenance projects, frequently end up in court. In some courts, such as the Small Claims Court, with a $35,000 limit per Plaintiff, defective workmanship cases are among some of the most commonly occurring cases. Allegations often include defective work or incomplete work.
Challenges
Construction law cases can be very challenging to litigate due to the extent of laws involves as well as the extent of evidence usually involved and the need for independent witnesses to inspect and provide expert reports as to what constitutes as proper workmanship and thus whether the trade standards or the contractual specifications for the project were met, valuation of the portion of work properly completed, among other things; and accordingly, even the seasoned legal professional may find construction law cases as burdensome to litigate. These cases are often extra challenging and troublesome due to the conduct of the parties involved and breach of various legal duties occuring prior to the obtaining legal advice.
Furthermore, lawsuits involving construction or renovation projects commonly include legal issues that go beyond defective workmanship issues and may also include concerns such as unjust enrichment, consumer protection laws, failures to mitigate, among other concerns.
