Recourse for Poor Workmanship

6/24/2021 at 9:26:36 AM

Hello Mike,

Terribly sorry to hear you having to go through this!

There are many standards and guidelines that contractors SHOULD abide by. These regulations are the Ontario Building Code, HRCA and Tarion Warranty guidelines. Keeping mind these are new home construction regulations but are typically industry standard. For example my companies warranty is tied directly to Tarion as a "standard" that I must provide work to this quality expectation.

This does not mean that ALL contractors do this, but it gives you a good reference point if you decide to take things legal. Tarion has guidelines such as "if tile is uneven by a certain amount it is considered poor quality. If you can see a discrepancy standing and looking at it from 5' away and it is not visible, it is considered valid work".

You can also look into associates like the NTCA (national tile contractors association), NWFA (national hardwood floor association). These associations help home owners and contractors alike in times of quality and workmanship disputes.

Regarding the Wedi board and the drywall, it is common practice to have some drywall at the end of the plumbing wall and parallel wall (Alcove shower/bathtub) lip over into the shower. This allows for a cleaner finish as weddi lipping into the bathroom area would look terrible painted. 3" is a tad much, I typically go about 1" into the shower area as tile typically goes past the shower glass doors and I never have concern of this area becoming wet due to protection from the door, tile and grout as long as it is installed and sealed properly.

6/24/2021 at 1:42:16 PM

Good day, sorry to hear about you reno not going so well.

Is there a contract in place? Have you paid all the labor cost as of this point?

6/24/2021 at 5:32:39 PM

Hi Eddie, thanks. Yes there is a contract and no we have not paid the full amount yet.

7/2/2021 at 10:52:47 PM

Best thing too do is get a 2nd opinion if you are not 100% savy on construction and make sure you know he did bad work. Then if the contractor did do something wrong talk to him 1st and try to reach a compromise and accommodation as this will be the easiest for you and him. Try to keep personalities out of it, this is a "business deal". If he refuses then your only recourse is too sue him. Expect him to put a lien on your home and maybe even counter-sue you. Also expect it to be a long and very drawn out affair that may end up costing you more legally then the recovered cost. Unless he really screwed up you will likely not be successful. it is always best to try and reach a deal with contractor unless he out and out quit you or ripped you off which is extremely bad business and will strengthen your position if you do seek legal recourse. Hopefully you did not hire the guy based on price it is the bain of us reputable contractors as you will get what you pay for in the end. A Reputable Contractor will be more interested in fixing the issue with you and keeping his reputation, a bad one will care less and walk away.