Comment savoir si vous avez besoin d'un permis de rénovation pour rénover votre demeure? Nous avons ici un article détaillé qui devrait répondre à vos questions

Si vous envisagez de rénover votre maison, que ce soit une transformation, une modification ou un agrandissement, il est important de vérifier auprès de votre municipalité si ce projet requiert un permis de construction.

Permis de rénovation - En avez-vous besoin pour vos travaux?

Apprenez-en plus sur les différents types de puits de lumière disponibles sur le marché: pour et contre de chaque style et des conseils pour l'installation.

Les puits de lumière laissent entrer la lumière naturelle à l’intérieur et offrent une vue magnifique. Installés en hauteur sur votre plafond, ils aident à éclairer les sections plus sombres des pièces ou à ventiler les plus petits espaces. Il s'agit simplement d'une fenêtre lustrée installée dans le toit, en forme de dôme ou plat, fixe ou ventilé.

Puits de lumière - Quels types de produits sont disponibles ?

Si vous prévoyez installer une nouvelle douche, il est important de connaître les critères dont vous devez tenir compte pour choisir le bon modèle.

Lorsqu'il est question de la salle de bain, la douche est une pièce intégrale. Comme elle est centrale aux activités de tous les jours, il peut être utile de définir la configuration de l'espace ainsi que de l'ambiance.&nbsp;

Comment choisir la bonne taille de douche?

As summer approaches, many construction businesses across Ontario prepare for their busiest season. Crews are mobilized, project schedules fill quickly, and the pace of work accelerates. This period is not only about securing contracts but also about ensuring that internal processes—from invoicing and documentation to payment follow-ups—are ready to handle the higher project volume.

In this context, understanding recent legislative changes is essential for operational readiness. On November 6, 2024, the Ontario government passed the Building Ontario for You Act (Bill 216), introducing amendments to the province’s Construction Act aimed at reducing administrative friction, improving payment timelines, and strengthening dispute resolution. The reforms stem from a 2024 independent review and focus on three core areas: holdback, adjudication, and administrative processes.

Several measures are particularly relevant as companies prepare for summer demand. These include the mandatory annual release of holdback, broader access to adjudication, the introduction of deemed liens for certain design services, and a clearer definition of “proper invoices.” While some amendments are still pending implementation, they will apply to certain contracts signed before their official enforcement date—making it important for contractors to understand how these changes may affect upcoming projects.

Overview of Regulations (Not Just Amendments)

While many headlines focused on Bill 216’s statutory amendments, several key “operational” changes were delivered through regulations. Those regulatory items are no longer just proposals: the updated regulatory package took effect on January 1, 2026.

Here’s what the regulatory changes do in practice:

What Does Bill 216's 2024 Royal Assent Mean for Ontario's Construction Act?

Under the previous system, the Construction Act allowed for the release of holdback funds after one year, but this only applied to contracts with a value exceeding $10 million. The new amendments remove this barrier, making annual holdback release mandatory for all contracts, regardless of their dollar value. Furthermore, owners must now publish notice within 14 days of the contract’s anniversary date, signifying their intention to release any holdback accumulated over the past year.

Bill 216 also creates a clearer framework by requiring a set deadline for lien expiry when it's linked to an annual holdback notice. Previously, the deadline for filing a lien was established based on when the work was completed. Now, however, when the owner issues an annual holdback notice, any liens for that work will expire 60 days after the notice's release. This gives contractors and subcontractors a clearer timeframe for when they can expect payment.

This amendment also removes the possibility of withholding payment due to disputes unrelated to the contract itself, and the holdback must be released even if there are ongoing disagreements, provided no valid lien exists. It's important to note that these changes will not apply retroactively to contracts that are already in effect, but will come into force with a one-year transition period.

The amendments expand the scope of adjudication in Ontario’s construction industry by allowing more flexible dispute resolution options. Previously, adjudication was limited to matters relating to payment and had to occur before the contract or subcontract was completed. Now, however, adjudication can be used for any matter that the parties agree to, or for any prescribed matter under new regulations, offering greater flexibility for resolving disputes.

One significant change is the ability to consolidate multiple disputes concerning the same improvement. Previously, only contractors could request consolidation of adjudications, but now the amendments allow any party to initiate consolidation. This is especially helpful when multiple contracts are involved in a single project, as it reduces the potential for contradictory rulings on related issues.

Another notable update is the ability to initiate adjudication up to 90 days after the completion of a contract or subcontract. This flexibility allows parties to seek adjudication even after lien rights have expired, providing an additional layer of protection for those involved in unresolved disputes. Furthermore, parties can now choose their own adjudicator, allowing for more tailored and effective dispute resolution.

Deemed Lien for Design Services Where Improvement Not Commenced

A major issue addressed by the amendments is the lack of lien rights for design and consulting services when a planned improvement does not proceed. Previously, the Act did not provide a clear lien remedy for professionals like architects and engineers when their work was not linked to a completed project. The new amendments create a deemed lien where design services are provided but the improvement does not proceed.

The legislation now ensures that if an owner retains a holdback related to services such as plans, drawings, or specifications for a planned improvement that ultimately does not commence, the service provider is deemed to have a lien on the property for the value of their services. This is especially significant for service providers in the early stages of a project, such as architects or engineers, who often face challenges securing compensation when a project is canceled or delayed.

The exception is if the owner can prove that the value of the property was not enhanced by the services provided, which would effectively negate the lien. This provision is designed to protect professionals from losing out on payments for work done, particularly when projects are abandoned before construction begins.

Improper Invoices and the Definition of “Price”

The amendments bring greater clarity to the definition of what constitutes a "proper invoice." Previously, owners had considerable discretion to determine what information was necessary for an invoice to be considered “proper,” often leading to ambiguity and delays in payment. The changes now require that if an invoice is deemed improper, the owner must notify the contractor within seven days of receipt, specifying the issues and what must be done to correct them.

This stipulation is designed to prevent owners from withholding payment simply by not approving an invoice on vague or arbitrary grounds. The seven-day notice period provides a clear timeline for both parties to address issues before the payment is deemed valid. For contractors, this change enhances the security of payment and the transparency of the process.

Additionally, the amendments clarify the concept of “price.” Where no specific price is stipulated in the contract, the Act previously deemed the market value to be the price. Now, new regulations may be established to define a “price” that better reflects the delivery model used, rather than defaulting to market value. This is particularly relevant in alternative delivery models, such as Design-Build or Construction Management, where the pricing structure may differ from traditional contracts.

These changes align with broader goals to streamline payment processes, reduce disputes over invoices, and ensure that both contractors and owners have clear guidelines on pricing and invoicing expectations. By addressing common points of contention, the amendments aim to improve cash flow and reduce the need for legal intervention in invoice disputes.

Source:&nbsp;<a href="https://soumissionrenovation.ca/fr/entrepreneur/lsco">Lsco</a>

Bill 216's transition provisions outline how the amendments to the Construction Act will be implemented. While most amendments take effect upon proclamation by the Lieutenant Governor, there are specific exceptions to ensure a smoother transition for participants in the industry.

For contracts entered into before the amendments come into effect, the new annual holdback regime will still apply, but with adjusted timelines. The first mandatory release of holdback will occur on the second anniversary of the contract’s execution following the amendments' effective date. At that point, the owner must release all accrued holdback, including amounts from previous years.

For example, if the amendments take effect on August 1, 2025, and a contract was signed on November 10, 2024, the first annual release of holdback would happen on November 10, 2026. This payment would cover holdback amounts accumulated since the contract's start date.

These provisions aim to give stakeholders time to adapt to the changes, particularly the new financial obligations and administrative requirements. Industry participants should ready themselves for the updated holdback regime, ensure contracts are aligned with the new,&nbsp; expanded scope of adjudication, and look into developing strategies to address potential disputes under the revised framework.

How Bill 216 Is Changing Payment Administration for Contractors

Several key amendments linked to Bill 216 (and subsequent refinements) are now shaping how payment administration works on Ontario projects. For contractors and subcontractors, this isn’t just “legal news”—it directly impacts cash flow, invoice discipline, documentation, and dispute strategy during active jobs.

Annual Holdback Release Is Now a Real Cash-Flow Milestone

Owners must calculate and manage holdback on an annual basis, and release mechanisms are tied to notices and defined timelines. For contractors, this means you should track holdback periods by contract anniversary (not only by project completion) and make sure your billing and lien processes align with these annual cycles.

“Proper Invoice” Governance Is Tighter—Missed Timelines Can Cost You

The updated framework reinforces how quickly owners must respond if they believe an invoice is improper. On your side, treat invoicing like a process: standardize your invoice package (backup documentation, change orders, site logs/photos, and approvals) and build a workflow for responding to “improper invoice” notices fast.

Disputes Are Harder to “Kick to the End”

With broader adjudication options and clarified timelines, contractors should assume disputes may need to be addressed during the project, not after closeout. A lightweight escalation ladder helps: internal review → documented notice → negotiation window → adjudication decision (when appropriate).

Contractor checklist (fast action items): 

Is your beautiful wrought iron staircase showing signs of damage? Don't leave that railing hanging! RenoQuotes.com has ways to fix your wrought iron staircase

Having a wrought iron staircase on the exterior of any home is lucky. Wrought iron staircases are beautiful pieces that add to the resale value of the property as a highly sought-after item. This type of staircase is forever, with limitless design options.&nbsp;They do not show dust and are easy to clean and to maintain. 

How to Fix Your Wrought Iron Staircase 

Now that working from home is en vogue, maybe you'd like to set up that stylish home office you've always dreamed of? Here are our expert tips for starting this

With the advancement of technology, and with many jobs becoming digitized, it's growing more common for people to work from the comfort of their home. Whether you’re a new mother raising a baby while trying to meet deadlines or a person who has decided to branch out and bring that new business venture to life, having an efficient and relaxing home office will allow you to maintain productivity and get the most out of life.

Tips For Setting Up a Home Office | Renovation Quotes

With those cold winter months rolling it, it's essential to properly weather proof your home both to stay warm & keep costs low. We've got all the tips & tricks

Regardless of the season, the temperature outside is almost always going to have an impact on the temperature inside your home. During those warm summer months, we try our best to keep things cool, while in the winter we want our interiors to be a warm and cozy break from the frigid air. 

Translation Error

Oh non, cette page est introuvable.