What is in the agreement?
A summary page with the contract number, the address, both parties and the total price; Schedule A, the scope of work in sections in the order it is built; Schedule B, the price and the payment plan; and JDT's general terms. A picture of your house with the new work drawn in comes with it. The agreement, its schedules, the approved drawings, your written selections and any signed change orders are the whole agreement, and if two of them disagree, the most recently signed one governs.
How do payments work?
The milestones are shares of the price before HST, and HST is added to each payment. Invoices are due within three business days. An example from one JDT porch:
| Milestone | When | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | On signing | 30% |
| Structure | Footings and deck framing done | 30% |
| Roof | Roof framing, roofing and the main roof finishes done | 30% |
| Completion | Substantial completion, the walkthrough and minor deficiencies | 10% |
Each agreement sets its own milestones to fit the build. Late payments can delay the schedule, and after written notice can pause the work.
What if something changes?
Nothing about the scope, price, materials or schedule changes unless it is in a written or electronically signed change order that you and JDT both approve, saying what the work is, what it costs, when it is paid and how it moves the schedule. Where an agreement includes an estimate, the Government of Ontario says the law does not let a business charge more than 10 per cent above it unless the customer agrees to the additional charges (Government of Ontario). Ontario's whole checklist for a renovation contract, item by item beside JDT's agreement, is in what a renovation contract should say.
What is not included?
Unless the scope lists it or a change order adds it, an agreement leaves out electrical work and lighting, masonry or stone veneer, painting or staining, interior repairs, landscaping beyond basic clean up, utility upgrades, hazardous material testing or removal, permit and engineering fees, and repairs unrelated to the job. The price assumes ordinary conditions, so rot, water damage, buried obstructions, unsuitable soil and damage hidden behind existing finishes are handled by change order if they turn up.
Who gets the permit?
You apply in your name and pay the permit and municipal fees, unless a change order says otherwise. JDT provides the project drawings it has and answers the plan examiner's questions about its own work. Structural engineering and architectural revisions are extra unless written in. Each build page quotes the City of Hamilton's rule for that build, and who applies for a building permit in Hamilton walks through the application and the inspections.
What is the warranty?
JDT warrants its workmanship for one year from substantial completion, and the manufacturers' warranties cover the products they supply. The warranty does not cover normal movement, checking or weathering of wood, abuse, lack of maintenance, materials you supply, or work by others. At the final walkthrough the two of you list any minor deficiencies, and JDT fixes the covered ones within a reasonable time.
How long will it take?
The agreement gives an estimated duration. Permit and inspection delays, weather, material shortages, changes you ask for and hidden conditions can extend it.
Can I sign on my phone?
Yes. Signatures captured electronically are binding, and notices can go by email to the addresses in the agreement. You get the chance to read it, ask questions and take independent legal advice before work starts, and you keep a copy on your project page. Ontario law governs it.
What about this website?
The build pages quote the City of Hamilton and link to it, and they are general information, not advice about a particular house. The City's own page always wins. Nothing on this website is a quote.