How we work together.

Agreement to terms

By engaging Sawdust & Steel for any carpentry, renovation, or construction service, you agree to these terms. If you don’t agree with any part of them, let us know before we start — we can usually work something out, or we’ll recommend someone else.

These terms apply to all quotes, contracts, and projects unless we’ve signed a separate written agreement that says otherwise.

Services we offer

We provide residential carpentry and renovation services in the Greater Toronto Area, including custom decks and patios, kitchen renovations, bathroom remodels, framing and structural work, finish carpentry and trim, and roofing and siding. A complete list is available on our services page.

We only take on work we’re qualified to do. If your project needs a specialized trade we don’t offer in-house, we’ll tell you up front and — with your permission — coordinate with a licensed subcontractor.

Quotes and pricing

Quotes are provided free of charge with no obligation. Every quote we write is valid for 30 days from the date we issue it. After that, we may need to revisit the numbers because material prices and scheduling change.

Our quotes are based on the scope and conditions we can see at the time of the site visit. If we discover hidden conditions during the work — rot behind drywall, old wiring that needs replacement, an unexpected structural issue — we’ll stop, show you what we found, and give you revised numbers before continuing.

Prices quoted include materials, labour, disposal, and applicable Ontario taxes unless explicitly stated otherwise in the quote document.

Payment terms

For projects over $5,000, we typically structure payment as follows:

• Deposit: 25% of the total quote, payable on contract signing. This secures your spot on our schedule and covers initial material orders.
• Progress payments: Milestone-based progress payments as defined in your contract — usually tied to specific phases like framing complete, drywall done, or cabinets installed.
• Final payment: Balance due on satisfactory completion of the final walkthrough.

We accept e-transfer, cheque, and bank transfer. Payment is due within seven days of each invoice. Unpaid balances over 30 days may be subject to reasonable interest charges as permitted by Ontario law.

Project timeline

Timelines in our quotes are our best estimate based on normal conditions and current schedule availability. Weather, material delays, inspection scheduling, and your own decisions on finishes can shift completion dates. We’ll keep you updated in writing if anything affects your timeline.

We don’t ghost clients. If we’re running behind, you’ll hear it from us before you have to ask.

Change orders

If you want to change the scope of your project after we’ve started — add a feature, upgrade a finish, adjust a layout — we’ll write up a change order. It will specify what’s changing, any cost difference (up or down), and any schedule impact. No change order is final until you sign off.

We don’t do “surprise” extras. If we think a change is needed, we’ll stop, explain, and wait for your go-ahead.

Warranty

Every project is backed by the warranty terms listed on our warranty page — durations vary by trade, from two years on deck surface materials to ten years on structural work. Warranty coverage is in addition to, not in replacement of, any rights you have under Ontario consumer protection law.

Your responsibilities

To keep the project running smoothly, we ask that you:

• Provide reasonable access to the work area during agreed-upon work hours.
• Secure pets, children, and personal belongings around the active work zone.
• Obtain any homeowner association or strata approvals that are required by your building.
• Make decisions on finishes, fixtures, and other selections by the dates we mutually agree to, so material orders stay on track.
• Pay invoices on time so we can pay our crew and suppliers on time.

Limitation of liability

We carry comprehensive liability insurance and WSIB coverage for our crew. In the unlikely event of damage or loss related to our work, our total liability is limited to the contract value of the project or the proceeds of our insurance coverage, whichever is greater.

We’re not responsible for delays or damages caused by events outside our reasonable control — weather, strikes, supply chain disruptions, acts of government, or force majeure events.

Dispute resolution

We’d much rather talk it out than fight it out. If something goes wrong, please contact us directly first — most issues are resolved with a phone call and a site visit.

If we can’t work it out directly, both parties agree to attempt mediation in Ontario before pursuing any legal action. If mediation fails, disputes will be resolved in the courts of the Province of Ontario.

Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable within Ontario. Any legal action arising from these terms will be brought in the appropriate Ontario court.

Termination

Either party may terminate a project for cause with reasonable written notice. On termination, you are responsible for payment for all work completed to date plus any non-refundable material orders already placed on your behalf. We’ll leave the site in a safe, weather-tight condition.

Contact us

Questions about these terms? Reach out before we break ground — that’s the right time to clear things up.

Email: reception@sawdustandsteel.ca
Phone: (905) 555-0147
Mail: Sawdust & Steel, 147 Lakeshore Road East, Unit 12, Oakville, ON L6J 1H3