In most circumstances, once you and a contractor have signed a contract, it becomes a legal agreement that is binding on both parties and can be enforced through court action.

However, most provinces and territories offer some consumer protection against "high pressure" door-to-door sales tactics by giving consumers a cooling-off period during which they can change their minds and cancel a contract. However, these laws vary from province to province and most only apply to contracts signed in your home.

Where this consumer protection exists, there is a specified period of time during which you can cancel a contract without penalty-usually 10 days. As well, there may be other conditions that apply, and you should never assume that you will be able to "change your mind" after signing a contract. It is particularly important to avoid signing a "blank" contract that does not include all relevant information (e.g. work description, price, schedule).

To find out if your province provides for a cooling-off period a home repair or renovation contracts, and how it works, check with the appropriate authorities in your province or territory. To get a list of provincial and territorial contacts, click HERE.