Construction liens are a powerful legal tool used in Ontario to make sure contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers get paid for the work or materials they have provided. However, these claims can be contentious for property owners, contractors and others involved in a construction project, especially when the lien is disputed, inaccurate, or unfairly filed. Knowing how to resolve or challenge a construction lien can help protect both your property and your financial interests.

In the construction industry, deadlines are everything and construction delay disputes are common. Whether you are building a commercial plaza, a multi-unit development, or a large-scale industrial project, finishing on time is critical to keeping costs under control and clients satisfied. When delays happen, they cause disputes that can lead to serious financial consequences.

Repair and Storage liens can have surprising legal power, sometimes even more than a registered lender’s claim. Suppose a contractor finances an excavator through an equipment finance company. To secure the lien, the lender registers a purchase-money security interest (PMSI) under Ontario’s Personal Property Security Act (PPSA), which usually gives it top priority if the borrower defaults.

In Ontario construction contracts, payment timelines have always been a contentious issue, especially when general contractors insert pay-when-paid clauses into agreements with subcontractors. These clauses typically state that the contractor will not pay the subcontractor until the contractor themself has been paid by the project owner. While that may seem like a fair approach to protect against cash flow crunches, it often leaves subcontractors stuck waiting for payment—sometimes indefinitely—even after they have completed their work.

Limitation periods related to construction contracts are essential to understand, whether it is a contract between a construction company and a contractor, municipality or business. In Ontario, these legal deadlines set the window for taking action and missing them can result in losing the right to pursue a claim altogether. Ensuring your contract reflects these timelines and protects your business if a dispute arises is a key reason to work with a construction lawyer. These are the basics of Ontario construction law limitation periods to consider.

When entering into a construction contract as a builder hiring a contractor or tradesperson, it is essential to take a careful look at the terms before signing. This agreement outlines who is responsible for what, how much the work will cost, and what happens if things do not go as planned. But without knowing what to look for, it is easy to overlook potential risks that could lead to delays, unexpected expenses, disputes, or even legal action down the road. That is where working with a construction lawyer proves to be a huge asset to your business.

If you have put in the time and effort to complete a renovation on someone’s home but have not been paid, a construction lien is a legal option to collect what you are owed. Construction law in Ontario is complex, with strict deadlines and procedures that must be followed. Even lawyers who frequently work with construction law sometimes struggle with the details, so it is important to understand how to protect yourself and your business. To help give you a general understanding let’s review the basics of construction liens.