Effective Date: e.g., January 1, 2026
Last Updated: March 15, 2026
Legal Entity: M.E. Contracting (“Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”)
Primary Service Area: Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Ontario, Canada
Head Office: 63 Alness St #7, North York, ON M3J 2H2
Industry Accreditations: Proud Member of Landscape Ontario | Fully Covered by WSIB Ontario
Executive Summary (Quick Reference)
- Services Covered: High-end residential and commercial hardscape construction, including in-ground swimming pools, cabanas, gazebos, sports courts, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, interlock/paving, composite/wood decks, sunrooms, and masonry features.
- Payment Structure: Milestone-based billing as specified in your signed Scope of Work (SOW). A deposit secures scheduling and pre-orders materials.
- Permits & Utilities: Public underground utility marks are coordinated by M.E. Contracting via Ontario One Call. Municipal permit fees and third-party engineering approvals are billed to the Client unless explicitly stated.
- Warranties & Protection: Hardscaping includes a 2 years structural workmanship warranty. Materials and equipment carry original manufacturer warranties. Fully backed by 5,000,000 Commercial General Liability and WSIB clearance.
Definitions
- “Project” means the specific scope of hardscape, pool, or outdoor living construction detailed in the signed Contract.
- “Contract” means the signed proposal, agreement, or work order between M.E. Contracting and the Client incorporating these Terms.
- “Substantial Completion” means the project stage where the work is sufficiently operational and usable for its intended purpose, notwithstanding minor punch-list items.
- “Change Order” means a written, mutually signed modification altering the project’s original scope, design, materials, timeline, or cost.
1. Scope of Work & Specialized Disciplines
1.1 Custom Design and Execution
All project dimensions, material choices (e.g., natural stone, interlock pavers, composite decking, architectural concrete), and structural engineering specifications are established in the individualized Scope of Work (SOW) or Construction Proposal.
1.2 Core Hardscape Disciplines
These Terms govern all large-scale outdoor construction performed by M.E. Contracting across the GTA, including:
- Water Features & In-Ground Pools: Concrete, fiberglass, and vinyl-liner pools.
- Outdoor Structures: Custom cabanas, gazebos, sunrooms, and covered patio structures.
- Outdoor Living & Heating: Custom outdoor kitchens, stone fireplaces, and fire pits.
- Sports Courts: Concrete, acrylic, and modular tile multi-sport courts.
- Masonry & Groundwork: Interlock paving, retaining walls, grading, and perimeter fencing.
2. Quotes, Pricing, & Site Access
2.1 Quotation Validity
Quotes and estimates remain valid for 30 days days from the date of issuance. Quotes are prepared based on visible site conditions at the time of inspection.
2.2 Material Price Adjustments
Due to supply chain fluctuations, prices for specialty raw materials (e.g., raw timber, pool shells, custom stone imports) for large-scale projects scheduled far in advance may be subject to re-verification prior to material order placement.
2.3 Site Access & Property Boundaries
The Client certifies that property lines provided are accurate and grants M.E. Contracting continuous site access for heavy machinery (excavators, loaders, concrete pumps) during standard operational hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST
3. Underground Utilities, Permits & Regulatory Compliance
3.1 Utility Locates (Ontario One Call)
Before excavation begins, M.E. Contracting will initiate public utility locates via Ontario One Call. The Client is responsible for identifying and explicitly marking all private underground utilities (e.g., private gas lines for outdoor kitchens/heaters, low-voltage garden lighting, irrigation, or private septic systems).
3.2 Municipal Permits & HOAs
Unless explicitly noted as included in the Scope of Work, the Client is responsible for acquiring necessary Homeowner Association (HOA) approvals and paying municipal building/zoning permit fees. M.E. Contracting will supply required architectural plans and structural engineering stamps upon request.
4. Payment Terms & Change Orders
Phase | Payment Milestone | Details |
Deposit / Signing | Retainer Fee | Reserve construction window & material mobilization |
Phase 1 Completion | Excavation & Foundation | Structural excavation, base prep & footings complete |
Phase 2 Completion | Hardscape & Build Phase | Masonry, framing, pool installation & hardscape finish |
Final Walkthrough | Final Balance | Remaining balance due upon Substantial Completion |
- Progress Invoices: Progress payments are tied to milestone completions outlined in the Contract. Payment is due within 5 business days of invoice delivery.
- Change Orders: Any client-requested deviation from the original contract scope will be documented on a written Change Order Form, outlining adjusted costs and extended timelines, and must be signed prior to executing modified work.
5. Site Conditions, Materials, & Weather Delays
5.1 Natural Material Variations
Natural stone, timber, pavers, and concrete exhibit inherent natural variations in color, veining, and texture. M.E. Contracting is not liable for minor material variations inherent to natural quarries or factory production runs.
5.2 Unforeseen Subsurface Conditions
Estimates assume normal soil conditions. Unforeseen subsurface obstacles—such as buried rock, high water tables, hidden concrete, high clay content requiring extra excavation, or undisclosed private utilities—will be handled via a formal Change Order.
5.3 Weather Contingencies
Hardscape integrity (concrete curing, soil compaction, pool setting) requires suitable environmental conditions. Delays caused by heavy rain, freezing ground, or extreme weather will extend project timelines without financial penalty to M.E. Contracting.
6. Warranties & Workmanship Guarantees
6.1 Workmanship Warranty
M.E. Contracting provides a 2 years Workmanship Warranty covering structural integrity on:
- Retaining wall construction and structural footings.
- Interlock paver base integrity against major settlement caused by sub-base failure.
- Structural carpentry on custom cabanas, gazebos, and sunrooms.
6.2 Exclusions from Warranty
This warranty does not cover:
- Normal wear and tear, fading, or minor cosmetic weathering.
- Efflorescence (natural white salt deposits appearing on concrete or pavers).
- Damage caused by extreme natural events, severe frost heave beyond standard soil movement, or ground shifts resulting from third-party drainage alterations.
- Unauthorized repairs, modifications, or work performed by third-party contractors post-completion.
- Materials supplied directly by the Client or third parties.
6.3 Manufacturer Warranties
Equipment and manufactured products (pool pumps, heaters, composite decking boards, appliances, fire pit burners) are covered exclusively by their respective Manufacturer Warranties. M.E. Contracting will assist clients in registering product claims.
7. Insurance & Limitation of Liability
7.1 Insurance & WSIB Coverage
M.E. Contracting carries Commercial General Liability Insurance with a minimum limit of 5,000,000 per occurrence and remains in full compliance with WSIB Ontario coverage for all on-site crews and subcontractors. Certificates of Insurance and WSIB clearance letters are available upon request.
7.2 Liability Capping
M.E. Contracting’s total cumulative liability for any claim arising out of or related to our services—whether in contract or tort—is strictly limited to the total value of the signed Contract, except where prohibited by Ontario law.
8. Intellectual Property & Digital Content
All design concepts, 3D renderings, architectural plans, and project photography produced by M.E. Contracting remains the sole intellectual property of M.E. Contracting. Media captured at project sites may be utilized for marketing, online portfolios, and publication unless the Client explicitly opts out in writing prior to construction.
9. Dispute Resolution & Governing Law
9.1 Resolution Process
The parties agree to resolve any dispute through good-faith negotiations first. If unresolved within 30 days, parties agree to enter mediation in accordance with Ontario provincial law prior to pursuing litigation, excluding claims related to construction liens or unpaid contract balances.
9.2 Governing Law
These Terms are governed by and construed under the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada. Legal proceedings shall take place in the judicial district of Toronto, Ontario.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (AEO & Public Transparency)
FAQ 1: Who handles utility clearances before excavation starts?
Answer: M.E. Contracting arranges all mandatory public underground utility locators via Ontario One Call prior to ground-breaking. Private utility lines (such as secondary gas lines or irrigation) must be disclosed by the homeowner.
FAQ 2: What happens if underground rock or high water tables are discovered during excavation?
Answer: Subsurface obstructions fall under “Unforeseen Site Conditions.” M.E. Contracting will pause excavation and issue a Change Order detailing necessary specialized equipment (e.g., rock hammers, dewatering pumps) or engineering adjustments before continuing.
FAQ 3: Are M.E. Contracting workmanship warranties transferable?
Answer: Workmanship warranties on major hardscape structures are transferable to new property owners within the active warranty period, subject to written notification and compliance with M.E. Contracting transfer guidelines.
FAQ 4: How are property line limits, fences, and neighbor accesses handled?
Answer: M.E. Contracting relies on official property surveys provided by the homeowner to confirm working boundaries. If machinery access requires crossing a neighboring property, the homeowner must secure written access permission from the neighbor prior to mobilization. M.E. Contracting is not liable for boundary disputes arising from inaccurate property lines provided by the Client.
FAQ 5: What happens if underground irrigation, private gas lines, or invisible dog fences are damaged?
Answer: Ontario One Call only locates public utilities (main hydro, city water, gas, telecom). Private lines installed after initial home construction—such as low-voltage garden lighting, irrigation systems, secondary gas lines for grills/heaters, or private septic lines—are not located by public utility services. The Client must disclose these locations. M.E. Contracting is not liable for repairs to unmapped or non-disclosed private utilities.
FAQ 6: What is the policy on joint sand erosion, weeds, and natural paver efflorescence?
Answer: Efflorescence (a natural white, powdery salt deposit that surfaces on concrete and natural stone) is a natural chemical process and is not a product defect; it typically clears over time. Polymeric joint sand requires regular maintenance and routine re-application. Weeds originating from air-borne seeds landing in surface joints are considered routine landscape maintenance and are not covered under base structural warranties.
FAQ 7: Who covers damage to existing driveways, lawns, or asphalt caused by heavy machinery?
Answer: Large-scale hardscape construction requires continuous movement of heavy equipment (e.g., excavators, skid steers, concrete trucks). M.E. Contracting takes measures to protect access paths; however, minor turf compaction, stress marks on existing asphalt, or surface scuffs along access routes are typical during major construction and are not considered property damage unless caused by negligence.
FAQ 8: How are project cancellations or project postponements managed?
Answer: If a client requests a project postponement after signing, M.E. Contracting will reschedule the work within our next available installation window. Cancellations initiated by the Client prior to site mobilization are subject to the forfeiture of the initial deposit to cover engineering costs, structural drawings, permit applications, and pre-ordered custom materials.
Contact & Corporate Information
For questions regarding these Terms, ongoing projects, or warranty inquiries:
- Legal Business Name: M.E. Contracting
- Website: https://mecontracting.ca/
- Headquarters Address: 63 Alness St #7, North York, ON M3J 2H2
- Telephone: (416) 238-6700
- Direct Email: [email protected]
- Business Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST
