Note: this tool provides a general, informational estimate based on the figures you enter. It can't assess the merits of your specific dispute — treat it as a starting point for figuring out roughly what your claim might be worth.
What this tool actually does
Contractor disputes rarely come with an obvious dollar figure attached — unlike an unpaid invoice with a fixed amount, you often need to work out what incomplete or defective work actually cost you. This calculator walks you through the most common ways to arrive at that figure, depending on what went wrong.
What you'll need to use it
- The original contract price and what was actually paid so far.
- An estimate of the cost to complete or fix the work, ideally from another contractor.
- Any amounts you were billed beyond the original quote, if billing is the issue.
- Any other documented costs directly caused by the problem.
Valuing incomplete work
For work that was never finished, a common approach is comparing what you paid against what was actually delivered, then adding the reasonable cost of hiring someone else to complete it. A written estimate from a second contractor for the remaining work is the single most useful number you can bring to this calculation.
Valuing defective work
For work that was completed but done poorly, the relevant figure is generally the reasonable cost of repairing or redoing the defective portion — not necessarily the full original contract price. See contractor disputes for the fuller explanation of how this distinction plays out in practice.
Valuing a billing dispute
If the dispute is about being charged more than was quoted or authorized, the relevant figure is generally the gap between what was properly agreed and what was actually charged — supported by the original estimate and any documentation of authorized changes along the way.
Why a second estimate strengthens your number
Whatever figure this calculator helps you arrive at, an independent written estimate from another qualified contractor adds real credibility — it shows your number comes from an objective source, not just your own assessment of what the work is worth.
Checking your figure against the monetary limit
Once you have a working figure, confirm it fits within Small Claims Court's monetary limit — see how much can I sue for? A large renovation dispute can sometimes exceed the limit even when it feels like a "small" claims situation.
Next steps once you have a figure
Once you have a documented figure, consider using the Sue My Contractor wizard to work through the next steps, or the demand letter builder to send a clear, documented demand before filing a claim.
Official sources
- ontario.ca: Suing Someone in Small Claims Court — the official overview, including the current monetary limit.
- Guide to Small Claims Court Process — the official step-by-step process guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a second estimate to use this calculator?
It isn't required to use the tool, but a written estimate from another contractor significantly strengthens whatever figure you arrive at if the dispute proceeds further.
What if the work was partly finished and partly defective?
Work through both components separately — the cost to complete what's unfinished, and the cost to repair what's defective — then add them together for your total.
Does this calculator account for the deposit I already paid?
Factor in what you've already paid when you enter your figures, so the estimate reflects your actual net loss rather than the full contract value.
What if my total is close to the monetary limit?
See how much can I sue for? for how the limit works and what your options are if your figure exceeds it.