Free construction-payment educationLesson 01 / Topic preview
The first 28 days
Two windows begin with one proper invoice. Follow an ordinary Ontario owner-to-contractor example.
The short version.
Start with the right contract.
This example assumes an Ontario contract covered by prompt payment, and a proper invoice from the contractor to the owner.
Receipt starts the clock.
Record when the owner receives the proper invoice. The invoice date alone does not establish receipt.
14 days to give notice.
An owner disputing payment must give the prescribed notice within the statutory window, with the amount withheld and reasons.
28 days for payment.
The ordinary payment window is 28 days, subject to holdback, a valid notice and applicable statutory qualifications.
The calendar matters.
Use the applicable counting and holiday rules. Do not replace 28 calendar days with 28 business days.
Keep the evidence together.
Save the invoice, receipt evidence, notices and payments. Source: Ontario Construction Act, sections 6.1–6.4. General education, not legal advice.