ArtBuild template ArtBuild guide · All of Canada
Construction deposit dispute guide
Start here: when a client asks for their deposit back.
Construction Deposits and Refunds Kit
Use this kit when a client wants their deposit back, or a project ends early and the deposit has to be reconciled.
ArtBuild template written by ArtBuild
Do these three things today
Find what the contract says about the deposit (Deposit Terms Review).
Reconcile the deposit against work completed and materials bought for the job (Deposit Reconciliation Calculator).
Reply in writing with your figures and supporting records (Client Refund Request Response).
Calling a deposit "non-refundable" does not settle the question by itself, especially with homeowners. Consumer rules differ by province.
How to use this kit
Start with the guide marked "Start here". Each document below opens as a page you can read on your phone, with PDF, Word or Excel versions to download. "Download all" gives you every file in one ZIP.
Before you act: this document is general information prepared by ArtBuild to help you organise facts and paperwork. It is not legal advice and has not been reviewed by a lawyer for your situation. Rules differ by province and territory and change over time. Check the official source for your project, and for deadlines, liens, court or insolvency steps, speak with a lawyer licensed where the project is located.
Start here 1
Letters and forms to fill in 5
ArtBuild template All of Canada
Deposit terms review
Read what the contract says about the deposit.
ArtBuild template All of Canada
Response to a client refund request
Reply to the client's refund request in writing.
ArtBuild template All of Canada
Deposit refund decision record
Record how the refund decision was made and why.
ArtBuild template All of Canada
Partial refund settlement agreement (template)
Settle a partial refund in writing. Part of the Construction Deposits and Refunds kit.
ArtBuild template All of Canada
Deposit dispute evidence pack
One indexed file of the deposit dispute.
Excel spreadsheets 4
ArtBuild template All of Canada
Deposit Payment Ledger
Record deposits received, applied and refunded.
ArtBuild template All of Canada
Materials and Commitments Register
List materials bought and commitments made for the job.
ArtBuild template All of Canada
Completed Work and Cost Record
Record work completed and its cost. Part of the Construction Deposits and Refunds kit.
ArtBuild template All of Canada
Deposit Reconciliation Calculator
Reconcile the deposit against work and materials.
Checklists and guides 1
ArtBuild template ArtBuild checklist · All of Canada
Cancellation rights review checklist
Check the client's cancellation rights, especially for homeowners.
Official sources 1
ArtBuild template ArtBuild guide · All of Canada
Official sources: construction deposits and refunds
Official consumer protection and court sources by province.
All construction forms & legal tools
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