Effective August 5, 2026 | Updated for BC contract disclosure requirements
| IMPORTANT These Terms form part of every EPISL estimate, proposal, change order, and service agreement. Before the Client accepts a project, EPISL will provide the project-specific information required by applicable British Columbia law. The accepted estimate identifies the Client, property, scope, pricing, payment schedule, supply or start date, expected completion date, and the applicable version of these Terms. If there is a conflict, the signed project-specific document governs that project. Statutory consumer rights cannot be waived. |
1. Acceptance and Contract Formation
1.1 The Client accepts these Terms by signing an estimate, approving it electronically, checking an acceptance box, paying a required deposit, or authorizing EPISL to begin work.
1.2 The contract includes the accepted estimate or proposal, these Terms, approved change orders, and any written project-specific attachments.
1.3 EPISL will provide or make available a copy of the accepted contract.
1.4 Electronic acceptance and electronic records may be used as proof of agreement where permitted by law.
1.5 Before acceptance, EPISL will clearly provide the Client with the full estimate, these Terms, and the important project information needed to make an informed decision.
1.6 The accepted estimate or project attachment will include, where applicable: EPISL’s legal and business name; the contract date; Client and property details; a detailed description of the work; delivery method and location; the supply or start date; the expected completion date; itemized prices; taxes and other known charges; possible charges that cannot reasonably be calculated in advance; payment terms; installment amounts; the total price; and all important limits, conditions, or restrictions.
1.7 The accepted estimate or project attachment will also identify EPISL’s return, exchange, cancellation, and refund policies, including any project-specific terms.
1.8 The Client will have a reasonable opportunity to review the complete contract before accepting it.
1.9 EPISL will provide the Client with a copy of the accepted contract in a durable and printable form within the time required by law. For a future performance contract, this will normally be within fifteen (15) days after the contract is entered into.
1.10 EPISL will keep a reproducible record of the accepted estimate, these Terms, approved changes, and the acceptance date and method.
2. Business and Client Information
2.1 “EPISL” means EPISL Home Renovation and its authorized employees, subcontractors, and representatives.
2.2 EPISL’s legal name, business name, business address, telephone number, email address, and any required licence or registration information will appear in the accepted estimate or another contract document provided to the Client.
2.3 “Client” means the person or organization named in the accepted estimate.
2.4 The Client confirms that they own the property or have the owner’s authority to approve the work.
3. Scope of Work and Schedule
3.1 EPISL will provide only the labour, materials, equipment, and services clearly listed in the accepted estimate.
3.2 Anything not clearly included is excluded unless added by an approved change order.
3.3 The estimate will show the date the goods or services are expected to be supplied or the work is expected to start, together with the expected completion date or completion period.
3.4 Project dates are reasonable estimates, not guarantees. They may change because of approved changes, hidden conditions, permits, inspections, weather, supplier delays, Client decisions, access limits, safety concerns, or events outside EPISL’s reasonable control.
3.5 EPISL will advise the Client of major schedule changes within a reasonable time after learning about them.
4. Estimates, Pricing, Taxes, and Allowances
4.1 Unless stated otherwise, an estimate is valid for thirty (30) days.
4.2 Applicable taxes are extra unless the estimate says they are included.
4.3 Material prices may change before purchase because of supplier pricing, tariffs, transportation, exchange rates, availability, or other market conditions.
4.4 EPISL will obtain the Client’s written approval before proceeding with a material price increase that materially changes the accepted price, unless the contract already includes an allowance or price-adjustment method.
4.5 An allowance is a budget estimate for an item that has not been finally selected or priced.
4.6 The contract price will be adjusted to the actual approved cost of an allowance item, plus any disclosed procurement, delivery, handling, or installation charges.
4.7 The estimate will itemize labour, materials, allowances, delivery, permits, equipment, taxes, and other charges that can reasonably be determined before acceptance.
4.8 The estimate will disclose possible additional costs that cannot reasonably be calculated in advance, such as hidden-condition work, customs duties, brokerage, unusual disposal, or third-party charges.
4.9 Where payment is required in a currency other than Canadian dollars, the estimate will clearly state the applicable currency.
5. Deposits and Payments
5.1 The estimate will state the deposit, each payment amount or calculation method, the payment schedule, and the total contract price.
5.2 Unless the estimate says otherwise, the deposit reserves scheduling and supports planning, administration, permits, equipment, committed labour, and materials for the project.
5.3 EPISL will keep project-level records of invoices, payments, approved charges, supplier credits, and the remaining balance.
5.4 Client payments are not held in trust unless EPISL agrees in writing or the law requires it.
5.5 For projects lasting more than seven (7) days, EPISL may invoice weekly or by milestones stated in the estimate.
5.6 Each invoice is due when received unless the invoice gives another due date.
5.7 EPISL will not knowingly use an identifiable, unearned Client advance to pay costs that belong only to another Client’s project. EPISL is not required to keep a separate bank account for every project.
6. Materials, Supplier Accounts, Returns, and Credits
6.1 EPISL may buy materials through supplier or contractor accounts and may receive contractor pricing.
6.2 Unless stated otherwise, the Client pays the price shown in the estimate or approved change order, not EPISL’s internal supplier cost.
6.3 Materials that are purchased, fabricated, special-ordered, cut, tinted, opened, installed, or otherwise made non-returnable for the project are chargeable to the Client.
6.4 When materials are returned, and EPISL receives a supplier credit, EPISL will apply the net credit actually received after valid restocking, delivery, handling, cancellation, or return charges.
6.5 EPISL will provide reasonable supporting documents for a material credit when requested.
6.6 To the extent permitted by law, materials supplied by EPISL remain EPISL’s property until fully paid.
6.7 Risk of loss for materials delivered to the site may pass to the Client when delivered, except when the loss is caused by EPISL’s negligence.
6.8 Return Policy: Project materials may be returned only when the supplier accepts the return and EPISL approves it. Special-order, fabricated, cut, tinted, opened, installed, damaged, or non-returnable materials cannot be returned.
6.9 Exchange Policy: Materials may be exchanged only with EPISL’s written approval and subject to supplier availability, restocking fees, delivery costs, price differences, and schedule effects.
6.10 Refund Policy: Any refund or credit for returned materials is limited to the net amount actually received by EPISL after valid supplier and project charges, except where applicable law requires a different refund.
7. Change Orders and Additional Services
7.1 Any change to the scope, specifications, materials, schedule, access, or method of work requires a written change order or other clear written approval.
7.2 Where reasonably possible, the approval will describe the change and its effect on price and schedule.
7.3 EPISL may perform emergency work without prior written approval when the work is needed to protect people or property and approval cannot reasonably be obtained.
7.4 EPISL will notify the Client as soon as reasonably possible and document any emergency work.
7.5 Consultations, redesign, extra meetings, rework caused by Client changes, and other services outside the accepted scope may be billed at the rates shown in the estimate or change order.
8. Client Responsibilities and Site Access
8.1 The Client will provide safe and timely access to the property and working utilities when needed.
8.2 The Client will provide accurate information, make timely selections and decisions, and disclose known hazards or defects, including asbestos, mould, contamination, and underground services.
8.3 The Client will remove or protect valuables and fragile items in the work area.
8.4 EPISL is not responsible for normal dust, vibration, noise, temporary service interruptions, or minor disturbance that reasonably results from renovation work.
8.5 Work performed or changed by the Client or another party without EPISL’s written approval may affect the schedule, price, performance, and warranty.
8.6 EPISL is not responsible for damage or defects caused by unauthorized third-party work.
9. Permits, Inspections, and Code Compliance
9.1 The estimate will state whether permits, engineering, utility fees, inspections, or similar approvals are included.
9.2 Unless clearly included, these items are excluded and are the Client’s responsibility.
9.3 EPISL will perform its work according to the laws, codes, safety rules, and permit conditions that apply to EPISL’s scope.
9.4 Existing non-compliant conditions outside EPISL’s scope are not included unless added by change order.
9.5 A property’s age or condition may require asbestos or other hazardous-material assessment or remediation before work starts or continues.
9.6 Related costs and delays are outside the original scope unless clearly included.
10. Concealed and Unforeseen Conditions
10.1 Renovation work may reveal hidden damage, rot, mould, asbestos, unsafe wiring, plumbing defects, structural problems, code issues, pests, or other conditions that could not reasonably be found before opening the work area.
10.2 EPISL may stop the affected work, give the Client the available information, and propose a change order.
10.3 EPISL is not required to continue work that is unsafe or does not comply with legal requirements.
10.4 The Client is responsible for resulting time and cost changes unless the condition was caused by EPISL’s negligence or breach of contract.
11. Delays, Suspension, and Project Inactivity
11.1 Neither party is responsible for a delay caused by events outside that party’s reasonable control.
11.2 The affected party will make reasonable efforts to reduce the delay and keep the other party informed.
11.3 EPISL may suspend work for non-payment, unsafe conditions, denied access, missing Client decisions, required changes that have not been approved, interference by others, permit or inspection issues, or another material Client breach.
11.4 Where reasonably possible, EPISL will give written notice explaining the suspension.
11.5 If work is suspended or substantially inactive for more than fourteen (14) straight days, either party may request a written project and financial status report.
11.6 The report may include work completed, project charges, materials purchased, supplier credits, payments, the balance, and expected restart conditions or date.
11.7 If a Client-caused suspension lasts more than thirty (30) days, EPISL may revise the schedule and price for remobilization, storage, market price changes, and other reasonable added costs.
12. Cancellation and Termination
12.1 The Client may cancel the contract by giving EPISL written notice, subject to any cancellation rights provided by law.
12.2 If the Client cancels for convenience, and the cancellation is not based on a legal cancellation right or a breach by EPISL, EPISL may charge a cancellation fee of up to twenty-five percent (25%) of the total accepted estimate, to the extent permitted by law.
12.3 The Client must also pay amounts properly owing for work completed, approved changes, materials ordered or purchased, non-refundable commitments, permits, delivery, disposal, restocking, demobilization, and other reasonable project costs caused by the project or cancellation.
12.4 EPISL may deduct any amount properly owing under this section from the Client’s deposit, to the extent permitted by law.
12.5 After receiving the information needed to close the project, EPISL will normally provide a final reconciliation within fifteen (15) business days. It will show charges, payments, supplier credits received, deductions from the deposit, and the final balance.
12.6 Any undisputed refund owed to the Client will be paid within fifteen (15) business days after the reconciliation, unless the law or a written agreement requires a different period.
12.7 After cancellation or termination, the Client may hire another contractor to complete the remaining work. EPISL is not responsible for work performed by others or for defects, damage, changes, or failures caused by that work.
12.8 EPISL’s warranty applies only to eligible work completed by EPISL. It does not cover EPISL work that is later altered, removed, damaged, improperly connected to, or otherwise adversely affected by the Client or another contractor.
12.9 EPISL may terminate the contract for material breach, prolonged suspension, non-payment, unsafe conditions, abusive or threatening conduct, or another lawful reason. Where practical, EPISL will give reasonable written notice before termination.
12.10 These Terms do not limit any cancellation, refund, warranty, or other right that cannot legally be waived. Where a statutory cancellation right applies, EPISL will follow the refund and contract-return requirements imposed by law.
13. Late Payment, Collection, and Builders Liens
13.1 Overdue amounts may bear interest at two percent (2%) per month, twenty-four percent (24%) per year, or the highest lawful rate, whichever is lower.
13.2 Interest runs from the payment due date until the amount is paid.
13.3 EPISL may suspend work and recover reasonable collection costs where permitted by law.
13.4 EPISL may preserve and enforce lien and other legal rights under the Builders Lien Act and other applicable laws.
13.5 Any lien will be filed only within legal time limits and where EPISL has a lawful basis.
13.6 Nothing in these Terms changes legal notice, holdback, filing, or enforcement requirements.
14. Testing, Completion, and Deficiencies
14.1 EPISL may perform appropriate testing and will notify the Client when a phase or the project is substantially complete.
14.2 The Client should report visible deficiencies in writing within five (5) business days after notice of completion or inspection.
14.3 Not reporting a visible item within five business days does not waive rights for hidden defects or rights that cannot legally be waived.
14.4 EPISL must be given a reasonable chance to inspect and correct a valid deficiency before the Client hires someone else to perform corrective work, except in a genuine emergency.
15. Warranty
15.1 Unless the estimate states otherwise, EPISL provides a one (1) year limited warranty on EPISL’s workmanship and materials supplied by EPISL.
15.2 The warranty starts when the applicable work is substantially complete.
15.3 The warranty does not cover normal wear, consumables, manufacturer defects covered by a manufacturer warranty, pre-existing conditions, movement or failure of existing structures or systems, moisture or environmental conditions outside EPISL’s control, misuse, lack of maintenance, or work changed or damaged by others.
15.4 For a valid warranty claim, EPISL’s first obligation is, at its choice, to inspect, repair, replace, or redo the affected work.
15.5 This warranty does not exclude legal warranties or remedies that cannot be waived.
16. Communication and Project Records
16.1 Important approvals, changes, delays, cancellations, and payment arrangements must be recorded in writing.
16.2 Email, text message, project-management platforms, and electronic approvals may be used.
16.3 EPISL will make reasonable efforts to give updates when an important event materially affects cost, scope, or schedule.
16.4 The Client will respond to time-sensitive questions and approval requests within a reasonable time.
16.5 EPISL may keep project photos, measurements, invoices, communications, and other records for project administration, warranty, accounting, insurance, and legal compliance.
17. Privacy and Website Acceptance Records
17.1 EPISL collects and uses personal information for estimates, contracts, scheduling, project delivery, billing, warranty, safety, and communications.
17.2 Accounting, payment, cloud-storage, and project-management service providers may process information for EPISL.
17.3 For online acceptance, EPISL may record the accepted document version, date and time, account or contact information, IP address, and related audit information.
17.4 EPISL will handle personal information under applicable privacy law and its posted privacy policy.
18. Dispute Resolution
18.1 The parties will first try in good faith to resolve a dispute through direct written communication and an exchange of relevant project records.
18.2 If the dispute is not resolved within fifteen (15) days, either party may suggest mediation in British Columbia.
18.3 Unless the law requires otherwise, mediation is voluntary and the cost will be shared equally unless the parties agree differently.
18.4 Either party may still pursue a builders lien, emergency or injunctive relief, a claim within the Civil Resolution Tribunal or Provincial Court, or another legal remedy.
18.5 Consumer rights that cannot be waived are not affected.
19. Limitation of Liability
19.1 To the fullest extent permitted by law, neither party is liable to the other for indirect, incidental, special, or consequential losses that were not reasonably foreseeable when the contract was made.
19.2 EPISL’s total contractual liability will not exceed the greater of the amount paid for the affected work or the amount available under applicable insurance.
19.3 The limit in Section 19.2 does not apply to fraud, wilful misconduct, gross negligence, personal injury, property damage caused by negligence, or liability that cannot legally be limited.
19.4 The Client must take reasonable steps to prevent or reduce loss and promptly advise EPISL of any condition that may cause continuing damage.
20. General Terms
20.1 If part of these Terms is invalid or cannot be enforced, it will be removed or limited only as much as necessary. The rest will remain in effect.
20.2 A waiver is effective only when clearly communicated in writing.
20.3 A delay in enforcing a right does not waive that right.
20.4 EPISL may use qualified subcontractors and remains responsible for its contractual duties, subject to these Terms.
20.5 The contract is governed by the laws of British Columbia and the applicable laws of Canada.
20.6 The parties submit to the courts and tribunals that have lawful jurisdiction in British Columbia.
20.7 Headings are for convenience only.
20.8 “Including” means “including without limitation.”
20.9 References to days mean calendar days unless the words “business days” are used.
21. Website Version and Changes
21.1 The version of these Terms in effect when the Client accepts a project applies to that project.
21.2 EPISL may update the website version for future projects.
21.3 A later website update does not change an existing contract unless both parties agree in writing or the change is required by law.
21.4 The accepted estimate should identify the applicable version or effective date of these Terms.
21.5 EPISL will keep a copy or reproducible record of the version accepted by the Client.
CLIENT ACKNOWLEDGMENT
By accepting the project estimate, the Client confirms that EPISL provided access to the complete estimate and these Terms before acceptance; the Client had an opportunity to review them; and the Client received or will receive a durable, printable copy of the accepted contract within the time required by law.