unauthorized renovations

[mosfet123]

how to prevent family member making unwanted & unauthorized renovations to home while we (owners) are away? Live in Ontario,Canada

[buildersmate]

Sounds worrying. Can't you encourage them live elsewhere whilst you are away - oh, and take away their key.

[gentleman]

In brief, the answer to your question can be easily answered but it would not be what you would want to hear.
So, the question I would ask here is:
a) If you are away and live in Ontario, Canada, is this property a second home but you are a resident in Canada?
b) Family member; are they permanent residence without liablity. In essence, are they living there without any liability. Are they paying rental income to you when staying in this property and do they have a tenancy agreement?
c) Do you live in the property and if there is a tenancy agreement is there any clause in the tenency agreement to this effect for when you are in this country?
But if you are worried about your property why not arrange a Tenancy Agreement for a norminal sum of even a market rent and prepare a proper Inventory Schedule for property's funishing and building condition. And of course any refurbishing is strictly subject to approval.
And by the way, if you can encourage them to live elsewhere as suggested by buildersmate, I would strongly recommend you change the lock just before you decide to leave to go to Canada. They may have a spare key you would not know even if they leave the property.
But from the way you posed your qusetion it would seem you need them there as a house sitter while you are away or not there. Still, there is no reason for you to ask them to sign a tenancy agreement with 'terms and condition including their liability.

[eltelioni]

Shout at them. Seriously. I get the impression you have asked nicely but you suspect they will take no notice.

[Ice.Maiden]

Dificult one. If they have no rent card/book, they could argue in court that you'd allowed them to do this. You could try being very firm with them, and saying that if any alterations've been done without your consent, you'll be instructing a solicitor to make them get out. Sending such a letter might be enough to make them leave voluntarily.
If Chris is about tonight, I bet he'll be able to help you with this one.