Can I email my contractor instead of talking in person?

Yes, you absolutely can email your contractor instead of talking in person, and in many cases it's actually better for protecting yourself during the project.

Email communication creates a written record of all decisions, changes, and agreements - something that's incredibly valuable if disputes arise later. In Ottawa's construction industry, having everything documented can save you thousands of dollars and weeks of headaches.

Why Email Often Works Better

Email gives you time to think through your questions and concerns before sending them. You can reference your original contract, check permit requirements on ottawa.ca, or verify costs before responding to change orders. This prevents the pressure situations that sometimes happen in face-to-face conversations where contractors push for quick decisions.

The written record also protects both you and your contractor. If there's confusion about what was agreed upon - whether it's timeline changes, material selections, or additional costs - you have the conversation saved. This is especially important in Ottawa where projects often involve City of Ottawa permit modifications or ESA/TSSA inspection scheduling that needs precise coordination.

When In-Person Might Be Necessary

Some situations do benefit from face-to-face discussion, particularly complex problems that require looking at the actual work site. If you're dealing with structural issues, permit complications with City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424), or quality concerns that need visual inspection, meeting in person can resolve things faster.

Initial contractor vetting should typically include an in-person meeting so you can assess their professionalism and get a feel for how they communicate. But once the project starts, email can handle most ongoing communication effectively.

Best Practices for Email Communication

Always follow up verbal conversations with email summaries. If you do talk in person or by phone, send an email afterward confirming what was discussed: "Just to confirm our conversation today about the permit delay - we agreed to extend the timeline by one week and the additional ESA inspection will cost $150."

Keep emails professional and specific. Instead of "the bathroom looks wrong," write "the tile installation doesn't match the pattern shown in our contract dated [date] - specifically the herringbone pattern we agreed on." This gives your contractor clear direction and creates a proper record.

For change orders or additional costs, always request written estimates via email before approving any work. Ontario's Construction Lien Act requires proper documentation for payment disputes, and email chains serve as excellent evidence.

Your communication preference should be established upfront when hiring your contractor. Professional contractors in Ottawa understand that email creates accountability and should be comfortable with written communication as the primary method.