Costs & Pricing
Renovation costs, contractor pricing, and budgeting for projects in Ottawa
What is the difference between a fixed price and a cost plus contract?
In Ottawa construction projects, fixed price contracts give you a set total cost upfront, while cost plus contracts charge you for actual costs plus a...
How much does an ESA permit cost in Ontario?
ESA electrical permits in Ontario typically cost between $100-$300 depending on the scope of work, with inspection fees ranging from $100-$200. The E...
Is it normal for contractors to take weeks to provide a quote?
It's unfortunately becoming more common for contractors in Ottawa to take 2-4 weeks for quotes, especially during busy spring and summer seasons, but...
Is it a red flag if a quote is way lower than others?
Yes, a significantly lower quote is often a major red flag when hiring contractors in Ottawa. While everyone loves saving money, quotes that are 20-30...
What is the difference between an estimate and a fixed-price quote?
In Ottawa's construction industry, an estimate is a rough ballpark figure that can change, while a fixed-price quote is a binding commitment to comple...
What does 'allowance' mean in a contractor's renovation quote?
In Ottawa renovation quotes, an "allowance" is a predetermined dollar amount the contractor allocates for specific materials or fixtures, giving you f...
What is a time and materials contract versus a fixed-price contract?
In Ottawa construction projects, you'll encounter two main contract types: fixed-price (lump sum) contracts where you pay one agreed amount regardless...
How detailed should a contractor's quote be for a kitchen remodel?
A proper kitchen remodel quote in Ottawa should be extremely detailed - broken down by trade, materials, labor, and permits, not just a single lump su...
What hidden costs should I watch for in renovation quotes?
Hidden costs in Ottawa renovation quotes can add 20-40% to your final bill if you're not careful - here's what contractors often leave out and how to...
Can a contractor charge me for work not in the original quote?
No, a contractor in Ottawa cannot charge you for work that wasn't included in the original quote without your written approval first. Under Ontario's...
Why did my contractor's estimate change after starting work?
Contractor estimates commonly change during construction in Ottawa due to unforeseen conditions discovered once work begins, but legitimate changes sh...
Should contractor quotes include cleanup and disposal costs?
Yes, legitimate contractor quotes in Ottawa should clearly specify whether cleanup and disposal costs are included or excluded - never leave this as a...
How much does a minor variance cost in Ottawa?
A minor variance application in Ottawa costs $1,089 as of 2024, plus additional fees for notices and potential deferrals. Here's the complete fee bre...
What does 'contingency' mean in a renovation quote?
A contingency in a renovation quote is extra money (typically 10-20% of the project cost) set aside to cover unexpected issues that arise during const...
How long is a contractor's quote typically valid for in Ottawa?
In Ottawa, contractor quotes are typically valid for 30-60 days, though this varies by contractor and project type. The validity period should always...
What should be included in a contractor's quote?
A proper contractor quote in Ottawa should include detailed breakdowns of labor, materials, permits, timeline, and payment schedule - never accept a h...
Should quotes for home renovation projects include permit fees and inspection costs?
Yes, reputable contractors in Ottawa should clearly itemize permit fees and inspection costs in their quotes, though practices vary on whether these a...
What should be itemized in a renovation quote?
A proper renovation quote in Ottawa should break down every aspect of your project with specific line items, materials, labor costs, and timelines - t...
What is the cost of a building permit in Ottawa?
Building permit costs in Ottawa vary significantly based on your project scope, ranging from $100 for simple permits to over $5,000 for major renovati...
Should I pay for a contractor to give me a detailed quote?
No, you should never pay a contractor for a quote in Ottawa. Legitimate contractors provide detailed estimates at no charge as part of their normal bu...
Should I get multiple quotes for my renovation?
Absolutely yes - getting multiple quotes is essential for any renovation project in Ottawa, and it's one of the best ways to protect yourself as a hom...
Is the cheapest quote always the worst option?
No, the cheapest quote isn't always the worst option in Ottawa, but it requires careful investigation to understand why it's lower than competitors....
What is a reasonable range of quotes for similar work?
For Ottawa contractors, a reasonable range between quotes for similar work is typically 15-25%, though this can vary significantly based on the type a...