Question 1

What type of wood is best for outdoor projects?

Accepted Answer

For Ottawa's harsh climate, pressure-treated lumber and naturally rot-resistant species like cedar are your best choices for outdoor projects. Cedar offers natural beauty and weather resistance, while pressure-treated pine provides maximum durability at a lower cost.

Cedar is the premium choice for Ottawa outdoor projects. Western Red Cedar and Eastern White Cedar both offer natural oils that resist rot, insects, and moisture. Cedar weathers to an attractive silver-gray if left untreated, or ca

Question 2

What is the difference between interior and exterior paint?

Accepted Answer

That's a great project question! For specific advice about paint types, finishes, and application techniques, check out resources focused on painting and home improvement projects. Here at OCN, we focus on helping you find and work with the right contractor for your project.

However, from a contractor hiring perspective in Ottawa, here's what you need to know:

When hiring a painting contractor in Ottawa, understanding the difference between interior and exterior work helps you evaluate their e

Question 3

What is the difference between MDF and solid wood?

Accepted Answer

That's a great project question! For specific material advice like MDF versus solid wood comparisons, you'll want to check out resources focused on woodworking, cabinetry, or specific renovation projects. Here at OCN, we focus on helping Ottawa homeowners find and work with the right contractors for their projects.

What we can help you with is ensuring any contractor you hire for work involving these materials is properly licensed and insured in Ottawa. For example, if you're planning kitchen c

Question 4

Choosing Renovation Finishes That Last

Accepted Answer

Selecting durable finishes for Ottawa home renovations requires balancing aesthetic preferences with practical performance considerations that determine how materials age over time. Understanding durability factors helps homeowners make selections that maintain beauty and function for years rather than requiring premature replacement.

Why Durability Matters in Finish Selection

Renovation finishes represent significant investments that homeowners expect to last. Flooring, countertops, cabinets,

Question 5

Material Samples: How to Evaluate Before Committing

Accepted Answer

Selecting the right materials for a renovation project in Ottawa requires careful evaluation of samples before making final commitments. The difference between a sample viewed in a showroom and how that material performs in a real home environment can be significant, making proper evaluation essential for Ottawa homeowners planning any renovation project.

Understanding Why Sample Evaluation Matters

Material samples represent just a small portion of what will eventually cover floors, walls, cou

Question 6

Sustainable Building Materials Available in Ottawa: A Comprehensive Guide

Accepted Answer

Ottawa homeowners pursuing sustainable renovations have access to an expanding range of environmentally responsible building materials, from locally sourced options that minimize transportation impacts to innovative products offering superior performance with reduced environmental footprints.

Defining Sustainability in Building Materials

Sustainable building materials evaluation considers multiple factors: raw material extraction impacts, manufacturing energy and emissions, transportation dis

Question 7

What is the best drywall thickness for walls?

Accepted Answer

That's a great project question! For specific renovation advice like drywall specifications and installation techniques, check out resources focused on drywall and construction materials. Here at OCN, we focus on helping you find and work with the right contractor for your project.

However, I can help you navigate the contractor hiring process for drywall work in Ottawa. When getting quotes for drywall installation or repair, here's what you need to know about working with contractors in the Ot

Question 8

Is it a scam if a contractor says they have leftover materials?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the "leftover materials" pitch is one of the most common contractor scams in Ottawa and across Ontario. Legitimate contractors don't typically have expensive materials just sitting around that perfectly match what you need.

How This Scam Works in Ottawa

Scammers often target Ottawa neighborhoods like Kanata, Orleans, and Barrhaven with door-to-door visits claiming they just finished a job nearby and have "leftover" roofing, paving stones, or siding materials. They'll offer a steep discou

Question 9

What are the signs a contractor is using substandard materials?

Accepted Answer

Spotting substandard materials is crucial for Ottawa homeowners - here are the red flags that indicate your contractor might be cutting corners on quality.

The most obvious warning sign is when materials arrive without proper labeling or certification marks. In Ontario, legitimate building materials must meet specific standards - electrical components need CSA approval, plumbing fixtures require NSF certification, and structural materials need proper grade stamps. If your contractor brings mate

Question 10

What markup is normal for contractors on materials in Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

In Ottawa, contractors typically mark up materials by 10-20% on average, though this varies significantly based on the contractor's business model and project type.

Understanding material markup is crucial when evaluating contractor quotes in Ottawa. Many homeowners don't realize that markup isn't just profit - it covers the contractor's time sourcing materials, transportation, storage, warranty responsibility, and the financial risk of purchasing materials upfront.

How Material Pricing Works

Materials & Products