Question 1

How long does it take to install new windows?

Accepted Answer

That's a great project question! For specific renovation advice and installation timelines, check out resources focused on window replacement projects. Here at OCN, we focus on helping you find and work with the right contractor for your project.

However, I can help you understand the permit and contractor hiring process for window replacement in Ottawa, which is crucial for your project success.

For window replacement in Ottawa, you typically need a building permit if you're changing the size

Question 2

What is a mechanical contractor, and when do I need one?

Accepted Answer

A mechanical contractor in Ottawa specializes in heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and plumbing systems - and you'll need one for any work involving furnaces, air conditioners, ductwork, or major plumbing installations that require permits.

In Ontario, mechanical contractors must hold proper TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) certification to work on gas appliances and HVAC systems. For gas work specifically, they need G1 or G2 certification, which you can verify at ts

Question 3

When should I hire a project manager for my renovation?

Accepted Answer

For Ottawa renovations over $50,000 or involving multiple trades, a project manager becomes essential to coordinate permits, inspections, and contractor scheduling while ensuring City of Ottawa building code compliance.

Most Ottawa homeowners should consider hiring a project manager when their renovation involves:

Multi-trade coordination - If you're hiring separate contractors for electrical (requiring ESA permits), plumbing, HVAC (requiring TSSA certification), and general construction, a pr

Question 4

How long does it take to get a building inspection scheduled in Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

Building inspection scheduling in Ottawa typically takes 2-5 business days for most standard inspections, though this can vary by season and inspection type.

The City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424) generally provides next-day or same-week scheduling for routine inspections like framing, insulation, or final inspections. However, during peak construction season (April through October), you may need to book 3-5 business days in advance, especially for popular time slots.

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Question 5

How long do I have to file a complaint against a contractor?

Accepted Answer

In Ontario, you typically have 2 years from when you discovered (or should have discovered) the problem to file a complaint against a contractor, but this varies depending on the type of complaint and where you file it.

Consumer Protection Complaints

For general contractor disputes in Ontario, the Limitation Act gives you 2 years from the date you knew or ought to have known about the issue. This applies to most contract disputes, poor workmanship, or breach of contract situations.

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Question 6

When should I make the final payment to my contractor?

Accepted Answer

In Ontario, you should make your final payment to your contractor only after the 60-day lien period expires and you've confirmed all work meets contract specifications and has passed required inspections.

Here's the specific timeline for Ottawa contractors under Ontario's Construction Act:

The 60-Day Holdback Rule

You're legally required to hold back 10% of the total contract value for 60 days after "substantial completion" of the work. This protects you from construction liens that subcontr

Question 7

What is a progress payment schedule for home renovations?

Accepted Answer

A progress payment schedule for Ottawa home renovations is a structured plan that breaks your total project cost into installments tied to specific completion milestones, protecting both you and your contractor while maintaining healthy cash flow.

Under Ontario's Construction Lien Act, you're required to hold back 10% of each payment until 60 days after substantial completion - this is your legal protection against liens. A typical Ottawa renovation payment schedule might look like:

Standard O

Question 8

What does it mean when a contractor is bonded?

Accepted Answer

When a contractor is bonded in Ottawa, it means they have purchased a surety bond that provides financial protection to homeowners if the contractor fails to complete work as agreed or doesn't meet contract obligations.

A bond is essentially a three-party agreement between the contractor, a bonding company, and you as the homeowner. If the contractor doesn't fulfill their contractual obligations - whether that's completing work, paying subcontractors, or fixing defective work - you can make a c

Question 9

How long should I expect to wait for a good contractor to start my project?

Accepted Answer

In Ottawa's current market, expect to wait 4-12 weeks for a reputable contractor to start your project, with seasonal variations significantly affecting availability.

The timeline depends heavily on several Ottawa-specific factors. During peak season (April through September), established contractors often book 8-12 weeks out, especially for exterior work like roofing, siding, or decks. Winter months (November through February) typically offer shorter wait times of 4-6 weeks, as demand for inte

Question 10

How long does a variance application take in Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

A variance application in Ottawa typically takes 8-12 weeks from submission to decision, though complex applications or those requiring additional studies can take up to 16 weeks.

The City of Ottawa Committee of Adjustment meets twice monthly, and your application needs to be complete and submitted by specific deadlines to make each meeting. Here's the typical timeline breakdown:

Week 1-2: Application Review
Once you submit your variance application to the City of Ottawa Planning Department (6

Question 11

When should I do a final walkthrough with my contractor?

Accepted Answer

You should do your final walkthrough with your contractor 2-3 days before making the final payment in Ottawa, giving yourself time to address any deficiencies before releasing funds.

The timing of your final walkthrough is crucial for protecting yourself under Ontario's Construction Lien Act. In Ontario, you're required to hold back 10% of the contract value for 60 days after substantial completion, but you want to identify any issues before making that substantial completion determination.

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Question 12

Should my contractor provide a project schedule?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely! A reputable contractor in Ottawa should provide you with a detailed project schedule as part of their professional service, and it's actually required for larger projects under Ontario's Consumer Protection Act.

When you're hiring contractors in Ottawa, a proper project schedule protects both you and the contractor by setting clear expectations. For any project over $50 in Ontario, contractors must provide written contracts that include timelines, and for home improvement contr

Question 13

How long should I wait for a contractor to return my call?

Accepted Answer

In Ottawa's competitive construction market, you should expect a return call within 24-48 hours during business days, though response times can vary significantly based on the season and contractor's workload.

The reality of Ottawa's construction industry is that timing matters enormously. During peak season (April through October), established contractors are often booked solid and may take 2-3 days to return calls. However, if you're calling about emergency work - like a burst pipe in January

Question 14

What payment schedule is normal for a renovation project?

Accepted Answer

For Ottawa renovation projects, a typical payment schedule follows a 10-20-40-30 structure, with the final 10% held back for 60 days as required by Ontario's Construction Lien Act.

The most common payment structure for renovations in Ottawa breaks down like this: 10% deposit upon contract signing, 20% when materials arrive on site, 40% at the halfway point when major work is substantially complete, 20% upon project completion, and then the final 10% holdback released after 60 days.

However, yo

Question 15

When can I release the holdback to my contractor?

Accepted Answer

In Ontario, you can release the holdback to your contractor 60 days after substantial completion of the work, provided no liens have been filed against your property.

Under Ontario's Construction Act (formerly the Construction Lien Act), you're required to hold back 10% of the contract price until this 60-day period expires. This holdback protects you from potential liens that subcontractors or suppliers might file if they haven't been paid by your general contractor.

The 60-Day Timeline in O

Question 16

What should I look for when hiring a contractor in Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

When hiring a contractor in Ottawa, focus on verifying their licensing, insurance, and permits first - this protects you from liability and ensures quality work that meets Ontario Building Code standards.

Start with the essential verifications that are specific to Ontario and Ottawa. For electrical work, confirm your contractor is a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) through the ESA website at esasafe.com/contractor-locator. For gas or HVAC work, verify TSSA certification at tssa.org. These a

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