Do I need a general contractor or can I hire trades directly?

In Ottawa, you can legally hire trades directly for most projects, but whether you should depends on your project's complexity, your experience managing construction, and local permit requirements.

For smaller projects like a bathroom renovation or kitchen update, many Ottawa homeowners successfully hire trades directly - finding a licensed plumber through the City of Ottawa's contractor directory, an ESA-licensed electrician through esasafe.com, and TSSA-certified gas technicians through tssa.org. You'll save the general contractor's markup (typically 15-25%) and have direct control over each trade.

However, direct hiring means YOU become the project manager. You'll coordinate schedules, ensure proper sequencing (rough plumbing before drywall, electrical rough-in before insulation), handle all permit applications through ottawa.ca/building, and manage any issues between trades. In Ottawa's busy construction market, this can be challenging when your electrician is delayed and your drywall contractor needs to reschedule.

Ottawa Permit Considerations

The City of Ottawa requires permits for most electrical, plumbing, and structural work regardless of who you hire. When hiring directly, you're responsible for ensuring each trade pulls proper permits - your electrician needs an ESA permit, your plumber needs a City of Ottawa plumbing permit, and any structural changes require building permits. Miss a permit, and you could face stop-work orders or complications when selling your home.

When to Hire a General Contractor

Consider a licensed general contractor for projects involving multiple trades, structural changes, or additions. They handle permit coordination, manage trade scheduling, and are responsible for code compliance. For complex projects like basement finishing, secondary dwelling units, or whole-home renovations in Ottawa's older neighborhoods (Westboro, Glebe, Sandy Hill), their experience with City of Ottawa inspectors and local building challenges often justifies their fee.

Protecting Yourself Either Way

Whether hiring direct or through a GC, verify all contractors through official channels: ESA licensing at esasafe.com for electrical, TSSA certification at tssa.org for gas work, and WSIB clearance certificates. Get detailed written quotes, understand Ottawa's Construction Lien Act (10% holdback for 60 days), and never pay large amounts upfront.

For straightforward projects with 1-2 trades, direct hiring often works well. For complex projects or if you lack construction experience, a reputable general contractor can save you time, stress, and potentially costly mistakes navigating Ottawa's building requirements.