Do I need separate trades or a general contractor for my renovation?

For most Ottawa renovations, a general contractor is typically your best choice - they coordinate all trades, handle permits, and take responsibility for the entire project under one contract.

When to Use a General Contractor

A licensed general contractor in Ottawa manages your entire renovation, hiring and coordinating plumbers, electricians, drywallers, and other trades. This approach works best for:

• Multi-room renovations (kitchens, bathrooms, basements)
• Projects requiring multiple permits through City of Ottawa
• Structural work or additions
• When you want one point of contact and accountability
• Projects with tight timelines requiring coordinated scheduling

The general contractor pulls all necessary permits through ottawa.ca/building, ensures work meets Ontario Building Code requirements, and handles ESA electrical permits and TSSA gas permits through their network of licensed trades.

When to Hire Trades Directly

You might consider hiring individual trades for:

• Single-trade projects (just electrical upgrades, just plumbing repairs)
• Simple projects you can manage yourself
• When you have extensive renovation experience
• Budget-conscious projects where you can save on markup

However, remember that YOU become the project manager, responsible for scheduling, permit coordination, and ensuring all work meets code. You'll need to verify each contractor's ESA license (for electrical), TSSA certification (for gas), WSIB clearance, and insurance independently.

Ottawa Permit Considerations

With City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424), permit applications are easier when one licensed contractor handles everything. General contractors understand local requirements, typical approval timelines (15-25 business days for renovations), and can navigate any issues that arise.

What to Look For

Whether choosing a general contractor or individual trades, verify through official Ontario channels:

• ESA license lookup at esasafe.com/contractor-locator


• WSIB clearance certificate


• Liability insurance (minimum $2 million)


• References from recent Ottawa projects

For complex renovations involving multiple systems, a reputable general contractor typically provides better protection, clearer accountability, and smoother project flow than managing separate trades yourself.

For help finding verified contractors in Ottawa, check our contractor directory for pre-screened professionals.