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

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

When to Use a General Contractor

A general contractor makes sense for multi-trade projects like kitchen renovations, bathroom remodels, basement finishing, or additions. In Ottawa, they handle:

• Pulling building permits through the City of Ottawa (613-580-2424)
• Coordinating ESA electrical permits and TSSA gas permits
• Managing subcontractors and ensuring all work meets Ontario Building Code
• Providing single-point accountability and warranty coverage
• Handling inspection scheduling with City of Ottawa Building Code Services

The general contractor must be properly licensed, carry WSIB coverage, and maintain liability insurance. They're responsible if a subcontractor doesn't show up or does poor work.

When to Hire Individual Trades

Consider separate trades only for single-discipline projects or if you have extensive construction experience. For example:

• Just replacing a furnace (TSSA-certified HVAC contractor)


• Electrical panel upgrade only (ESA-licensed electrical contractor)


• Plumbing rough-in for a simple basement bathroom

However, even single-trade work in Ottawa often requires building permits. A licensed electrician can pull ESA permits, but if structural work is involved, you'll still need a City of Ottawa building permit.

The Ottawa Permit Reality

Most renovations in Ottawa requiring permits benefit from a general contractor's experience. They know City of Ottawa Building Code Services requirements, typical inspection timelines (15-25 business days for renovation permits), and how to avoid costly delays or failed inspections.

What to Watch For

If hiring separate trades, you become the general contractor legally. You're responsible for:

• Coordinating all permits and inspections


• Ensuring work meets Ontario Building Code


• Managing payment schedules and lien holdbacks (10% for 60 days under Ontario's Construction Act)


• Resolving disputes between trades

Making the Decision

For projects over $10,000 or involving multiple trades, a licensed general contractor typically provides better value despite higher upfront costs. They absorb the coordination headaches and liability risks that can quickly exceed any savings from managing trades yourself.

Verify any contractor through ESA's contractor locator (esasafe.com) for electrical work, TSSA.org for gas work, and always confirm WSIB clearance certificates before starting work.

For complex renovations in Ottawa's older neighborhoods like the Glebe, Westboro, or Sandy Hill, where unexpected issues are common, a experienced general contractor's expertise becomes even more valuable.