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

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 or electrical issues - most licensed contractors will respond within hours.

Here's what reasonable response times look like in Ottawa:

Emergency work: Same day response expected, especially for electrical (ESA-licensed contractors) or gas issues (TSSA-certified technicians). If it's a safety issue, don't wait - call another contractor.

Regular renovation inquiries: 24-48 hours is standard. Quality contractors who are properly licensed and insured are usually busy, but they understand that prompt communication builds trust.

During busy season (spring/summer): Up to 72 hours can be acceptable, especially for larger renovation projects. Many Ottawa contractors are juggling multiple projects from Kanata to Orleans.

Red flags for response time: If a contractor takes more than a week to return your call without explanation, or if they're overly eager and calling you multiple times per day, proceed with caution. Legitimate contractors are busy but professional.

What affects response time in Ottawa: Weather plays a huge role here. During those brutal February cold snaps or spring flooding, emergency contractors are slammed. Similarly, when the City of Ottawa releases a batch of building permits after processing delays, contractors suddenly get very busy starting approved projects.

How to improve your chances of a quick response: Leave a detailed voicemail mentioning your specific project, timeline, and that you're looking for properly licensed contractors. Mention if you already have permits or are ready to start the permit process through ottawa.ca/building.

If you don't hear back: Don't take it personally. Ottawa has a shortage of skilled tradespeople, and good contractors are selective about projects. Try calling mid-morning (9-11 AM) when contractors are often between job sites.

Multiple quotes strategy: Contact 4-5 contractors initially, expecting 2-3 to respond. This is normal in Ottawa's market and ensures you're not waiting on one contractor who may be too busy to take on your project.

Remember, contractors who respond professionally and promptly to initial inquiries often maintain that same communication standard throughout your project. It's actually a good screening tool for finding contractors who will keep you informed during construction.

For finding verified contractors in Ottawa who maintain professional communication standards, check our directory at ottawaconstructionnetwork.com/directory where all contractors have confirmed licensing and insurance.