How many quotes should I get before hiring a contractor?

For most home renovation projects in Ottawa, you should get 3-4 detailed quotes from licensed contractors to ensure competitive pricing and find the right fit for your project.

Getting multiple quotes isn't just about finding the lowest price – it's about understanding the scope of work, comparing approaches, and identifying contractors who truly understand your project. In Ottawa's competitive construction market, this process helps protect you from both overpricing and corner-cutting contractors.

Here's how to approach the quoting process effectively in Ottawa:

Start with verification first. Before requesting any quotes, verify each contractor through the ESA contractor locator at esasafe.com (for electrical work), TSSA.org (for gas/HVAC work), and confirm their WSIB clearance at wsib.ca/clearances. This saves time by eliminating unqualified contractors upfront.

Request detailed written quotes that break down materials, labor, permits, and timeline. In Ottawa, legitimate contractors will include City of Ottawa permit costs in their quotes – currently ranging from $200-500 for most renovation permits, with larger projects requiring $500-2000+. If a contractor suggests skipping permits for work that requires them, that's an immediate red flag.

Compare apples to apples by providing each contractor with identical project specifications. Pay attention to significant price variations – if one quote is dramatically lower, they may be cutting corners on materials, not including necessary permits, or planning to add costs later through change orders.

Watch for these red flags during the quoting process: contractors who demand large upfront payments, refuse to provide written estimates, can't provide local references, or pressure you to sign immediately. Legitimate Ottawa contractors understand that homeowners need time to compare options and make informed decisions.

Consider the contractor's communication and professionalism during the quoting process. Are they punctual for appointments? Do they ask detailed questions about your project? Do they explain potential challenges or code requirements? This gives you insight into how they'll handle your actual project.

For larger projects (over $50,000), consider getting 4-5 quotes, as the investment in time pays off with better contractor selection and potential savings. For smaller projects under $10,000, 3 quotes are typically sufficient.

Timeline matters in Ottawa's construction season. During peak season (April through October), quality contractors may be booked weeks in advance. Getting quotes early and making decisions promptly helps secure better contractors and scheduling.

Remember that the lowest quote isn't always the best choice. Focus on finding a contractor who demonstrates proper licensing, provides detailed written estimates, includes all necessary Ottawa permits, and communicates professionally throughout the process. This approach protects you from the costly mistakes that come from hiring the wrong contractor, regardless of their initial quote.

For verified contractors in your area, check our directory at ottawaconstructionnetwork.com/directory to start your search with pre-screened professionals.