Should I hire a project manager for my renovation?

For major renovations in Ottawa ($50,000+), a project manager can be worth the 10-15% cost, but first understand what you're actually getting versus what your general contractor should already provide.

Many Ottawa homeowners consider project managers when they feel overwhelmed by the renovation process, but the decision really depends on your project scope, your contractor's capabilities, and your own availability to oversee the work.

When Project Managers Make Sense in Ottawa

For complex projects like whole-home renovations, additions, or secondary suite conversions in Ottawa, a project manager can handle permit coordination with the City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424), manage multiple trades, and ensure ESA and TSSA inspections are scheduled properly. They're particularly valuable if you're managing the renovation while living elsewhere or if you're coordinating multiple contractors yourself rather than hiring a general contractor.

Project managers typically charge 10-15% of your total project cost in the Ottawa market, so on a $100,000 renovation, you're looking at $10,000-15,000 in management fees. They should handle scheduling, quality control, permit applications through ottawa.ca/building, and act as your advocate with contractors.

What Your General Contractor Should Already Do

Here's the key consideration: a good general contractor in Ottawa should already be providing project management as part of their service. They should be pulling permits, coordinating trades, managing the schedule, and ensuring work meets Ontario Building Code requirements. If your contractor is asking you to hire a separate project manager, that's often a red flag that they're not equipped to handle the full scope of work.

When vetting general contractors in Ottawa, ask specifically about their project management process. Do they provide a detailed schedule? How do they handle permit applications with the City? Do they coordinate ESA inspections for electrical work and TSSA inspections for gas work? A qualified general contractor should handle all of this.

Red Flags and Protection Tips

Be wary of contractors who suggest you need a separate project manager for standard renovations - this often indicates they're subcontracting everything and not taking full responsibility. Also watch out for "project managers" who aren't properly insured or don't understand Ottawa's permit requirements.

If you do hire a project manager, verify they have WSIB coverage and general liability insurance. Check references from recent Ottawa projects, and ensure they understand local requirements like the City's inspection processes and Ontario's Construction Lien Act holdback requirements.

The Better Alternative

Instead of hiring a project manager, focus on finding a qualified general contractor who provides comprehensive project management. Look for contractors who can show you their process for permit applications, trade coordination, and quality control. Verify their licensing through ESA (for electrical oversight) and ensure they understand TSSA requirements for any gas work.

For finding qualified general contractors in Ottawa who provide full project management services, check our verified contractor directory where all contractors have been vetted for proper licensing, insurance, and local expertise.

The bottom line: good project management should be included in your general contractor's service, not an expensive add-on.