Should I hire different contractors for each trade or one general contractor?

For most Ottawa homeowners, hiring one licensed general contractor is the better choice - they coordinate all trades, handle permits, and you have single-point accountability under Ontario's consumer protection laws.

Why General Contractors Usually Win in Ottawa

A licensed general contractor in Ottawa takes responsibility for the entire project, including coordinating ESA-licensed electricians, TSSA-certified gas technicians, and other specialized trades. They pull the building permits through ottawa.ca/building, manage inspections with City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424), and ensure all work meets Ontario Building Code requirements.

Most importantly, you have one contract, one warranty, and one point of contact if issues arise. Under Ontario's Consumer Protection Act, this gives you clearer legal recourse than trying to coordinate disputes between multiple separate contractors.

When Multiple Contractors Make Sense

Consider hiring separate contractors for each trade when you're doing a phased renovation over many months, have extensive experience managing construction projects, or are doing very specialized work where you want specific expertise (like heritage restoration or high-end millwork).

You might also go this route for simple projects where trades don't overlap much - like hiring just an ESA-licensed electrician for panel upgrades or just a TSSA-certified technician for furnace replacement.

The Ottawa Permit Reality

Here's what many homeowners don't realize: in Ottawa, someone needs to coordinate all those permits and inspections. Your electrical contractor needs ESA permits, gas work needs TSSA approval, and structural changes need City of Ottawa building permits. A general contractor handles this coordination; with separate contractors, that coordination falls on you.

If you miss an inspection or sequence work incorrectly, you could face delays, failed inspections, or even having to tear out completed work. The City of Ottawa Building Code Services is strict about proper sequencing.

What to Verify Either Way

Whether you choose one general contractor or multiple specialists, verify each company through:

• ESA contractor lookup at esasafe.com for electrical work


• TSSA certification search at tssa.org for gas/HVAC work


• WSIB clearance certificates at wsib.ca


• Ontario business registration and Better Business Bureau ratings


• Current liability insurance (minimum $2 million recommended)

Cost Considerations in Ottawa

General contractors typically add 15-25% markup on subcontractor work, but they also often get better trade pricing due to volume relationships. Factor in your time coordinating multiple contractors, potential delays from poor coordination, and the risk of warranty gaps between trades.

For most Ottawa renovation projects - whether it's a Kanata kitchen, Barrhaven bathroom, or Orleans basement - the peace of mind and single-point accountability of a licensed general contractor outweighs the potential savings of managing multiple contractors yourself.

The key is finding a reputable general contractor who uses properly licensed subtrades and stands behind all the work with comprehensive warranties.