Should I pay for a contractor to give me a detailed quote?

No, you should never pay a contractor for a quote in Ottawa. Legitimate contractors provide detailed estimates at no charge as part of their normal business process - it's how they earn your business.

What Ottawa Contractors Should Provide for Free

Reputable contractors will visit your home, assess the work, and provide a detailed written estimate that includes materials, labor, timeline, and permit requirements. This is standard practice across Ottawa, from Kanata to Orleans, and any contractor asking for payment upfront for a quote is showing a major red flag.

The estimate should break down costs clearly, specify which permits are required (referencing City of Ottawa requirements), and include their ESA license number for electrical work or TSSA certification for gas/HVAC work. They should also provide proof of WSIB coverage and liability insurance.

When Contractors Might Charge (Legitimately)

The only time payment might be involved is if you're asking for detailed architectural drawings, engineering reports, or extensive design consultations that go far beyond a standard renovation quote. Some contractors offer design-build services where they'll create detailed plans for a fee that gets credited toward the project if you hire them.

For complex projects requiring structural engineering (common in Ottawa's older neighborhoods like the Glebe or Centretown), you might pay an engineer separately, but the contractor's quote for the actual construction work should still be free.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be extremely cautious of any contractor who asks for money upfront for quotes, especially those going door-to-door or pressuring you to "secure materials" before providing an estimate. Legitimate Ottawa contractors have established businesses, proper licensing through ESA or TSSA when required, and don't need your money to tell you what a job will cost.

Always verify their credentials through the ESA contractor locator at esasafe.com or TSSA's website before even getting a quote. Check their WSIB clearance at wsib.ca/clearances and confirm they're properly insured.

Getting Quality Free Quotes

Contact at least three licensed contractors for comparison quotes. Each should provide detailed written estimates within a week or two of their site visit. If a contractor can't provide references from recent Ottawa projects or seems evasive about licensing and insurance, move on to the next one.

For any project requiring City of Ottawa permits, the contractor should explain the permit process, timeline (typically 10-25 business days depending on complexity), and who handles the permit application. This consultation is part of their free quote service.