Should quotes include permit fees and inspection costs?

Yes, in Ottawa, reputable contractors should clearly itemize permit fees and inspection costs in their quotes - this transparency protects you from surprise costs and shows the contractor understands local requirements.

Here's what you should expect to see broken down in Ottawa contractor quotes:

City of Ottawa Building Permits
Your quote should list the specific permit type and current City of Ottawa fees. For 2024, typical permits range from $200-500 for renovations, $500-2000+ for additions, and $100-300 for simpler projects like decks. The contractor should specify whether they're obtaining the permit or if you'll handle it directly. You can verify current fees at ottawa.ca/building or by calling 613-580-2424.

ESA Electrical Permits and Inspections
Any electrical work requires ESA permits and inspections. Licensed Electrical Contractors should include the ESA permit fee (typically $100-200) and inspection costs in their electrical quotes. You can verify their ESA license at esasafe.com/contractor-locator before signing any contract.

TSSA Gas and HVAC Permits
For gas work or HVAC installations, TSSA permits and inspections are mandatory. G1 or G2 certified technicians should include these costs (usually $100-300) in their quotes. Verify their TSSA certification at tssa.org.

What to Watch For
Red flags include contractors who don't mention permits at all, claim permits "aren't needed" for obvious permit-required work, or say they'll "handle permits later." In Ottawa, this often means they're unlicensed or trying to do unpermitted work that could cause insurance and resale issues.

Getting Multiple Quotes
When comparing quotes from different contractors, make sure permit and inspection costs are included consistently. Some contractors might give a lower base price but exclude permits, making their quote appear more competitive than it actually is.

Who Pulls the Permit
Most homeowners prefer contractors to obtain permits since they understand the City of Ottawa's requirements and can handle any issues that arise during inspections. However, you can pull permits yourself through the ottawa.ca building portal - just ensure your contractor is properly licensed to do the work.

The best contractors in Ottawa will walk you through exactly what permits are needed, current City fees, and inspection timelines. This upfront transparency indicates they're experienced with local regulations and committed to doing the work properly.