Should quotes for home renovation projects include permit fees and inspection costs?

Yes, reputable contractors in Ottawa should clearly itemize permit fees and inspection costs in their quotes, though practices vary on whether these are included in the total price or listed separately as "owner responsibilities."

What Ottawa Contractors Should Include

The best contractors will break down permit-related costs in their quotes:

• Building permit fees (currently $500-$5,000+ depending on project scope in Ottawa)
• ESA electrical inspection fees (~$100-200 if electrical work is involved)
• TSSA gas inspection fees (if gas appliances are being installed/moved)
• Plan preparation costs (if architectural drawings are needed)
• Permit application time (some contractors charge for the time spent at City of Ottawa offices)

Two Common Approaches in Ottawa

Option 1: All-Inclusive Pricing
The contractor includes all permit costs in their total price and handles everything. This is often preferred by homeowners who want one simple number.

Option 2: Itemized Separate Costs
Permits and inspections are listed as separate line items or marked as "owner responsibility." This gives you more transparency but requires you to budget separately.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious if an Ottawa contractor:

• Doesn't mention permits at all for work that clearly requires them


• Says "permits aren't needed" for structural, electrical, or plumbing work


• Quotes seem unusually low (they may not have factored in permit costs)


• Refuses to pull permits, suggesting you do it yourself for complex work

What to Ask During Quote Process

When getting quotes in Ottawa, specifically ask:

• "Are building permit fees included in this price?"


• "Who will handle permit applications with the City of Ottawa?"


• "What happens if permit costs are higher than estimated?"


• "Are ESA/TSSA inspection fees included?"

Typical Ottawa Permit Costs to Expect

• Bathroom renovation: $200-500 permit fee
• Kitchen renovation: $300-800 permit fee
• Basement finishing: $400-1,200 permit fee
• Addition/structural work: $1,000-5,000+ permit fee

Getting Accurate Estimates

The most reliable contractors will visit City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424) or check ottawa.ca/building to get current permit fees before finalizing their quote. Some even include a small buffer for potential permit cost increases.

For complex projects requiring engineered drawings, expect additional costs of $1,000-5,000+ for architectural plans, which are separate from the permit fees themselves.

A transparent quote that clearly addresses permit costs shows the contractor understands Ottawa's requirements and is planning to do the work legally and properly.