What does a general contractor actually do on a renovation project?

A general contractor in Ottawa serves as the project manager and coordinator for your renovation, handling everything from permits to final cleanup while ensuring all work meets Ontario Building Code requirements.

Primary Responsibilities

A general contractor takes full responsibility for your renovation project from start to finish. They coordinate all the moving pieces so you don't have to juggle multiple trades, permits, and inspections yourself. Think of them as the conductor of an orchestra - they make sure everyone plays their part at the right time.

The GC starts by obtaining all necessary permits through the City of Ottawa's building department (613-580-2424). This includes understanding which permits your specific project needs, preparing the applications, and ensuring all drawings meet OBC requirements. For a kitchen renovation in Kanata, they might need building permits for structural changes, electrical permits through ESA, and potentially TSSA permits for gas line modifications.

Trade Coordination and Scheduling

Your general contractor hires and manages all the specialized trades - electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, drywallers, flooring installers, and painters. They ensure each trade has proper licensing (ESA for electrical, TSSA for gas work) and current WSIB coverage. The GC schedules these trades in the correct sequence so work flows smoothly without delays or conflicts.

For example, on a basement finishing project in Orleans, they'll schedule the framing first, then rough electrical and plumbing, followed by insulation and drywall, then flooring and final electrical. Getting this sequence wrong can cost weeks and thousands of dollars.

Quality Control and Code Compliance

The general contractor ensures all work meets Ontario Building Code standards and passes required inspections. They know when City of Ottawa inspectors need to visit (typically after framing, electrical rough-in, insulation, and final stages) and coordinate these appointments. If work fails inspection, the GC manages corrections and re-inspections.

They also maintain quality standards throughout the project, catching problems before they become expensive fixes. A good GC will walk the site daily, checking work quality and ensuring safety protocols are followed.

Material Management and Purchasing

Most general contractors handle material ordering, delivery scheduling, and coordination. They know local Ottawa suppliers, understand lead times for specialty items, and can often get better pricing than homeowners. They ensure materials arrive when needed so trades aren't sitting idle.

Budget and Timeline Management

Your GC tracks project costs, manages change orders, and keeps you informed of any budget impacts. They handle payment schedules with all trades and suppliers, ensuring proper holdbacks are maintained according to Ontario's Construction Lien Act (10% for 60 days after substantial completion).

What to Look For in Ottawa

When hiring a general contractor in Ottawa, verify they have current WSIB clearance, proper insurance, and experience with City of Ottawa permit processes. Check references from recent projects in areas like Barrhaven, Nepean, or Stittsville. A good GC will provide detailed contracts, clear communication, and transparent pricing.

Key Resources:

• City of Ottawa Building Permits: ottawa.ca/building


• WSIB Clearance Verification: wsib.ca/clearances


• Consumer Protection Ontario: ontario.ca/consumer

The right general contractor transforms a potentially stressful renovation into a managed process, delivering quality results while protecting you from the complexity of permits, codes, and trade coordination.