What does a general contractor do?

A general contractor in Ottawa serves as the project manager and main point of contact for your renovation or construction project, coordinating all trades, permits, and timelines to ensure your project meets Ontario Building Code requirements.

In Ottawa's construction landscape, a general contractor (GC) acts as the conductor of your renovation orchestra. They're responsible for pulling the necessary permits through the City of Ottawa's building department (613-580-2424), hiring and scheduling specialized trades like electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians, and ensuring all work complies with the Ontario Building Code.

Here's what your Ottawa general contractor handles: They start by obtaining the required building permits through ottawa.ca/building, which can take anywhere from 10 days for simple projects to 8 weeks for complex renovations. They coordinate with ESA-licensed electricians for any electrical work, ensuring proper permits and inspections are completed. For gas work, they bring in TSSA-certified technicians and handle those permit requirements as well.

The GC manages your project timeline, ordering materials, scheduling trades in the correct sequence, and handling any issues that arise. They're your single point of contact instead of you trying to coordinate multiple contractors yourself. In Ottawa, where winter weather can impact construction schedules, an experienced GC knows how to plan around seasonal challenges and city inspection availability.

What to verify when hiring a general contractor in Ottawa: Ensure they're registered for WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) through wsib.ca - this protects you from liability if someone gets injured on your property. Verify they carry proper liability insurance (minimum $2 million is standard). Check their business registration and ask for local references from recent Ottawa projects.

A legitimate Ottawa GC will provide detailed written estimates, explain the permit process for your specific project, and be transparent about timelines. They should be familiar with Ottawa's inspection processes and have relationships with local building inspectors. Red flags include contractors who suggest skipping permits, demand large upfront payments, or can't provide proof of insurance and WSIB coverage.

Under Ontario's Construction Act, you're required to hold back 10% of each payment for 60 days after substantial completion - a reputable contractor will explain this holdback process and provide proper lien waivers.

For complex projects in Ottawa neighborhoods like Kanata, Orleans, or Barrhaven, where zoning requirements can vary, your GC should understand local regulations and help navigate any special requirements for your area.

Key resources for verifying Ottawa contractors:

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


• WSIB Clearance verification: wsib.ca


• Better Business Bureau Ottawa: bbb.org


• Consumer Protection Ontario: ontario.ca/consumer

The right general contractor transforms a potentially stressful renovation into a managed process, handling the complexity so you can focus on the exciting parts of your project.