What is the difference between a general contractor and a subcontractor?

In Ottawa's construction industry, a general contractor manages your entire project while subcontractors are specialists hired to perform specific trades - understanding this difference is crucial for homeowners navigating permits and responsibilities.

General Contractor Role

A general contractor (GC) serves as your single point of contact and project manager. They coordinate all aspects of your renovation or construction project, from obtaining City of Ottawa building permits to scheduling inspections with ESA and TSSA. The GC typically holds the main contract with you as the homeowner and takes responsibility for the overall project timeline, quality, and compliance with Ontario Building Code requirements.

In Ottawa, general contractors must carry WSIB coverage and comprehensive liability insurance. They're responsible for pulling permits through the City of Ottawa's building portal (ottawa.ca/building) and ensuring all work meets inspection requirements. When you call 613-580-2424 for permit information, they'll often ask if you're working with a general contractor because the GC typically handles these administrative aspects.

Subcontractor Specialization

Subcontractors are trade specialists - electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, flooring installers, or drywall contractors. In Ontario, certain subcontractors must hold specific licenses: electricians need ESA licensing (verify at esasafe.com/contractor-locator), gas technicians require TSSA certification (check at tssa.org), and all must maintain WSIB clearance certificates.

The general contractor hires and manages these subcontractors, but each sub is responsible for their specific trade's quality and code compliance. For example, your electrician must ensure their work passes ESA inspection, while your HVAC contractor handles TSSA requirements for gas connections.

Permit and Payment Implications

This distinction matters significantly for Ottawa homeowners. When working with a general contractor, they typically pull all permits and coordinate inspections. If you hire subcontractors directly, you become the "general contractor" in the City of Ottawa's eyes - meaning you're responsible for permits, inspections, and coordinating between trades.

Under Ontario's Construction Lien Act, you must hold back 10% of payments to both general contractors and subcontractors for 60 days after substantial completion. However, if your general contractor doesn't pay their subs, those subcontractors can still place liens on your property, even if you've paid the GC in full.

Red Flags to Watch

Be cautious of "general contractors" who only perform one trade or subcontractors claiming they can handle permits they're not licensed for. In Ottawa, only Licensed Electrical Contractors can pull ESA permits, and only TSSA-certified technicians can work on gas systems. Always verify licensing through official channels and ensure whoever pulls your City of Ottawa permits is properly qualified.

For major renovations in Ottawa neighborhoods like Kanata, Barrhaven, or Orleans, working with an established general contractor often provides better protection and streamlined permit processes, while direct subcontractor relationships might work for smaller, single-trade projects.