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

In Ottawa's construction industry, a general contractor manages your entire project and hires specialized subcontractors, while subcontractors perform specific trades like electrical, plumbing, or drywall work under the general contractor's supervision.

General Contractor Role in Ottawa

A general contractor (GC) is your main point of contact who takes full responsibility for your renovation or construction project. They coordinate all aspects of the work, pull the necessary permits through the City of Ottawa's building department (613-580-2424), and ensure the project meets Ontario Building Code requirements. The GC typically handles the initial consultation, provides the overall quote, manages the timeline, and deals with any issues that arise.

In Ottawa, general contractors must carry WSIB coverage and liability insurance. They're responsible for ensuring all subcontractors they hire are properly licensed and insured. For example, if your kitchen renovation requires electrical work, your GC must hire an ESA-licensed electrical contractor - they can't just use any handyman for electrical work.

Subcontractor Specialization

Subcontractors are specialists in specific trades who work under the general contractor's direction. Common subcontractors in Ottawa renovations include ESA-licensed electricians, TSSA-certified gas technicians for appliance hookups, licensed plumbers, HVAC specialists, drywall installers, flooring contractors, and painters.

Each subcontractor typically focuses on their specific expertise. An electrical subcontractor, for instance, must be properly licensed through the Electrical Safety Authority (verify at esasafe.com/contractor-locator) and can pull their own electrical permits for work within your project.

Licensing and Permit Responsibilities

This is where Ottawa homeowners need to pay attention. General contractors can pull most building permits through ottawa.ca/building, but certain specialized work requires trade-specific licensing. Electrical work needs ESA permits, gas work requires TSSA certification, and plumbing modifications may need separate permits depending on the scope.

When hiring a general contractor in Ottawa, verify they have proper WSIB clearance (check at wsib.ca/clearances) and ask how they verify their subcontractors' credentials. A reputable GC will provide you with copies of all subcontractor licenses and insurance certificates.

Payment and Legal Differences

Under Ontario's Construction Lien Act, you have different relationships with each. You typically pay the general contractor, who then pays the subcontractors. However, unpaid subcontractors can still place liens on your Ottawa property, which is why the 10% holdback rule exists - you hold back 10% of each payment for 60 days after substantial completion.

If you hire subcontractors directly (acting as your own general contractor), you become responsible for coordinating permits, ensuring proper licensing, managing WSIB requirements, and handling the holdback process yourself.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious of general contractors in Ottawa who can't provide proof of their subcontractors' licensing, especially for electrical or gas work. Also watch for GCs who want to handle specialized trades themselves without proper credentials - electrical work must be done by ESA-licensed contractors, period.

For verification of any contractor's credentials, contact City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424, check ESA licensing at esasafe.com, or verify TSSA certification at tssa.org.