What paperwork should my contractor give me at the end?

At project completion, your Ottawa contractor should provide you with a comprehensive package including warranties, permits, inspection certificates, and lien releases - this documentation protects your investment and ensures legal compliance.

Essential Documents You Should Receive

Building Permit Documentation
Your contractor must provide copies of all building permits pulled for your project, along with final inspection certificates from the City of Ottawa Building Code Services. For electrical work, you'll need the ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) inspection certificate showing the work passed inspection. Gas or HVAC work requires TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) certificates. Keep these documents with your home records - you'll need them for insurance claims, future renovations, or when selling your home.

Warranties and Guarantees
Ontario's Consumer Protection Act requires contractors to provide written warranties. You should receive manufacturer warranties for all materials and equipment installed, plus the contractor's workmanship warranty (typically 1-2 years minimum). Major items like furnaces, water heaters, or roofing should come with extended manufacturer warranties. Make sure all warranty documents include start dates, coverage details, and contact information for claims.

Lien Release and Final Invoice
Under Ontario's Construction Act, you're entitled to hold back 10% of contract value for 60 days after substantial completion. Your contractor should provide a statutory declaration stating all subcontractors and suppliers have been paid, plus lien waivers from major suppliers. The final invoice should detail all work completed, materials used, and any change orders with proper documentation.

Material Lists and Specifications
Request a complete list of materials used, including model numbers, specifications, and paint colors. This information is invaluable for future repairs, touch-ups, or matching existing work. For specialized systems like security, HVAC, or smart home technology, you should receive user manuals, warranty cards, and any required maintenance schedules.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be concerned if your contractor can't provide proper permit documentation - this suggests work may not have been done to code. Missing ESA certificates for electrical work or TSSA certificates for gas work are serious compliance issues that could affect your insurance coverage. A contractor who rushes you to make final payment without providing proper documentation may be trying to avoid accountability.

Official Resources and Next Steps

Contact City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 if you have questions about permit documentation. Verify ESA certificates at esasafe.com and TSSA certificates at tssa.org. Keep all project documentation in a dedicated file - you'll reference these documents for years to come for maintenance, warranty claims, and future renovations.

If your contractor is reluctant to provide complete documentation, this is a serious red flag that warrants holding back final payment until all paperwork is properly delivered and verified.