What paperwork should my contractor give me at the end?

In Ottawa, your contractor should provide you with a comprehensive completion package that includes permits, warranties, invoices, and compliance certificates - this paperwork protects your investment and ensures legal compliance.

Essential Documents Your Ottawa Contractor Must Provide

Building Permit Final Inspection Certificate
Once your project passes final inspection with the City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424), you should receive the final inspection certificate. This proves your work complies with the Ontario Building Code and is legally complete. Without this, you could face issues when selling your home or with insurance claims.

ESA Electrical Safety Certificate
For any electrical work in Ontario, your Licensed Electrical Contractor must provide the ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) certificate showing the work passed inspection. This typically costs $100-200 and proves the electrical installation meets safety standards. You can verify this certificate at esasafe.com.

TSSA Gas/HVAC Certificates
If your project involved gas lines, furnace installation, or HVAC work, your contractor must provide TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) certificates. These prove gas work was completed by certified technicians and passed safety inspections.

Detailed Final Invoice and Lien Waiver
Your contractor should provide a complete breakdown of all costs, materials, and labor. Equally important is a signed lien waiver stating they've been paid in full and won't place a construction lien on your property. Under Ontario's Construction Act, contractors have 60 days to file liens, so this waiver protects your home.

Warranty Documentation
Ontario law requires contractors to provide written warranties on their work - typically one year for workmanship and longer for major components. Get specific warranty terms in writing, including what's covered and how to make claims. For materials like windows, roofing, or appliances, ensure you receive manufacturer warranties as well.

WSIB Clearance Certificate
Your contractor should provide proof they maintained WSIB coverage throughout your project. This protects you from liability if workers were injured on your property. You can verify current WSIB status at wsib.ca/clearances.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be concerned if your contractor can't provide these documents, claims inspections aren't needed, or says permits weren't required when they clearly were. In Ottawa, most renovation work requires permits - from bathroom renovations to electrical upgrades to structural changes.

If your contractor completed work without proper permits or inspections, you're responsible for bringing it up to code later, which can be expensive and complicated.

What to Do If Documents Are Missing

Contact the City of Ottawa Building Code Services immediately if permits weren't pulled or final inspections weren't completed. For electrical work, call ESA at 1-877-372-7233. Don't accept excuses - legitimate contractors know these requirements and build compliance costs into their quotes.

Keep all completion paperwork with your home records. Future buyers, insurance companies, and inspectors may request these documents to verify work was done properly and legally in Ottawa.