What should be included in a contractor's quote?

A proper contractor quote in Ottawa should include detailed breakdowns of labor, materials, permits, timeline, and payment schedule - never accept a handwritten estimate on the back of a napkin.

When evaluating contractor quotes in Ottawa, you need comprehensive documentation that protects both you and ensures the contractor is legitimate and professional.

Essential Quote Components

Company Information and Credentials
The quote must include the contractor's full business name, address, phone number, and email. More importantly for Ottawa homeowners, verify their WSIB clearance certificate number is current, and if it's electrical work, confirm their ESA License Electrical Contractor (LEC) number. For gas or HVAC work, ensure their TSSA certification details are included.

Detailed Scope of Work
Avoid quotes that simply say "renovate bathroom - $25,000." You need specific line items: demolition, plumbing rough-in, electrical updates, drywall installation, tile work, fixture installation, and cleanup. Each phase should be clearly described so you understand exactly what's included and what might trigger additional charges.

Material Specifications
Quality contractors specify exact materials: "Kohler Devonshire toilet, model K-3837" rather than just "toilet installation." This prevents the classic bait-and-switch where you expected mid-range fixtures but got builder-grade basics. Brand names, model numbers, and quantities should all be listed.

Permit and Inspection Costs
Ottawa building permits aren't cheap - bathroom renovations typically require permits costing $200-500+, and the quote should clearly state who's responsible for obtaining them. If electrical work is involved, the ESA permit and inspection fees (~$100-200) should be itemized. Never work with contractors who suggest skipping permits to "save money."

Timeline and Milestones
Professional quotes include start dates, major milestone completion dates, and final completion. For Ottawa projects, factor in permit approval times - simple renovations take 15-25 business days for permit approval through ottawa.ca/building, so realistic timelines account for this.

Payment Schedule
Ontario's Construction Lien Act requires specific payment structures. Never pay large amounts upfront - legitimate contractors typically ask for 10-15% to start, with progress payments tied to completion milestones. The final 10% should be held back for 60 days after substantial completion as required by Ontario law.

Red Flags to Avoid

Be wary of quotes that arrive same-day, demand full payment upfront, or lack specific details. Door-to-door contractors offering "leftover materials from another job" are almost always scams. Legitimate Ottawa contractors are busy and booked weeks or months ahead.

Verification Steps
Before accepting any quote, verify the contractor's WSIB clearance at wsib.ca/clearances, check their ESA license at licensing.esasafe.com if electrical work is involved, and confirm they're properly insured. Call the City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 to verify permit requirements for your specific project.

Multiple Quotes
Always get at least three detailed quotes for comparison. Significant price variations often indicate different scopes of work or quality levels. The cheapest quote frequently becomes the most expensive when change orders and delays pile up.

A comprehensive quote protects you legally, ensures clear expectations, and demonstrates the contractor's professionalism and attention to detail - essential qualities for successful Ottawa renovation projects.