What should I do if multiple contractors give very different quotes?

When contractors in Ottawa give vastly different quotes for the same project, it's usually a red flag that requires immediate investigation - don't just pick the cheapest or most expensive.

The first step is understanding why the quotes differ so dramatically. In Ottawa's competitive construction market, legitimate quotes for similar work should typically fall within 20-30% of each other. When you see differences of 50% or more, something's wrong.

Start by examining what each quote actually includes. Many Ottawa homeowners get burned because they assume all quotes cover the same scope of work. One contractor might include permit fees (which in Ottawa range from $200-2000+ depending on your project), while another leaves them out entirely. Some include cleanup and disposal, others charge extra. Look for specifics about materials - is one using builder-grade fixtures while another specs premium finishes?

Check if all contractors are properly licensed for your specific work. In Ottawa, electrical work requires an ESA-licensed contractor, gas work needs TSSA certification, and major renovations require contractors with WSIB coverage. You can verify ESA licenses at esasafe.com/contractor-locator and TSSA certification at tssa.org. A contractor offering suspiciously low prices might be cutting corners on licensing requirements, which will cost you more when the City of Ottawa or ESA shuts down your project.

Pay special attention to permit inclusion. Some contractors quote without permits to appear cheaper, then hit you with surprise costs later. For Ottawa projects, permits are mandatory for most electrical, plumbing, structural, and HVAC work. Call the City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 to confirm what permits your project needs, then ensure each quote addresses this properly.

Watch for the classic Ottawa scam where extremely low quotes come from contractors planning to use unlicensed subcontractors or skip required inspections. These projects often get red-tagged by city inspectors, leaving homeowners to pay twice - once for the botched work and again for proper completion.

The extremely high quotes deserve scrutiny too. Some contractors inflate prices when they don't want the job or are trying to take advantage of homeowners who don't know Ottawa market rates. Get at least three quotes from verified contractors to establish a realistic price range.

Request detailed breakdowns from each contractor showing labor, materials, permits, and overhead separately. Legitimate Ottawa contractors should be able to explain their pricing clearly. Be wary of quotes that lump everything into one "total project cost" without details.

Consider the payment schedules carefully. Ontario's Construction Lien Act requires 10% holdback for 60 days after completion, and reputable contractors understand this. Be suspicious of contractors demanding large upfront payments or offering significant discounts for paying in full before work begins.

Before making your decision, verify each contractor's WSIB clearance certificate at wsib.ca/clearances and confirm they carry proper liability insurance. Check references from recent Ottawa projects and drive by completed work if possible.

If quotes still seem unreasonably different after this investigation, consider getting a fourth opinion from a contractor recommended through the City of Ottawa's building department or local trade associations.

Remember, the goal isn't finding the cheapest contractor - it's finding the best value from a properly licensed, insured professional who will complete your Ottawa project to code and on schedule.