Who should I hire first for a basement finishing project?

For basement finishing in Ottawa, hire your general contractor first - they'll coordinate all the trades and pull the necessary City of Ottawa permits for you.

The general contractor should be your initial hire because basement finishing requires multiple permits through the City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424), and coordinating various trades in the correct sequence. A licensed general contractor will handle the permit applications, schedule inspections, and ensure all work meets Ontario Building Code requirements.

Here's why the general contractor comes first in Ottawa's process:

Permit Coordination: Basement finishing typically requires a renovation permit from the City of Ottawa, costing $200-500+ depending on scope. If you're adding a bathroom, bedroom, or creating a secondary dwelling unit, additional permits and zoning compliance may be required. Your general contractor knows these requirements and can navigate the ottawa.ca/building portal efficiently.

Trade Scheduling: The work sequence matters - framing, electrical rough-in, plumbing rough-in, insulation, drywall, flooring, then finish work. A general contractor coordinates this timeline and ensures each trade is ESA-licensed (for electrical) and properly certified.

Code Compliance: Ontario Building Code has specific requirements for basement ceiling heights (6'6" minimum for habitable space), egress windows, and moisture control. Your general contractor ensures compliance during the 15-25 business day permit review process.

What to Verify When Hiring Your General Contractor:
Check their WSIB clearance certificate at wsib.ca/clearances, verify they're properly insured, and confirm they regularly work with City of Ottawa permits. Ask for recent basement finishing references in Ottawa neighborhoods like Kanata, Barrhaven, or Orleans.

Red Flags to Avoid: Contractors who suggest skipping permits, can't provide WSIB clearance, or want large upfront payments. In Ontario, you should hold back 10% of payments for 60 days after substantial completion under the Construction Lien Act.

Once you've hired your general contractor, they'll bring in their trusted electrical (ESA-licensed), plumbing, and HVAC (TSSA-certified where applicable) subcontractors. This ensures proper coordination and accountability throughout your basement finishing project.

For verified general contractors experienced with Ottawa basement projects, check our contractor directory at ottawaconstructionnetwork.com/directory.