What questions should I ask a contractor before hiring them for my Ottawa addition?

Choosing the contractor is one of the most important decisions in an addition. A well-run job stays close to budget and schedule; a poorly run one can bring overruns, code problems and long-term headaches. Before you sign anything or pay a deposit, work through questions that show not only competence but how the contractor operates day to day.

Begin with coverage and paperwork. Ask whether they have WSIB coverage or are exempt, and ask for a current certificate of liability insurance. Ask who will apply for the City of Ottawa building permit; an addition over 10 square metres needs one, and the City says the owner and contractor are equally liable for making sure it is obtained. Confirm that electrical work will be done by an electrical contractor licensed by ESA under an ESA notification, and gas work by a TSSA-certified gas technician. You can check electricians and plumbers on the Skilled Trades Ontario Public Register.

Ask about their experience with Ottawa conditions. How do they handle footings in clay soils, where the Ontario Building Code calls for at least 1.2 m depth and not less than the depth of frost penetration? What do they do if a foundation pour lands in cold weather, and how is that priced? How do they schedule around freeze-up? Ask how many additions they've completed recently and for addresses you can drive past.

Dig into the money. Ask for an itemized quote, not a lump sum, so you can see what is included. Ask how the payment schedule ties to completed milestones such as foundation, framing, rough-ins and finishing, and keep deposits modest. Ask whether the permit fee and HST are included; the 2026 permit fee for additions is $12.75 per $1,000 of construction value. Under the Construction Act, the owner must hold back 10 per cent of the price as work is supplied, so ask how they handle holdback.

Ask about the change order process. Every addition has surprises once walls open or excavation starts, so you want a written procedure that needs your signature before extra work is done. Ask what their warranty covers and for how long, and get it in writing; renovations to an existing home typically aren't covered by new-home warranty rules. Ask what contingency is built into the schedule for weather.

Finally, ask for references from recent addition projects and call them. Ask whether the job finished on budget and on time and whether they would hire the contractor again. If the contract is negotiated in your home, it must be in writing, and you can cancel within 10 days of receiving the written copy. You can browse addition contractors in the Ottawa Construction Network directory at justynrookcontracting.com and compare quotes side by side.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The Ottawa Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Justyn Rook Contracting
• RenoMotion Inc.
• Renovo Construction
• Humble Homes - property maintenance
• Pure Flow Water Solutions inc.