Understanding what contractors charge in Ottawa helps you budget accurately and identify fair pricing. This comprehensive guide covers 2026 rates for every major construction trade in Ottawa — from general contractors to specialized tradespeople.
General contractors coordinate entire renovation projects, managing subcontractors and overseeing all work. Hourly rate: $50–$90/hour (for time-and-materials work) Project markup: 15-25% over subcontractor and material costs Design-build fee: 8-15% of total project cost Small projects (under $10,000): May charge a minimum project fee of $1,500-$3,000 For major renovations, most general contractors work on a fixed-price contract based on a detailed scope of work. Get at least three quotes and c...
Licensed electricians handle all wiring, panel upgrades, and electrical installations. Journeyman electrician: $80–$120/hour Master electrician: $100–$150/hour Service call (minimum charge): $150–$250 Panel upgrade (100A to 200A): $2,500–$5,000 New circuit installation: $200–$500 Pot light installation: $150–$300 per light EV charger installation: $1,000–$2,500 Electrical work requires ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) permits and inspection. Never hire an unlicensed electrician — it's illegal...
Licensed plumbers handle water supply, drainage, fixtures, and water heaters. Hourly rate: $80–$130/hour Service call (minimum charge): $150–$300 Toilet installation: $200–$400 (plus fixture cost) Faucet installation: $150–$300 (plus fixture cost) Water heater replacement: $1,500–$3,500 (tank) or $3,000–$5,500 (tankless) Drain cleaning: $200–$500 Backflow preventer: $300–$800 Emergency plumbing (evenings, weekends, holidays) costs 1.5-2x regular rates.
Carpenters handle framing, trim, doors, cabinetry, and custom woodwork. Framing carpenter: $40–$70/hour Finish carpenter: $50–$90/hour Custom cabinetmaker: $60–$120/hour Deck construction: $40–$80/sq ft (materials and labour) Custom built-in shelving: $150–$400/linear foot Crown moulding installation: $8–$15/linear foot Door installation: $200–$500 per door (plus door cost)
Interior painting: $3–$6/sq ft (walls and ceiling) Exterior painting: $4–$8/sq ft Single room: $300–$800 Whole home interior: $3,000–$8,000 Cabinet painting: $3,000–$6,000 Prices include prep, primer, two coats of quality paint, and cleanup. Wallpaper removal adds $2–$5/sq ft.
HVAC technicians handle heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. Hourly rate: $80–$130/hour Service call: $100–$200 Furnace tune-up: $100–$200 AC tune-up: $100–$200 Furnace replacement: $4,000–$9,000 AC replacement: $3,500–$7,000 Heat pump installation: $5,000–$20,000 Duct cleaning: $300–$500 Emergency HVAC service is available 24/7 from most Ottawa companies at premium rates.
Roofers handle shingle replacement, flat roof repairs, and complete re-roofing. Asphalt shingle re-roof: $4–$8/sq ft Metal roofing: $10–$18/sq ft Flat roof (modified bitumen): $8–$14/sq ft Roof repair (per visit): $300–$1,000 Chimney flashing: $300–$800 Skylight installation: $1,500–$4,000 Most Ottawa re-roofing projects for a standard home cost $8,000–$15,000 for asphalt shingles and $15,000–$30,000 for metal roofing.
General contractors: $50-$90/hr. Electricians: $80-$150/hr. Plumbers: $80-$130/hr. HVAC: $80-$130/hr. Carpenters: $40-$90/hr. Painters: $35-$60/hr. Rates vary by experience, complexity, and urgency.
Most contractors provide free estimates for standard projects. Some specialized contractors or architects may charge $100-$300 for detailed assessments, which is typically credited toward the project if you hire them.
Price variation reflects differences in experience, insurance coverage, overhead (office, employees, vehicles), material quality, warranty terms, and project management capability. The cheapest contractor often costs more in the long run.
No. The lowest quote often excludes important scope items, uses cheaper materials, or comes from underinsured contractors. Compare apples to apples — same scope, same materials, same warranty. Then choose based on value, references, and trust.