How to Compare
Contractor Quotes in Ontario
Most Ontario homeowners compare renovation quotes on price alone. That's a mistake. This guide shows you how to compare quotes line-by-line, what must be included, and what 7 red flags look like.
What Every Legitimate Ontario Contractor Quote Must Include
Use this checklist before signing anything. Missing items are dealbreakers or negotiation points.
Confirms they are a registered Ontario business — not a fly-by-night operator.
Any contractor billing over $30,000/year must be HST-registered. No HST number = cash-only operator = no paper trail.
Confirms the contractor has active workers compensation coverage. Without it, YOU may be liable if a worker is injured on your property.
Required to cover property damage during work. Ask for the certificate directly — not just a "yes we have insurance."
Vague quotes like "bathroom renovation — $14,000" have no enforceability. You need explicit line items for demo, waterproofing, tile, vanity, plumbing, electrical, etc.
Without material specs, a contractor can use the cheapest available product while billing for mid-range. Specify tile brand, vanity model, and waterproofing system.
Without committed dates, projects drag indefinitely. Get a realistic written schedule.
Never pay more than 10–15% upfront. Progress payments should align with completed stages (demo done, rough-in complete, tile set, final walkthrough).
Ontario contractors are obligated under Consumer Protection Act to provide a reasonable warranty. 1 year on labor is standard; ask for it in writing.
Who is pulling the plumbing or electrical permit? If the contractor is, confirm it is included in the quoted price.
7 Red Flags in Contractor Quotes
Spot these before signing — not after.
A verbal estimate is legally unenforceable. Every legitimate Ontario contractor provides a written quote. Verbal-only means no accountability.
If a $15,000 project is being quoted at $9,500 by one contractor, the scope is almost certainly missing key items — waterproofing, proper subfloor prep, or permit fees. You will pay the difference in change orders.
Ontario's Consumer Protection Act limits upfront deposits for residential renovation contracts. Any contractor requesting 50% or more upfront is a significant fraud risk — especially for jobs over $10,000.
A contractor doing $30,000+ in revenue per year must collect and remit HST. A cash-only contractor who does not charge HST has no registered business, no WSIB, and no accountability.
Good contractors are booked out 2–8 weeks in Ontario. Immediate availability sometimes indicates low demand for a reason.
"Cost plus" means the contractor charges actual materials plus a markup percentage. Without a fixed price cap, costs can balloon. Acceptable only for very complex projects where scope genuinely cannot be fixed upfront.
This is a non-negotiable. Any contractor who won't provide these documents should be immediately disqualified. If a worker is injured and there is no WSIB coverage, the homeowner can be held financially responsible.
Line-by-Line Comparison Template (Bathroom Example)
Use this template to create a spreadsheet when comparing multiple bathroom quotes.
| Line Item | What to Look For | Contractor A | Contractor B | Contractor C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demolition & disposal | Remove tile, vanity, toilet, tub. Haul and dispose. | — | — | — |
| Subfloor repair | Replace any damaged plywood, level subfloor. | — | — | — |
| Waterproofing system | Specify brand (Schluter KERDI / Laticrete / RedGard). This is the most important line. | — | — | — |
| Shower base | Mortar bed vs. prefab foam tray — specify type. | — | — | — |
| Tile (floor) | Sq footage, material spec (tile brand/model if known). | — | — | — |
| Tile (walls/surround) | Sq footage, material spec. | — | — | — |
| Grout and setting materials | Brand of thinset, grout, and whether modified or unmodified (matters for Schluter). | — | — | — |
| Vanity and countertop | Model/SKU or "allowance" — get explicit. | — | — | — |
| Toilet | Brand and model or "builder-grade standard." | — | — | — |
| Plumbing rough-in / fixtures | What exactly is the plumber doing? New valve? New shower head install? | — | — | — |
| Electrical | Exhaust fan swap, GFCI outlets, heated floor wiring if applicable. | — | — | — |
| Glass shower enclosure | Frameless vs. semi-frameless — explicit model/SKU or allowance amount. | — | — | — |
| Permits | Who pulls which permits and are they included in the quoted price? | — | — | — |
| Cleanup and protection | Floor protection, daily cleanup, final debris removal. | — | — | — |
| TOTAL | AI Estimate Benchmark | $___ | $___ | $___ |
Tip: Get a QuoteXbert AI estimate before filling in contractor totals. The AI range gives you a market benchmark — useful for spotting outliers.
Know the Market Rate Before You Get Any Quote
A QuoteXbert AI estimate tells you what your renovation should cost in your Ontario city. Homeowners who show contractors this estimate report saving 10–15% off initial quotes — simply by knowing the number.
Get My Free AI EstimateFrequently Asked Questions
How many quotes should I get for a bathroom renovation in Ontario?
Get at least 3 quotes for any bathroom renovation over $5,000. Three quotes give you a reliable market range. With 2 quotes, you don't know if the cheaper one is low because of quality or because of efficiency. With 4+, the diminishing returns typically don't justify the scheduling time.
What is the difference between an estimate and a quote for a renovation?
An estimate is a rough approximation — not a committed price. A quote is a specific, itemized price that a contractor is prepared to honor. Always ask: "Is this a fixed-price quote or an estimate?" and get the answer in writing. In Ontario, "estimate" and "quote" are often used interchangeably, so clarify directly.
Should I always choose the lowest quote for a renovation?
No. The lowest quote is often the most expensive in the long run. Low quotes are frequently the result of missing scope items (permits, waterproofing, proper subfloor prep), which will be added as change orders once work begins. Always compare quotes line-by-line. A quote that is 20% higher but includes WSIB, insurance, proper waterproofing, and a clear payment schedule may be better value.
How does a QuoteXbert AI estimate help me compare contractor quotes?
A QuoteXbert AI estimate gives you a market-calibrated price range for your exact project — based on your city, project type, size, and description. When you receive contractor quotes, you can compare them to the AI estimate range. Quotes significantly above the range deserve scrutiny; quotes significantly below may have missing scope. Many homeowners show the AI estimate to contractors during the quoting process, which leads to more honest pricing.
What should I do if a contractor asks for a large deposit?
Under Ontario's Consumer Protection Act, a deposit for a residential renovation contract cannot exceed the lesser of $1,000 or 10% of the contract value for contracts over $50 (i.e., virtually all renovations). A contractor requesting 30–50% upfront is either unfamiliar with Ontario consumer law or is a fraud risk. If a contractor genuinely needs materials upfront, a reasonable compromise is paying the exact materials invoice directly to the supplier.