How is a raised saddle between rooms removed in an Ottawa house?

Removing a raised saddle between rooms is a flooring and subfloor task. Published 2025–26 prices for threshold work are too few to give a reliable range, so ask each contractor to quote in writing and compare the figures side by side.

Ask each contractor to describe in writing what they will do at the doorway and to the floors on both sides, before any price is fixed.

Permits

The City of Ottawa lists "new flooring" as a project that does not need a permit. Removing a saddle and levelling the floor on either side is flooring work, so it may fall in that category. However, if the work involves moving or adding to a plumbing line, the City lists plumbing alterations as requiring a permit. If it involves removing or altering a wall, that is also on the permit list. The owner and the contractor are equally liable under the Building Code Act if a required permit is not obtained, so confirm the scope with the City's Building Code Services before work starts.

We found no Part 9 threshold height rule for houses. The 13 mm bevel rule you may see quoted is Article 3.8.1.3, a public-building reference that does not apply to your house.

The one thing to settle in writing with each contractor: exactly what subfloor or floor-height work each quote covers, whether a permit is included and who pulls it, what patching and finishing of the floor surface and door casing is included, and the start and completion dates each contractor commits to.