What should an Ottawa doorway widening quote cover?

A doorway widening quote in Ottawa should cover the full scope of the structural and finishing work, not just the opening itself. Published 2025-26 prices for widening a doorway in a non-load-bearing wall run about $500 to $2,500 per door; a doorway in a load-bearing wall costs more, and the quote should reflect that difference clearly.

What shows up in a fair quote

The price depends on several things that a contractor should spell out in writing:

• Whether the wall is load-bearing, which makes the project a structural alteration and changes the scope of work
• The new door width, frame, hardware and any threshold work
• Patching and finishing the surrounding wall on both sides after the frame goes in
• The permit fee if one is required (the City of Ottawa charges $12.75 per $1,000 of construction value, minimum $117, based on materials, labour, overhead and professional fees)

The City of Ottawa's permit list includes enlarging or relocating a door, and a doorway in a load-bearing wall is also a structural alteration, which is on that list. Ask the contractor whether the wall is load-bearing, and ask what the structural work involves. The owner and the builder are equally responsible under the Building Code Act for making sure a required permit is obtained.

The Ontario Building Code sets minimum door sizes for houses: 810 mm for the required entrance door, 760 mm for most rooms, and 610 mm for a bathroom, water-closet room or shower room. Those are minimum sizes; ask the contractor what finished width the new opening will deliver,.

On the contract side, the Consumer Protection Act, 2002 says that if a supplier gives you an estimate, they cannot charge more than 10 per cent over it, so make sure the quote is written and itemised. If the contract is signed somewhere other than the contractor's business premises, such as at your home, it must be in writing and delivered to you, and you can cancel without giving a reason within 10 days after you receive the written copy. Under the Construction Act, an owner must hold back 10 per cent of the price as work is supplied; ask a lawyer about when it is safe to release that amount on a larger job.

For WSIB, people who own or run a construction business in Ontario must have coverage, with some exceptions, including sole proprietors who do only home renovation work for the person who hires them or that person's family. Ask the contractor directly about their WSIB status before work begins.

Before you sign, ask the contractor to confirm in writing whether the wall is load-bearing and whether a building permit will be pulled for this project.