You get three quotes. Two are in a similar range. One is noticeably lower. It’s tempting to take it — that’s just good financial sense, right?
Sometimes the lower quote is fine. But more often, it’s missing something. And what it’s missing tends to show up mid-project, when you’re already committed.
What’s Usually Left Out of a Low Quote
Permit costs
Permits cost money and add time. Some contractors leave them out of the quote — either because they plan to skip them, or because they’re quoting the minimum to win the job and will add permits as a change order later. Either outcome is a problem for you.
Disposal and cleanup
Demolition generates material. That material needs to go somewhere. Bin rental and disposal fees can add up — and if they’re not in the quote, they’ll either appear as an add-on or get handled in ways you don’t want to know about.
Proper subcontractor rates
Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work in Ontario requires licensed trades. A low quote might be using unlicensed labour, which means the work won’t pass inspection — and your insurance may not cover issues that arise from it.
Contingency for what’s behind the walls
A quote with no contingency is a quote that assumes nothing will go wrong. In an older Ontario home, that assumption is almost always wrong. Outdated wiring, moisture damage, asbestos in older drywall — these things exist. A contractor who doesn’t acknowledge them in the quote isn’t being optimistic; they’re setting you up for a conversation you won’t enjoy.
The Questions to Ask Before You Accept Any Quote
- Does this include permits? Who pulls them?
- What’s your process when something unexpected comes up?
- Is disposal included?
- Are your trades licensed in Ontario?
- What’s not included in this number?
That last question is the most important one. A contractor who can give you a clear, specific answer to “what’s not in this quote” is a contractor working from a real scope. Vague answers are a sign the quote isn’t as complete as it looks.
We’d rather give you a complete number upfront than a low one that grows. You deserve to make a real decision with real information.
— AAA Renovations
What a Realistic Quote Looks Like
A complete renovation quote includes the scope of work, a breakdown of materials and labour, permit costs, disposal, a clear payment schedule tied to milestones, and a note on how changes are handled. It’s longer than a number on a piece of paper.
If you’re comparing quotes and one of them is significantly lower, ask for that detail. Either they’ll provide it and you’ll understand why it’s lower — or they won’t, and you’ll have your answer.
AAA Renovations serves Alliston, Barrie, Angus, Beeton, Tottenham, Cookstown, and Simcoe County.
Get a complete quote — scope, permits, timeline, and what to expect if something comes up. No surprises.
