Question 1

Is it normal for contractors to separate underlayment and labour as line items?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it's completely normal and actually preferred for flooring contractors to separate underlayment and labor as distinct line items on estimates. This transparency helps you understand exactly what you're paying for and makes it easier to compare quotes between contractors.

Professional contractors typically break down estimates into material costs (flooring, underlayment, transitions, moldings) and labor costs (preparation, installation, cleanup). This itemization serves several important pu

Question 2

How much should I budget for a kitchen floor retile?

Accepted Answer

Kitchen floor retiling in Ottawa typically costs $12-22 per square foot installed, depending on tile choice and complexity. For an average 120 square foot kitchen, budget $1,400-2,600 for the complete project.

The total cost breaks down into several components. Material costs range from $3-12 per square foot for the tile itself - ceramic starts around $3-6, porcelain runs $5-10, and natural stone like marble or travertine can reach $8-15 per square foot. You'll also need underlayment, adhesive,

Question 3

What does stair carpeting cost for a standard two-storey?

Accepted Answer

Carpet installation on a standard two-storey staircase in Ottawa typically costs $800 - $1,800, depending on carpet quality, stair configuration, and whether you're including landings.

A typical two-storey home has 13-16 steps plus upper and lower landings. Stair carpet installation is priced differently than regular room carpet because it requires specialized techniques like waterfall or Hollywood wrapping, precise measuring, and power stretching around each step. Most contractors charge $15 -

Question 4

What's a realistic budget to refinish around 800 sqft of hardwood?

Accepted Answer

For 800 square feet of hardwood refinishing in Ottawa, expect to budget $2,400 to $4,800 for professional work, with most homeowners spending around $3,200 for a standard sand and refinish job.

The cost breakdown depends on your specific needs. Basic sand and refinish runs $3-6 per square foot, so your 800 sq ft project would cost $2,400-4,800. If you're keeping the existing stain color and the floors are in decent condition, you'll be on the lower end. Stain color changes add $1-2 per square f

Question 5

The contractor quoted us $14 per sqft for engineered click-lock — is that actually in the right ballpark for Ottawa right now or are we overpaying?

Accepted Answer

$14 per square foot for engineered click-lock is on the higher end but not unreasonable for Ottawa's current market, especially if it includes quality materials and proper preparation work. You're looking at premium pricing that could be justified depending on several factors.

Engineered click-lock typically ranges from $8-14 per square foot installed in Ottawa, so your quote sits at the top of that range. The price variation usually comes down to the quality of the engineered hardwood itself -

Question 6

Are install costs higher in condos because of elevator bookings and restrictions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, condo installations typically cost 10-20% more than single-family homes due to building restrictions, elevator booking fees, and logistical challenges that extend project timelines.

Elevator and Access Fees are the most direct cost impact. Most Ottawa condos charge $50-150 per day for elevator bookings, plus security deposits of $200-500. Some buildings require professional movers for material transport, adding $200-400 to your project. High-rise buildings often restrict deliveries to spec

Question 7

Is 12mm laminate worth the extra cost over 8mm for a busy family home in Riverside South?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 12mm laminate is definitely worth the extra cost for a busy family home - the increased durability, better sound dampening, and improved underfoot feel make it a smart long-term investment for high-traffic households.

The thicker 12mm laminate offers several key advantages that matter in busy family homes. Durability is the biggest factor - the thicker core provides better resistance to dents from dropped toys, furniture legs, and heavy foot traffic. You'll also get significantly better so

Question 8

Is $18 per square foot for solid maple flooring a reasonable quote for Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, $18 per square foot for solid maple flooring installation is within the reasonable range for Ottawa's current market. This price point typically indicates you're getting quality materials and professional installation from a licensed contractor.

Solid hardwood installation in Ottawa generally ranges from $10-$20 per square foot installed, so your quote sits at the higher end of this range. The $18 price point usually reflects several factors: maple is a premium domestic hardwood known for

Costs & Pricing