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?

$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 - premium brands with thicker wear layers, better core construction, and longer warranties command higher prices. If your contractor is quoting name brands like Mirage, Lauzon, or similar Canadian-made products, that pricing makes more sense.

What's included in that $14 matters significantly. A proper installation should include subfloor inspection and preparation, moisture testing, quality underlayment, professional acclimation of the material, and proper expansion gaps. If your quote includes moving furniture, removing old flooring, or addressing subfloor issues, that adds value. However, if it's just basic installation on a perfect subfloor, you might want to get a second opinion.

Ottawa's market has seen material costs increase 15-20% over the past two years, and skilled flooring installers are in high demand, which drives labor costs up. Licensed contractors with WSIB coverage and proper insurance (which you should always verify) typically charge more than unlicensed installers, but you're paying for protection and accountability.

Before accepting, ask for a breakdown showing material costs versus labor, and confirm exactly what preparation work is included. Getting one additional quote from another licensed contractor will give you confidence in your decision - most reputable installers are within $1-2 per square foot of each other for comparable work.

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