Can I save money by being my own general contractor?

Yes, you can potentially save 10-20% on your renovation costs by acting as your own general contractor, but this comes with significant time commitments, risks, and responsibilities that many Ottawa homeowners underestimate.

Acting as your own general contractor means you'll handle all project coordination, scheduling, permits, material ordering, and trade management. The potential savings come from eliminating the contractor's markup and project management fees, which typically range from 15-25% of the total project cost. On a $50,000 kitchen renovation in Ottawa, this could mean savings of $7,500-$12,500.

However, successful self-contracting requires substantial time investment - often 20-30 hours per week during active construction phases. You'll need to coordinate multiple trades (electricians, plumbers, drywallers, flooring installers), ensure work meets Ontario Building Code requirements, schedule inspections with the City of Ottawa, and handle any problems that arise. Many homeowners find this overwhelming while maintaining their regular jobs and family responsibilities.

The risks can be costly if things go wrong. Without experience, you might hire unreliable subtrades, order incorrect materials, or miss permit requirements. In Ottawa, unpermitted work can create issues when selling your home, and insurance may not cover problems from improperly completed work. Licensed contractors carry liability insurance and warranty their work - protections you lose when self-contracting.

Certain work in Ontario legally requires licensed professionals regardless of who's managing the project. Electrical work needs ESA permits and licensed electricians, gas work requires TSSA-certified technicians, and structural changes need engineering approval. You'll still need to hire these professionals and coordinate their work with your other trades.

Consider a hybrid approach if you want some cost savings with less risk. Handle non-technical tasks like demolition, painting, or material delivery yourself while hiring a contractor for complex coordination and specialized trades. This can save 5-10% while maintaining professional oversight for critical work.

Self-contracting works best for experienced DIYers with flexible schedules, strong organizational skills, and previous renovation experience. It's particularly challenging for time-sensitive projects like kitchen renovations where you need daily meal preparation.

For most Ottawa homeowners, the stress, time commitment, and potential for costly mistakes outweigh the savings. A experienced contractor brings established trade relationships, bulk material pricing, and problem-solving expertise that often delivers better results within your timeline and budget.