How much wet drywall should come out after a leak in Ottawa?

How much drywall comes out after a leak is something a contractor decides by looking at the wall or ceiling; we found no published rule that sets an amount. Find and stop the leak first: plumbing and roofing are other trades.

On permits, the City of Ottawa's 2026 Building Code Services FAQ on flood repairs says a building permit is not required for "Removal of drywall or other interior finish to permit drying of insulation." It says a permit is required for "Removal and replacement of damaged insulation where the newly installed material is not like the original (ex: batt insulation to spray foam)" and for removing or replacing structural framing. Whether putting back the same board needs a permit is not stated on the City's lists, so ask the City's Building Code Services. If structural damage is suspected, the City recommends a suitably qualified professional, such as a professional engineer.

What a water-damage quote should list:

• which board comes out, by wall or ceiling and roughly how much
• how the cavity is dried before it is closed up
• whether wet insulation is being replaced, and by whom (an insulation contractor, ottawainsulationcontractors.ca)
• the new board, the taping and the finish level
• texture matching, primer and paint, in or out

We found no published price range for water-damaged drywall where two sources agree on the same unit, so ask each contractor to price the removal, the new board and the finishing as separate lines.

Get the scope of removal, the board, the finish level and the warranty terms in writing before work begins.