Is a permit fee part of a drywall quote for a new wall in Kanata?

A permit fee may or may not appear in a drywall quote, and whether a permit is needed at all depends on what the new wall involves.

If the new wall is a structural alteration, such as creating a different room size or use, the City of Ottawa lists that as permit work. The City's 2026 fee schedule sets the fee for alterations, renovations and repairs at $12.75 per $1,000 of construction value, with a minimum of $117. Construction value includes materials, labour, overhead and professional fees.

The drywall work on a permitted wall, the hanging, taping and finishing, runs about $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot of board area in published Toronto and Ontario contractor prices read October 1, 2026. These are not Ottawa prices. What moves a quote within that range includes the board area, ceiling height, the finish level you name, whether primer and paint are included, and whether old board is being removed first.

On permit work, the City's inspection stages include framing, insulation and vapour barrier, and a final inspection. The City says inspections should be booked 48 hours in advance, and that missing one may mean having to uncover and expose the work. The City lists no separate drywall inspection stage.

Before you accept a quote, ask the contractor to spell out in writing:

• whether the permit application and fee are included or billed separately
• the board specified, the finish level by number, and how many coats
• whether primer and paint are included or excluded
• who is responsible for booking City inspections

Once you have a quote in hand, confirm with the contractor in writing exactly who files for the permit and who pays the City directly.