Start With the Scope, Not the Contractor List
Before comparing prices, identify whether the property needs investigation of a sanitary sewer backup, groundwater, a sump/discharge issue, or a mixed condition. Contractors can propose work, but the City determines whether that scope is eligible. Use the sewer backup vs groundwater guide when the source is unclear.
What a Grant-Ready Contractor Should Understand
- Work cannot begin before written City approval.
- Quotes should separate labour, materials, permits, and each device.
- Backwater valve, sump pump, battery backup, and weeping tile scopes should not be lumped together.
- Permit and inspection responsibilities should be clear before you sign.
How Many Estimates to Collect
Under the program by-law, collect one estimate below $5,000, two estimates from $5,000 through $10,000, and three estimates above $10,000. To compare fairly, give each contractor the same written scope and ask them to identify exclusions and assumptions.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- How will you confirm the existing sanitary, weeping-tile, sump, and discharge configuration?
- Which proposed lines match the current City program categories?
- Will labour, materials, equipment, permits, tax, and restoration be shown separately?
- Who obtains plumbing, building, and electrical permits, and who schedules inspections?
- What work is excluded, especially concrete, flooring, drywall, landscaping, and electrical work?
- Will you revise the estimate if the City requests clarification before approval?
- What happens if site conditions change the scope after approval?
- What licence, insurance, warranty, and reference information can you provide?
Quote Comparison Table
Scope: Are the same devices, connections, excavation, discharge route, and restoration included?
Grant lines: Can every possible eligible category be read separately?
Permits: Are application fees, inspection coordination, and corrections assigned?
Timing: Does the proposal state that work begins only after written City approval?
Total ownership cost: Are maintenance, battery replacement, access, testing, and warranty obligations clear?
Red Flags
- “Guaranteed grant approval” or a guaranteed reimbursement amount.
- Pressure to start before the City issues written approval.
- A one-line “waterproofing package” with no eligible-work breakdown.
- A battery backup line for an existing sump presented as automatically eligible.
- No written permit or inspection responsibility.
- A quote that depends on a postal-code risk score rather than a property assessment.
Keep Contractor Choice Separate From City Approval
The City may review estimates and approve a grant scope, but that does not replace the homeowner's responsibility to select a qualified contractor and understand the contract. Likewise, appearing on this independent site does not mean the City endorses a contractor.
Want optional contractor matching?
Start with the guide form and choose the quote-match option only if you want it.
Get Guide and Matches