How do I compare two asbestos abatement quotes in Ottawa?

Comparing Two Asbestos Abatement Quotes in Ottawa

Start by checking whether both quotes name the same Type of operation, because the Type decides what the contractor must do. Under O. Reg. 278/05, the Type depends on whether the material is friable and how much of it is being disturbed. A quote for Type 1 work carries far lighter requirements than one for Type 3, so if two quotes name different Types for the same job, ask each contractor to explain in writing why they classified it that way.

What to line up side by side:

• The Type of operation (1, 2 or 3) and the reasoning behind it
• Whether a Ministry of Labour inspector notice is included. For Type 3 work, O. Reg. 278/05 section 11(1) requires the constructor or employer to notify an inspector orally and in writing before starting. That notice is not a fee or a permit; it is a legal step. If one quote mentions it and the other does not, ask why.
• Whether a clearance air test is included. Section 18 of the regulation requires one after Type 3 work. Published prices read in September 2026 put that test at roughly $300 to $800. A quote that omits it for a Type 3 job is missing a required step.
• Where the waste goes. Ontario Regulation 347 section 17(1)1 says asbestos waste cannot leave the site until a disposal facility has agreed to accept it. Ask each contractor which facility they use and confirm it is arranged before work starts.
• A current WSIB clearance. You can search a contractor's current clearance on the WSIB website; a clearance is valid for up to 90 days.
• For Type 3 work, confirmation that workers have completed the Asbestos Abatement Worker Training Program and the supervisor the Asbestos Abatement Supervisor Training Program, both approved by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development, as required by O. Reg. 278/05 section 20(1).

What the numbers should look like: Published Ontario contractor prices read in September 2026 put general asbestos removal at $8 to $15 per square foot. Textured ceiling removal runs $6 to $12 per square foot, drywall joint compound $10 to $15, vinyl floor tile and mastic $5 to $15, and pipe or duct insulation $35 to $55 per linear foot. Some contractors publish a minimum charge for small jobs. If a quote comes in well below these ranges, ask what it leaves out and which Type it assumes.

On consumer protection: If a contractor comes to your home to sign the agreement, that is a direct agreement under the Consumer Protection Act, 2002. You have 10 days to cancel it without any reason after receiving the written copy. The Act is due to be replaced by the Consumer Protection Act, 2023, so check the current rules. The Construction Act generally requires a 10 per cent holdback; get advice for your situation.

If the material has already been disturbed before testing, stop the work, leave it alone, and have a professional test it before anything else happens, which is what Health Canada advises.