Getting Staircase Quotes in Ontario: 5 Questions to Ask Every Contractor
Getting multiple quotes for a custom staircase in Ontario is always a good idea — the variation between contractors in experience, engineering rigor, and what’s actually included in the price can be significant. A quote that looks 20% cheaper on the surface might exclude permit fees, engineering drawings, or specific finishing stages that another contractor includes. At C.O.R.S Staircases in Barrie, we welcome comparison quotes and believe informed clients make better decisions. Here are the five questions we recommend asking every staircase contractor in Ontario before signing anything.
1. Is P.Eng Engineering Included, or Is It an Extra?
Floating (mono-stringer) staircases in Ontario require stamped P.Eng engineering drawings for the building permit. This is not optional — it’s a code requirement. Ask every contractor whether the P.Eng engineering is included in the quoted price or billed separately.
Engineering for a floating staircase typically costs $800 – $2,000 separately. If a contractor quotes you a price that doesn’t include engineering, the total cost comparison changes significantly. At C.O.R.S Staircases, P.Eng engineering is included in every floating staircase project — it’s never a surprise addition.
2. Is the Steel Fabricated In-House or Outsourced?
This question reveals a great deal about the contractor’s capability and quality control. In-house fabrication means the stringer, brackets, and components are made by the same company building and installing your staircase — with direct accountability for every weld and dimension. Outsourced fabrication means a third party makes the stringer, creating risk of dimensional errors, quality inconsistencies, and communication gaps that affect your installation.
At C.O.R.S Staircases, every stringer is fabricated at our Barrie facility by our team. We control quality from steel selection through powder coating to delivery — no middleman, no quality compromise.
3. Who Handles the Building Permit Application?
Most structural staircase renovations in Ontario require a building permit. Ask your contractor whether they handle the permit application or whether you’re expected to submit it yourself. A contractor who manages permits has experience with local building departments, reduces the administrative burden on you, and can navigate permit revisions if they arise.
At C.O.R.S Staircases, we handle permit applications for all permit-required projects. We prepare the engineering drawings, submit to the appropriate municipality, respond to technical queries from the building department, and coordinate the post-installation inspection.
4. What Exactly Is Included in the Quoted Price?
A staircase quote should specify exactly what is and isn’t included. Ask specifically about:
- Removal and disposal of the existing staircase (if applicable)
- Permit fees (separate from engineering fees)
- Hardware, brackets, and connection components
- Finish materials (primer, powder coat, clear coat)
- Handrail supply and installation
- Post-installation touch-up and cleanup
A quote that seems straightforward may have significant hidden cost items. Request a line-itemized quote that specifies each component — this allows accurate apples-to-apples comparison across multiple contractors.
5. Can You See Examples of Previous Projects?
A credible custom staircase contractor should be able to show you completed projects in homes similar to yours — preferably in your region, with photos or in-person visits to completed installations. Ask specifically for projects with your preferred configuration: floating mono-stringer, glass railing, white oak treads, or whatever your priority elements are.
At C.O.R.S Staircases, we have a portfolio of completed floating and traditional staircase installations throughout Barrie, Simcoe County, and the GTA. We’re happy to share project photos and, where clients consent, arrange visits to see completed work in person.
Request a Detailed, Fixed-Price Quote from C.O.R.S
Contact C.O.R.S Staircases at (705) 623-0371 to schedule your free consultation and receive a detailed, itemized fixed-price quote for your Ontario staircase project. We’re always transparent about what’s included — no surprises on billing day.
Getting Staircase Quotes Ontario: Related Resources
- Staircase contractor Ontario — 8 red flags to watch for when reviewing contractor bids
- Custom staircase cost Ontario — understanding what’s included in an all-in Ontario staircase quote
- Staircase permit Ontario — which line items should appear in a permit-managing contractor’s quote
- Floating staircase Ontario — what a P.Eng-inclusive floating staircase quote actually contains
- Custom staircase installation timeline Ontario — timeline questions to ask before accepting any quote
Get your transparent C.O.R.S all-in quote: 705-999-0000 | corsstairs.ca/contact
