What should you send for a home project estimate?
Send a numbered list of the work, one wide photo and a close-up of each issue, approximate measurements, your city and any access restrictions. Say what should stay, what should change and whether you have already chosen materials. These details help establish the scope; photos do not replace an on-site review when one is needed.
1. Describe what you want to change
“The bathroom needs work” leaves a lot open. “Keep the layout, replace the vanity and repair the tile beside it” gives the conversation a useful starting point. Separate essential repairs from changes you would like if the budget allows.
A home repair request can cover several existing issues. A bathroom or kitchen renovation needs a broader conversation when layouts, fixtures and finishes depend on one another. You do not need to decide which trades are involved yourself.
2. Show the whole space and the detail
Take a wide photo showing where the issue sits in the room, then a closer photo of the part that needs attention. Add approximate width, height or floor area where useful. For a replacement fixture or appliance, include a product link and its dimensions.
Keep unrelated people, mail, identification and personal documents outside the frame. Do not open walls or touch electrical equipment to get a better photo. An accessible view is enough to begin.
3. Include the practical constraints
Start with your city or neighbourhood. Mention stairs, parking, elevator bookings, building work hours and any condo approval process. Say whether the home will be occupied during the work and which rooms need to remain usable.
Share a preferred window rather than assuming an immediate start. If materials are already ordered, include their expected arrival. Access and delivery details can affect how the work is scheduled.
4. Compare the same scope
Before comparing prices, check that each estimate describes the same work. Ask who supplies materials, which preparation and finishing tasks are included, and whether removal or disposal is covered. A low total is hard to assess if those responsibilities are missing.
List unresolved items separately: concealed damage, final product choices or work needing a site visit. Agree how changes will be reviewed and priced before extra work begins. Keep the agreed scope somewhere both sides can refer to.
5. Flag specialist work early
For electrical work in Ontario, ESA says a general contractor’s electrical subcontractor must be a Licensed Electrical Contractor. Ask who will carry out that work and verify their licence through ESA’s contractor guidance and lookup.
If your basement project is intended to create a separate rental unit, say so from the beginning. Read Ontario’s second-unit planning guidance and confirm the requirements for your property with the municipality before settling the scope.
Your copy-and-send checklist
- City or neighbourhood and property type
- Numbered list of repairs or the room you want to renovate
- What stays and what changes
- Wide photos, close-ups and approximate measurements
- Products chosen, purchased or still undecided
- Access rules, preferred timing and your contact details
Have the basics ready? Start your HandyHub4U request, then attach the photos to your email. For service-specific details, browse the services or read the FAQs.