Why is one Ottawa waterproofing quote higher than another for the same wall?

For exterior waterproofing, published Ontario contractor pricing runs about $100 to $350 per linear foot of wall, commonly $150 to $250, and interior drain and sump systems run about $70 to $150 per linear foot. A quote anywhere in those ranges can be fair, depending on what it covers, so the first thing to compare is the scope.

Ask each contractor to name, in writing, every item in the price:

• which walls, and how many linear feet
• whether the work is dampproofing or waterproofing, and why (the Code requires waterproofing where hydrostatic pressure occurs, 9.13.3.1, and gives no number for that)
• whether the drain tile is replaced, and where it discharges
• whether a sump pit and pump are included, and whether the pit is new or existing
• what is finished inside, and whether the price covers taking it out or putting it back
• the number of cracks being injected, if any
• who pulls the permit, and whether the fee is in the price

The published pages name a few things that change the price: deeper foundations and tight access cost more; crack injection is about $500 to $1,500 per crack; a new sump pit adds about $500 to $1,500 compared with replacing a pump in an existing pit. Two quotes that differ on any of those lines are pricing different jobs.

Get the warranty terms from each contractor in writing too: what is covered, for how long, and whether they transfer to a buyer. Compare them as part of the scope.

Before you sign, ask each contractor to walk you line by line through what is and is not included, so the quotes describe the same job.