Start with the house itself. Ottawa's older neighbourhoods, think Old Ottawa South, Westboro, and the Glebe, are full of narrow hallways, steep staircases, and finished basements that were never meant for a walker or wheelchair. A good contractor will walk the whole home with you, not just the one room you called about, and think a few years ahead. Suburban split-levels in Nepean and Orleans bring their own puzzle: half-flights of stairs that a stair lift or gentle ramp can solve better than a full renovation.
Prioritize real aging-in-place and universal-design experience over a general renovator who does the odd grab bar. Ask to see photos of past accessibility work and call a reference or two. Confirm they carry liability insurance and WSIB coverage, and that anyone touching electrical or structural work is properly licensed. Insist on a detailed written scope, a clear quote, and a warranty in writing before anyone starts. Vague verbal promises are where accessibility projects go sideways.
Climate matters here more than in milder cities. Exterior ramps and porch lifts face ice, salt, and freeze-thaw for a good chunk of the year, so ask how the build handles drainage, slip resistance, and snow clearing.
Our honest take: go with a dedicated accessibility contractor rather than the cheapest general handyman, even though you'll usually pay more up front. In our experience the specialist gets the grades, clearances, and finishes right the first time, which saves you a costly redo when your parent's needs change. The trade-off is that good ones book up, especially before winter, so start the conversation earlier than feels necessary. If your needs are simple and truly one-off, a smaller job may not warrant a full specialist, and that's a fair call to make.