Start by measuring the clear width you actually need. A wheelchair or walker wants roughly 32 inches or more of unobstructed opening, and the door frame, hinges, and even the doorstop all eat into that. Have the contractor measure with the door open, not just the frame, so you know the real number before any work begins.
Ottawa's housing stock shapes what's possible. In older neighbourhoods like Centretown, Sandy Hill, and the Glebe, interior walls may be plaster over lath, and exterior walls can hold insulation upgrades or knob-and-tube leftovers. Split-levels and bungalows in areas like Nepean or Orleans are often more straightforward. The big question is always whether the wall is load-bearing or carries plumbing, wiring, or ducts. A contractor who checks this properly saves you from a surprise mid-project. In many cases you don't need full widening at all. Offset (swing-clear) hinges pull the door leaf out of the opening and can add a couple of inches for a fraction of the cost. For seniors in Ottawa who just need a little more room, we usually suggest trying offset hinges first. The trade-off is honest: they only buy you so much space, so if your parent needs a real turning path, full widening is the better long-term answer.
Prioritize contractors with genuine accessibility and senior experience, not just general renovation crews. Ask about licensing and insurance, WSIB coverage, a written warranty on the work, and how fast they respond if something needs adjusting through an Ottawa winter when frames shift with the cold. Our advice: pay a bit more for someone who's widened doorways for aging clients before and stands behind the finish. You'll spend slightly more than a handyman quote, but the result fits the wall, the door closes cleanly, and the trim looks like it belongs.