Home Services in Ontario
Ontario24 lists plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, handymen and repair services across Ontario and the GTA. Search by city and trade, compare your options and contact providers directly. Browsing is free and you do not need an account.
What home services cost in Ontario in 2026
Typical rates from our own 2026 cost guides. Emergency and after-hours work is priced separately and runs well above these numbers.
| Service | Typical rate | Call-out / minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed plumber | $90–$150 per hour ($180+ for master plumbers) | $130–$200 service call |
| Handyman | $75–$150 per hour (most $80–$120) | $100–$200 minimum |
| AC repair | $100–$700 per job | $80–$150 diagnostic |
| Central AC installation | $3,500–$8,500 (typical $4,500–$6,500) | Quoted per job |
Common flat-rate plumbing jobs — snaking a drain, installing a toilet — usually land between $150 and $300. Emergency or after-hours plumbing runs 1.5× to 2× the standard rate. High-efficiency AC systems or ductwork changes can push an installation toward $12,000.
Which jobs need a licensed trade
- Electrical. Work must be done by an ECRA/ESA-licensed electrical contractor, and most jobs require a notification of work filed with the Electrical Safety Authority.
- Gas. Anything touching a gas line, furnace or gas water heater needs a technician certified for gas work in Ontario.
- Plumbing. Minor fixture swaps are fair game for a handyman; anything inside walls, involving drains or affecting the main stack is a licensed plumber’s job.
- Handyman scope. Small repairs, mounting, assembly and patching. If a job needs a permit, it needs a licensed trade instead.
What to check before you hire
- Licence number you can verify — on the ESA register for electrical contractors, or the Skilled Trades Ontario public register for certified trades.
- Liability insurance and WSIB coverage, as certificates rather than verbal assurance.
- Whether the quote is hourly or flat rate, and what the minimum charge covers.
- Whether travel time and parts markup are included.
- Written confirmation of the warranty on labour and parts.
More detail in our guides: plumber cost in Toronto and the GTA, AC installation and repair cost and how to hire a handyman.
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Frequently asked questions
Is a handyman cheaper than a licensed trade?
Usually yes, and for small repairs that is the sensible choice. But a handyman cannot legally do electrical or gas work, and using one for a job that needs a licensed trade can void your home insurance if something goes wrong.
Why is there a service-call fee before any work happens?
It covers travel and diagnosis. Most plumbers and HVAC companies charge $80–$200 for the visit and then apply it — fully or partly — against the repair if you go ahead. Ask which applies before booking.
Does Ontario24 check the providers listed here?
No. Ontario24 is a classified directory — we help you find, compare and contact local businesses directly, and we do not vet them. Verify licences, insurance and references yourself. Our safety tips explain what to check.