When should the shower glass installer be booked on a renovation?

Call early so they know it's coming, but book the measure for after tile is grouted. Shower glass is tempered to the finished opening and can't be trimmed once made. Settle hinge blocking before the walls close. See custom shower enclosures.

Which glass items need safety glass under the Ontario code?

Shower and tub enclosures, sliding and storm door glass, door-like sidelights and glass in guards all call for tempered or laminated safety glass, as do entrance doors with large, low glass. The installer confirms the exact requirement against the 2024 code.

Do glass subs pull their own permits?

It depends on the job and your agreement. Some subs pull permits for their own scope; on a larger renovation the general contractor often holds it. Settle it in writing and confirm with the municipality what the job needs.

Do I need a permit for window work on an apartment or commercial building in Oshawa?

Check with the City before you assume not. The same-size exemption is written for houses, so apartments, condos, storefronts and offices fall outside it. For the commercial side, see storefront glass.

Is glazier a licensed trade in Ontario?

No. Glazier, called Architectural Glass and Metal Technician in Ontario, is a voluntary trade: certification exists, including the Red Seal, but isn't required. Ask a sub about experience with your kind of job, insurance and who stands behind the glass instead.

For contractors · Durham

Glass subtrades for renovation and build projects

Tile's in, the vanity's set, and the shower opening is waiting on glass. We connect contractors and renovators in Oshawa and across Durham with independent local glass pros who take sub work. You send the scope; the glass sub quotes you directly and books the measure with you. One mirror is as welcome as a full floor.

Scopes quoted from drawings or photos
Showers, mirrors, windows, storefronts
Houses-only permit rule flagged

Get a free quote 905-470-3454

Tile finished, curb set: this is when the glass pro measures.

Scopes

What glass pros can take off your list

Glazing is a voluntary trade in Ontario: certification exists but isn't required, so ask about experience with your kind of job.

Shower enclosures

Doors, fixed panels and tub screens, measured after tile. See custom shower enclosures.

Mirrors and cut glass

Mirrors, shelves, splashbacks and glass cut to size. See custom glass.

Windows and sealed units

Replacement windows, sealed units and egress openings. See replacement windows.

Storefronts and guards

Commercial fronts, entrance doors and glass guard panels. See storefront glass.

Sequencing

Sequencing: when to bring glass in

Glass is measured to what's built, not the drawings.

Before framing
Settle rough openings and egress sizes while walls are open. Changing an opening later means a permit.
After tile, before trim-out
Shower glass is measured to finished tile and curb, once grout is done.
After paint
Mirrors and splashbacks go in once walls and fixtures are finished.
Allow for fabrication
Tempered panels and sealed units are made to order; build in the wait.

Code items

Code items that trip up inspections: safety glass, guards, egress

The 2024 Ontario Building Code took effect on 1 January 2025, and permit applications have used it since 1 April 2025. Confirm current wording with your designer or the building department.

Safety glass

Shower and tub enclosures, sliding and storm doors, and door-like sidelights need tempered or laminated glass.

Guards

Guard glass must be laminated or tempered, and guards have their own height and load rules. Leave the spec to the engineered system.

Egress

Bedrooms need a window that opens to a minimum clear size, and Oshawa's by-law wants one on every floor with a bedroom. See egress windows.

Window performance

Manufactured windows must meet a minimum performance grade. Check the label before they go in.

Permits

Permits: 2024 Ontario Building Code and Oshawa's houses-only exemption

This is the line renovators trip over. Oshawa's permit exemption covers same-size, same-type windows and doors on houses only. New or enlarged openings need a permit. On an apartment, condo, storefront or office, check with the City even for a like-for-like swap.

Whitby, Clarington and Scugog issue their own permits, so check with the Town, Municipality or Township where the job is. More on commercial jobs under commercial glass.

Heritage

Heritage properties and districts in Durham

In Oshawa, changes that affect the heritage attributes of a designated property need Council approval; routine maintenance doesn't. Whitby has two heritage conservation districts, Brooklin and Werden's Plan, with updated plans adopted in 2026, and changes there need a heritage permit. Downtown Port Perry is a heritage conservation district too. Sort out approvals before anything is ordered.

Send a scope

Sending plans and templates for quotes

Use the quote form and attach drawings, a window schedule or photos, with the address, supply-and-install or install-only, and target dates.

For showers, give the glass style and hardware finish. For windows, say whether openings are existing or new. The pro we match you with quotes you directly.

Questions

Questions from contractors

Explore your options

Local glass pros take sub work across Oshawa and Durham, including Whitby, Courtice, Bowmanville, Brooklin and Pickering.

Send your plans or scope

Attach drawings or photos and your target dates. We'll pass them to a local glass pro who takes sub work and quotes you directly.