2026-03-12 — Ottawa-Gatineau
Simple question, slightly nuanced answer: the price of a core hole depends on three things — diameter, thickness, and access. Here's the complete grid for Ottawa-Gatineau.
Price grid by diameter (standard slab or wall)
- 1" to 2" (wires, cables): $100 – $175 / hole
- 3" to 4" (plumbing, dryer): $150 – $250 / hole
- 5" to 8" (ventilation, sprinklers): $200 – $350 / hole
- 10" to 14" (technical sleeves): $300 – $500 / hole
Important: most contractors charge a minimum trip fee ($150 to $250). A single small hole often costs the minimum — that's why grouping holes changes everything.
What pushes the price up
Thickness
A 12" foundation wall takes twice as long as a 4" slab. Heavily reinforced concrete also wears bits faster.
Access
Overhead holes, tight spaces, no water or power on site, difficult downtown parking — it all adds time.
Angle
Angle or ceiling drilling requires special equipment and longer setup.
Volume rates — where it gets interesting
Core drilling in pictures
Diamond core bit
Core bits, several diametersStarting at 5-10 holes on the same site, the per-hole price drops sharply — the crew and setup are already there. Contractors and property managers: ask for an annual rate sheet.
How to get the best price
- Group all your holes in one visit
- Prepare the info: diameter, approximate thickness, number of holes, photos of the location
- Clear access before arrival
- Off-season (winter): better availability and sometimes better prices
Residential examples with real prices
- Dryer vent through a foundation wall (4" hole, 8" wall): $175 – $250 — this is the single most common residential job.
- Central vacuum or air exchanger (5"–6" hole): $200 – $300.
- Basement bathroom rough-in (three 4" holes through the slab plus a short trench): $450 – $800 depending on the trench length.
- Sump pit (18"–24" opening in a 4" slab): $350 – $600, often cut with a saw rather than cored.
- Electrical service entrance (2"–3" hole, sometimes two): $150 – $300.
Why two quotes can be so different
Three things explain most price gaps. First, whether the minimum trip fee is folded into the per-hole price or listed separately. Second, whether water management and cleanup are included — some contractors leave the slurry for you. Third, whether the quote assumes the location has been scanned for rebar and services or leaves that risk with you. A cheaper quote that excludes cleanup and scanning is not really cheaper.
Ottawa vs Gatineau: any difference?
Prices are essentially the same on both sides of the river; the crews serve the whole region. What changes slightly is travel time to outlying areas such as Kemptville, Carleton Place or Buckingham, which can add $50 to $100 to the trip fee for a single small job. Grouping work with a neighbour or a contractor already in the area removes that difference.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a cheaper alternative to coring?
For a 1" to 2" hole in a basement wall, a rotary hammer with a carbide bit can work if the wall is not reinforced. Above 3", and for anything through a slab, coring is faster, cleaner and does not crack the surrounding concrete.
Do I pay more if there is rebar?
A diamond core bit cuts through rebar, but it slows the drill and wears the bit. Most contractors include normal reinforcement in the price and add a surcharge only for heavily reinforced or post-tensioned slabs identified by the scan.
How fast can a crew come?
For a single residential hole, typically within a few days; the job itself takes about an hour on site. For commercial lists of 20 holes or more, plan a week ahead.
See our coring service → — free quote within 24h.