How do I know if a contractor is legitimate in Ontario?

In Ontario, you can verify a contractor's legitimacy by checking their ESA electrical license, TSSA gas certification, WSIB clearance, and insurance coverage through official government databases.

Check Required Licenses and Certifications

For electrical work, visit esasafe.com/contractor-locator to verify any Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC). Every electrical contractor in Ontario must be registered with the Electrical Safety Authority. If they're doing electrical work and aren't in this database, that's a major red flag.

For gas, heating, or propane work, check tssa.org to confirm their G1 or G2 technician certification. The Technical Standards and Safety Authority maintains current records of all certified gas technicians in Ontario.

Verify Insurance and WSIB Coverage

Request proof of liability insurance (minimum $2 million is standard) and ask for their WSIB clearance certificate. You can verify WSIB coverage at wsib.ca/clearances using their business number. This protects you if a worker gets injured on your property. Legitimate contractors will provide this documentation without hesitation.

What Legitimate Contractors Provide

A trustworthy contractor will give you a detailed written quote that includes materials, labor, timelines, and permit costs. They should explain what permits are needed and offer to pull them through the City of Ottawa (613-580-2424). Be wary of contractors who suggest skipping permits for work that requires them - this puts you at risk during home sales or insurance claims.

Red Flags to Avoid

Never hire contractors who go door-to-door offering services, demand full payment upfront, or pressure you to sign immediately. Legitimate contractors don't need deposits exceeding 10% of the project cost in Ontario. Under the Construction Lien Act, you're required to hold back 10% of payments for 60 days after project completion - honest contractors know and expect this.

Get Multiple Quotes and References

Obtain at least three written quotes for comparison. Ask for recent local references and actually call them. Check online reviews on Google and Better Business Bureau, but remember that fake reviews exist. A contractor established in the Ottawa area should have verifiable local work history.

Verify Business Registration

Check if they're registered with the Ontario government through ontario.ca/business-registry. While not all contractors need to incorporate, legitimate businesses typically have proper registration and a fixed business address - not just a cell phone and P.O. box.

Official Resources for Verification

• City of Ottawa Building Permits: 613-580-2424, ottawa.ca/building
• ESA License Lookup: esasafe.com/contractor-locator
• TSSA Certification: tssa.org
• WSIB Clearance: wsib.ca/clearances
• Consumer Protection: ontario.ca/consumer

Taking these verification steps protects you from unlicensed contractors, insurance issues, and substandard work that could affect your home's value and safety.