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

In Ontario, you can verify a contractor's legitimacy by checking their licensing with the appropriate regulatory bodies - ESA for electrical work, TSSA for gas/HVAC, plus confirming their WSIB clearance and insurance coverage.

Check Required Licenses First

For electrical contractors in Ottawa, use the ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) contractor lookup at esasafe.com/contractor-locator. Every electrical contractor must have a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) number to legally pull permits in Ontario. Don't just take their word for it - verify the license is active and in good standing.

For gas and HVAC work, check TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) certification at tssa.org. Gas technicians need G1 or G2 certification, and this should be current and tied to a legitimate company.

Verify Insurance and WSIB Coverage

Every legitimate contractor in Ontario should carry liability insurance (minimum $2 million is standard) and either have WSIB coverage or a valid clearance certificate. You can verify WSIB status at wsib.ca/clearances using their business number. If they're sole proprietors, they may have a clearance certificate instead of coverage - both are acceptable, but you need to see proof.

Ask for their insurance certificate and call the insurance company directly to confirm coverage is active. Many homeowners skip this step and regret it later when something goes wrong.

Physical Business Verification

Legitimate contractors have permanent business addresses, not just P.O. boxes. Check their business registration through the Ontario Business Registry. Drive by their listed address - it should be a real business location or established home office, not a vacant lot or residential address that doesn't match their story.

Look them up on Google Maps and check for consistent business information across multiple platforms. Scammers often have inconsistent addresses, phone numbers that don't match their service area, or no physical presence at all.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be immediately suspicious of contractors who knock on your door unsolicited, especially those claiming to have "leftover materials from a job down the street." Legitimate Ottawa contractors are typically booked weeks or months ahead - they don't need to drum up business door-to-door.

Avoid anyone demanding full payment upfront, offering cash-only deals, or pressuring you to sign immediately. Under Ontario's Construction Lien Act, you're entitled to hold back 10% of payment for 60 days after completion, and legitimate contractors know this.

Get Multiple References

Ask for recent references from projects in Ottawa and surrounding areas like Kanata, Orleans, or Barrhaven. Call these references and ask specific questions about quality, timeliness, cleanliness, and whether they'd hire the contractor again. Drive by some of their recent work if possible.

Verify Through City of Ottawa

For larger projects requiring building permits, check with City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 to confirm the contractor has pulled permits for similar work. You can also verify if there are any outstanding orders or violations associated with their business.

The City's ottawa.ca/building portal shows permit history, which can give you insight into a contractor's experience level and compliance record in Ottawa.

Remember: A legitimate contractor welcomes verification questions and provides documentation readily. If they seem evasive about licensing, insurance, or references, keep looking.