How do I spot a bad contractor before hiring them?

Red flags when hiring contractors in Ottawa can save you thousands and major headaches - here's exactly what to watch for during your vetting process.

The biggest warning signs appear during your initial interactions. If a contractor shows up unannounced at your door offering services, that's an immediate red flag. Legitimate Ottawa contractors are typically booked weeks or months ahead and don't need to cold-call neighborhoods. Similarly, be wary of anyone pressuring you to sign immediately or claiming their "crew is in the area today only."

Licensing and Insurance Red Flags

Always verify their credentials through official channels. For electrical work, check the ESA contractor lookup at esasafe.com/contractor-locator - if they can't provide a valid Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) number, walk away. For gas work, verify TSSA certification at tssa.org. A legitimate contractor will readily provide these numbers and encourage you to verify them.

Request their WSIB clearance certificate from wsib.ca/clearances. If they claim they don't need WSIB because they're "independent" or "just starting out," that's a major red flag. All contractors working in Ontario need either WSIB coverage or valid exemption documentation.

Estimate and Contract Warning Signs

Be suspicious of estimates that are significantly higher or lower than others - both can indicate problems. Extremely low bids often mean corners will be cut or surprise costs will appear later. Excessively high estimates might indicate inexperience with Ottawa market rates or attempts to overcharge.

Watch for vague contracts that don't specify materials, timelines, or permit responsibilities. Legitimate contractors know that most renovation work in Ottawa requires permits from the City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424). If they suggest skipping permits to "save money," that's a huge red flag that could leave you liable for code violations.

Payment Red Flags

Never pay large amounts upfront. Ontario's Construction Lien Act requires contractors to hold back 10% for 60 days after completion, but some bad actors will demand 50% or more upfront. Legitimate contractors typically ask for 10-15% down, with progress payments tied to completion milestones.

Be wary of cash-only requests or contractors who can't provide proper invoices with HST numbers. All legitimate contractors in Ontario must be registered for HST if they exceed $30,000 in annual revenue.

Communication and Professionalism Issues

Poor communication is often the first sign of bigger problems. If they're difficult to reach during the quoting process, they'll be worse during the job. Legitimate contractors maintain professional communication, return calls promptly, and provide written estimates on company letterhead.

Watch for contractors who can't provide local Ottawa references or whose references all seem to be from outside the area. Established Ottawa contractors should have multiple recent local projects they're proud to reference.

Verification Steps

Check with the Better Business Bureau and search their business name online for reviews and complaints. Look up their business registration with the Ontario government. Drive by some of their claimed recent projects in Ottawa neighborhoods like Kanata, Barrhaven, or Orleans to see the quality of work.

Contact the City of Ottawa at 613-580-2424 to verify if they've pulled permits for recent projects. Contractors who consistently work without permits are operating illegally and putting you at risk.

Trust your instincts - if something feels off during initial meetings, it probably is. Legitimate contractors welcome questions about licensing, insurance, and permits because they have nothing to hide.

For verified contractors in Ottawa, check our directory at ottawaconstructionnetwork.com/directory where all listings have been pre-screened for proper licensing and insurance.