How do I verify a contractor's business is legitimate?

In Ottawa, you need to verify multiple credentials through Ontario and City systems to ensure your contractor is legitimate and properly licensed for your specific project.

Start with the most critical verification - their trade-specific licensing. For electrical work, check the ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) contractor database at esasafe.com/contractor-locator to confirm they're a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC). For gas or HVAC work, verify their TSSA certification at tssa.org. These aren't optional - it's illegal for unlicensed contractors to do this work in Ontario.

Next, verify their WSIB coverage at wsib.ca/clearances. Every legitimate contractor in Ontario must have WSIB coverage for their workers. Request their clearance certificate - if they can't provide one immediately, that's a major red flag. This protects you from liability if someone gets injured on your property.

Check their business registration through the Ontario Business Registry at ontario.ca. Legitimate contractors should have a registered business name and HST number if they're doing over $30,000 annually. Ask to see their Certificate of Insurance showing general liability coverage of at least $2 million - most legitimate Ottawa contractors carry this as standard.

For City of Ottawa work, verify they can actually pull permits for your project. Call Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 and ask if the contractor is authorized to pull permits. Some contractors will tell you permits aren't needed when they actually are - this is often because they can't legally obtain them.

Research their reputation through multiple channels. Check Google reviews, Better Business Bureau ratings, and ask for recent local references in Ottawa neighborhoods like yours. Legitimate contractors should readily provide references from recent projects in areas like Kanata, Barrhaven, or Orleans.

Watch for these red flags that indicate illegitimate operations: door-to-door solicitation, cash-only payment demands, no fixed business address, pressure for immediate decisions, or quotes significantly below others. Legitimate Ottawa contractors typically have established offices, accept multiple payment methods, and provide detailed written estimates.

Verify their address and contact information. Drive by their business location if they claim to have a local office. Many scam operations use fake Ottawa addresses or work entirely from out-of-province.

For additional protection, check if they're members of professional associations like the Canadian Home Builders Association or local Ottawa construction groups. While membership isn't mandatory, legitimate contractors often maintain these professional relationships.

Finally, always get everything in writing before work begins. Legitimate contractors provide detailed contracts outlining scope, materials, timelines, and payment schedules that comply with Ontario's Construction Act requirements.

Official Resources:

• ESA Contractor Lookup: esasafe.com/contractor-locator


• TSSA Certification: tssa.org


• WSIB Clearance: wsib.ca/clearances


• City of Ottawa Building: 613-580-2424, ottawa.ca/building


• Ontario Consumer Protection: ontario.ca/consumer

Taking these verification steps protects you from unlicensed operators, insurance liability, and potential legal issues with unpermitted work.