How do I verify a contractor's references?

In Ottawa, verifying contractor references is crucial for avoiding costly mistakes and ensuring you're hiring someone reliable. Here's exactly how to do it properly in our market.

Getting the Right References

Ask every potential contractor for at least three recent references from the past 12-18 months, specifically from projects similar to yours. In Ottawa's tight-knit neighborhoods like Kanata, Orleans, or Barrhaven, many homeowners are happy to share their experiences. Request a mix of reference types - recent customers, suppliers who extend them credit, and subcontractors they work with regularly.

Don't accept references older than two years, as contractor quality and business practices can change significantly. Also ask for references from projects that had challenges - how a contractor handles problems tells you more than when everything goes smoothly.

What to Ask References

When you call references, ask specific questions about timeline adherence, budget management, cleanliness, and communication. Did the contractor show up when promised? Were there surprise costs beyond the original quote? How did they handle permit delays with the City of Ottawa? Did they protect your property and clean up daily?

Ask about the permit process specifically - did the contractor handle all City of Ottawa Building Code Services interactions, or did the homeowner get stuck dealing with permit issues? A good Ottawa contractor should manage the entire 613-580-2424 Building Services relationship for you.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be suspicious if a contractor can't provide local Ottawa-area references, only offers references from years ago, or gives you numbers that go straight to voicemail. Legitimate contractors working in Ottawa, Nepean, Gloucester, and surrounding areas should have plenty of happy recent customers.

If references seem overly rehearsed or only give glowing reviews without mentioning any minor issues, they might not be genuine. Real projects have small hiccups - honest references will mention how the contractor handled them.

Verify Beyond References

Cross-check references with other verification steps. Ensure the contractor has valid WSIB clearance through wsib.ca/clearances, proper licensing through ESA (esasafe.com) for electrical work, and TSSA certification for gas work. Check with the City of Ottawa at ottawa.ca/building to see if they've pulled permits properly for recent projects.

Drive by some of the reference addresses if they're in your neighborhood. You can often spot quality workmanship from the street, and it confirms the contractor actually did the work they claim.

Documentation Matters

Ask references if they received proper documentation - permits, ESA certificates for electrical work, TSSA certificates for gas work, and final inspection approvals from the City of Ottawa. A contractor who cuts corners on paperwork often cuts corners on work quality too.

For major renovations in Ottawa, references should be able to show you their permit documentation and explain how long the City of Ottawa permit process took for their project.

Taking time to properly verify references protects you from the contractors who rely on high-pressure sales tactics rather than quality work history. In Ottawa's competitive construction market, good contractors welcome reference checks because their work speaks for itself.