Is it a red flag if a contractor has no online reviews?

Yes, a lack of online reviews can be a red flag for contractors in Ottawa, but it depends on the context and what other verification you can find.

In today's digital age, most established contractors in Ottawa will have some online presence - whether on Google My Business, HomeStars, Better Business Bureau, or even Facebook. However, the absence of reviews isn't automatically disqualifying if you can verify their legitimacy through other means.

What Makes No Reviews More Concerning

A complete absence of online reviews becomes a bigger red flag when combined with other warning signs. Be especially cautious if the contractor also lacks proper licensing verification through ESA (for electrical work) or TSSA (for gas/HVAC work), can't provide WSIB clearance certificates, or won't give you local references you can actually contact. In Ottawa's competitive market, most legitimate contractors understand that reviews help them win business.

New contractors or those who primarily work through word-of-mouth referrals might genuinely have few online reviews. Some established contractors focus on repeat customers and referrals rather than online marketing. The key is whether they can demonstrate their legitimacy through other channels.

How to Verify Contractors Without Reviews

Start by checking their licensing through official Ontario channels. For electrical work, verify their Licensed Electrical Contractor status at esasafe.com/contractor-locator. For gas or HVAC work, confirm TSSA certification at tssa.org. Request their WSIB clearance certificate and proof of liability insurance - legitimate contractors will provide these without hesitation.

Ask for recent local references in Ottawa neighborhoods like yours - Kanata, Orleans, Barrhaven, or wherever you're located. A legitimate contractor should provide 3-5 recent customers you can contact. Drive by some of their recent work sites if possible, or ask to see photos of completed projects.

Check with the City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424) to see if they've pulled permits recently. Contractors doing legitimate work requiring permits will show up in the city's records.

Red Flags Beyond Missing Reviews

Be more concerned about contractors who refuse to provide written estimates, demand large upfront payments, or can't provide proper business registration. Door-to-door solicitors claiming to have "leftover materials" from nearby jobs are almost always scams. Contractors who pressure you to sign immediately or claim permits aren't needed when they clearly are should be avoided entirely.

Protecting Yourself

For any significant work in Ottawa, ensure the contractor pulls proper permits through ottawa.ca/building and follows Ontario's Construction Lien Act requirements, including the 10% holdback period. Even without online reviews, a contractor following proper legal procedures is much safer than one with great reviews but no licensing or insurance.

Consider starting with smaller projects to test a contractor's reliability before committing to major renovations. This approach works particularly well in Ottawa's tight-knit neighborhoods where word travels fast about both good and bad experiences.