Should I ask my contractor for a warranty on their work?

Yes, you should absolutely ask for a warranty on contractor work in Ottawa - and any reputable contractor should offer one without hesitation.

In Ontario, contractors are legally required to warranty their work under the Consumer Protection Act, but the specific terms vary significantly. Getting warranty details in writing protects you from costly callbacks and demonstrates the contractor's confidence in their workmanship.

What Warranties to Expect in Ottawa

Most established Ottawa contractors offer 1-2 year warranties on workmanship, with longer warranties on specific components. For example, roofing contractors often provide 5-10 year warranties on installation, while electrical and plumbing work typically comes with 1-2 years. HVAC installations might include 1 year on labor plus manufacturer warranties on equipment.

The key is getting specific warranty terms in your contract before work begins. Vague promises like "we'll fix any problems" aren't enforceable - you need clear timeframes, what's covered, and response times for warranty calls.

Red Flags Around Warranties

Be wary of contractors who refuse to provide written warranties or seem evasive about warranty terms. This often indicates they're either inexperienced, uninsured, or planning to disappear after payment. Similarly, contractors offering unusually long warranties (like 10+ years on basic renovations) may be using this as a sales tactic while lacking the business stability to honor long-term commitments.

Cash-only contractors rarely provide meaningful warranties since they're often operating without proper licensing or insurance. If something goes wrong, you'll have no recourse.

What Should Be Covered

Your warranty should cover defects in workmanship, not normal wear and tear or damage from misuse. For electrical work in Ottawa, this means the ESA-approved installation should function properly - but not protection against power surges or overloading circuits. For renovations, it covers things like drywall cracks from improper installation, not scuffs from moving furniture.

Make sure the warranty specifies response times for different issues. Emergency problems (like plumbing leaks) should get same-day response, while cosmetic issues might have 30-day response windows.

Protecting Your Warranty Rights

Verify your contractor carries WSIB coverage and liability insurance through ontario.ca - warranties are worthless if the contractor can't afford to honor them. For electrical work, confirm they're a Licensed Electrical Contractor through esasafe.com. For gas work, verify TSSA certification at tssa.org.

Keep all warranty documentation with your building permits and ESA/TSSA certificates. Take photos of completed work to establish baseline conditions.

Contact City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 if you have questions about warranty requirements for permitted work. They can clarify what standards the contractor must meet under the Ontario Building Code.

Remember: reputable contractors want happy customers and referrals. They'll offer fair warranties and honor them promptly. If a contractor balks at warranty discussions, keep looking.