Should I be worried if a contractor has no online presence?

Yes, you should be concerned about a contractor with zero online presence in 2024-2025, especially in Ottawa's competitive construction market. While it's not automatically disqualifying, it raises several red flags that require extra verification steps.

Why Online Presence Matters in Ottawa

Legitimate contractors in Ottawa typically have some digital footprint because:

• Most business comes through referrals and online searches


• ESA and TSSA licensing can be verified online


• WSIB clearance certificates are digital


• City of Ottawa permit applications often require contractor information


• Insurance companies expect basic business documentation

A complete absence suggests either a very new business, someone working cash-only to avoid taxes, or potentially unlicensed work.

Red Flags to Watch For

Contractors with no online presence often exhibit other concerning patterns:

• Pressure for immediate cash payments


• Reluctance to provide ESA or TSSA license numbers


• No fixed business address (just a cell phone)


• Quotes significantly below market rates


• Unwillingness to pull proper City of Ottawa permits


• No WSIB clearance certificate

How to Verify Contractors Without Online Presence

If you're considering a contractor with minimal digital footprint, take these Ottawa-specific verification steps:

Check Official Licensing: Visit esasafe.com/contractor-locator for electrical work or tssa.org for gas/HVAC work. A legitimate contractor will have current licensing you can verify independently.

Verify WSIB Coverage: Request their WSIB clearance certificate through wsib.ca/clearances. This protects you from liability if someone gets injured on your property.

Confirm Business Registration: Check with the Ontario government's business registry to ensure they're a legitimate registered business.

Visit Previous Work Sites: Ask for recent local references in Ottawa neighborhoods like Kanata, Orleans, or Barrhaven. Drive by completed projects if possible.

When No Online Presence Might Be Okay

Some legitimate scenarios exist:

• Older, established contractors who rely entirely on word-of-mouth


• Specialized tradespeople who work primarily as subcontractors


• Recent immigrants with solid credentials but new to Canadian marketing

Even in these cases, they should still have proper licensing, insurance, and be willing to pull permits through the City of Ottawa (613-580-2424).

Protect Yourself in Ottawa

Never proceed without verifying licensing through ESA or TSSA, confirming WSIB coverage, and ensuring they'll obtain proper permits from ottawa.ca/building. The lack of online presence makes these official verifications even more critical.

Remember: legitimate contractors understand that homeowners need to verify credentials. If they're defensive about providing license numbers or permit information, that's a major red flag regardless of their online presence.