Should I hire a contractor who is booked months in advance?

In Ottawa's competitive construction market, contractors booked 2-4 months out are often the most reputable - but verify their credentials and get everything in writing before committing to the wait.

The best contractors in Ottawa typically have full schedules, especially during peak season (April through October). A contractor who can start immediately should actually raise red flags - they might be new, struggling to get work, or have had recent cancellations for concerning reasons.

What Booking Timeline Tells You

Established Ottawa contractors usually book 6-12 weeks ahead during busy season, sometimes longer for specialized work like custom kitchens or heritage home renovations. This suggests steady referral business and satisfied customers. However, be wary of contractors claiming to be booked 6+ months out unless they're doing very specialized work - this could be a sales tactic.

Essential Verification Steps

Before committing to wait, verify their credentials through official Ontario channels:

• ESA License: Check licensing.esasafe.com for electrical contractors
• TSSA Certification: Verify gas/HVAC technicians at tssa.org
• WSIB Coverage: Confirm clearance certificate at wsib.ca
• Insurance: Request current liability insurance certificate
• References: Contact recent Ottawa clients, particularly in your neighborhood (Kanata, Barrhaven, Orleans, etc.)

Red Flags During the Wait

Watch for contractors who demand large upfront payments or full payment before starting. Under Ontario's Construction Lien Act, you should never pay more than the work completed, and always hold back 10% for 60 days after substantial completion.

Be concerned if they pressure you to sign immediately "to hold your spot" without allowing time to review contracts, or if they can't provide local Ottawa references from the past year.

Protecting Yourself

Get a detailed written contract specifying start dates, completion timeline, and penalty clauses for delays. Include material specifications, permit responsibilities, and change order procedures. For projects requiring City of Ottawa permits, confirm who's pulling permits and factor permit processing time (10-25 business days for most renovations) into the schedule.

Consider getting quotes from 2-3 contractors with different availability timelines. Sometimes a slightly less busy contractor can deliver equal quality with better communication and flexibility.

Official Resources

• City of Ottawa Building Permits: 613-580-2424
• Consumer protection information: ontario.ca/consumer
• Contractor verification: ontario.ca/licensed-contractors

The wait for a quality contractor is usually worth it, but do your homework first. A busy schedule means nothing if they're not properly licensed, insured, and experienced with Ottawa's building requirements.