Should I hire a contractor who works alone or one with a full crew?

Both solo contractors and crew-based contractors can be excellent choices in Ottawa - the key is matching the contractor type to your project scope and verifying their credentials regardless of team size.

Solo Contractors: When They Work Best

Solo contractors often excel at smaller, specialized projects in Ottawa. A licensed electrician working alone might be perfect for updating your Kanata home's panel or adding outlets in your Barrhaven basement. Similarly, a skilled carpenter working solo could handle your deck rebuild or bathroom vanity installation efficiently and cost-effectively.

The advantages include more personalized attention, often lower overhead costs, and direct communication with the person doing the work. Many solo contractors in Ottawa have decades of experience and choose to work alone to maintain quality control.

Crew-Based Contractors: For Larger Projects

For major renovations - like finishing your Orleans basement, renovating your Nepean kitchen, or adding a secondary suite in Stittsville - a contractor with a full crew typically makes more sense. These projects require coordination between multiple trades and benefit from having dedicated project management.

Crew-based contractors can handle complex timelines, manage multiple permits simultaneously, and often have established relationships with Ottawa-area suppliers and subtrades.

What Matters More Than Team Size

Regardless of whether they work alone or with a crew, verify these essentials through the City of Ottawa and provincial authorities:

Licensing and Insurance: Check ESA licensing at esasafe.com for electrical work, TSSA certification at tssa.org for gas work, and confirm they carry proper WSIB coverage and liability insurance.

Permit Pulling: Ensure they can pull the necessary permits through ottawa.ca/building. A legitimate contractor knows Ottawa's permit requirements and building code standards.

References and Portfolio: Ask for recent Ottawa-area projects you can see or speak with previous clients about. This matters whether they're a solo operator or run a larger company.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious of any contractor - solo or crew-based - who can't provide proper licensing documentation, wants large upfront payments, or pressures you to sign immediately. Door-to-door contractors are particularly problematic in Ottawa neighborhoods.

Making Your Decision

Consider your project timeline, complexity, and budget. A solo contractor might take longer on a large project but could provide more competitive pricing. A crew-based contractor might cost more but complete work faster with better project coordination.

Most importantly, ensure whoever you hire - whether working alone or with a team - is properly licensed for your specific project type and can pull the required permits through the City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424).

The size of their team is less important than their qualifications, reputation, and ability to properly manage your specific project in compliance with Ottawa and Ontario regulations.