Should I trust contractors who show up after a storm?

Be extremely cautious with door-to-door contractors after storms in Ottawa - most legitimate contractors are already booked solid and don't need to canvas neighborhoods.

Storm-chasing contractors are one of the most common scams targeting Ottawa homeowners, especially after ice storms, windstorms, or hail damage that frequently hit our area. These operators typically arrive from out-of-province within days of severe weather, going door-to-door offering "immediate repairs" or "free inspections."

Here's what typically happens: They'll claim to have spotted damage from the street, offer a free inspection, then "discover" extensive damage requiring immediate attention. They'll pressure you to sign immediately, often claiming they're only in Ottawa for a few days or that materials are limited. Many demand large upfront payments and either disappear or do substandard work with inferior materials.

Red flags specific to storm chasers in Ottawa:

• Arriving unsolicited within days of a storm


• Out-of-province license plates or business addresses


• Pressure to sign contracts immediately


• Claims about "leftover materials from another job nearby"


• Requesting large upfront payments or full payment in advance


• No local business address or references


• Offering to deal directly with your insurance company

Protect yourself by following Ottawa's verification process:
First, never hire anyone who shows up uninvited. If you suspect storm damage, contact your insurance company first - they often have preferred contractor networks. For roofing work, verify the contractor holds WSIB clearance through wsib.ca/clearances and check their business registration through Ontario's business registry.

For any work requiring permits in Ottawa, ensure they can pull proper permits through the City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424). Legitimate contractors will have no problem providing references from recent Ottawa-area projects and waiting for you to verify their credentials.

The smart approach after storm damage:
Get multiple quotes from established Ottawa-area contractors, verify all licenses and insurance, and never sign contracts under pressure. Legitimate contractors understand that storm damage creates urgency, but they won't pressure you into immediate decisions or demand large upfront payments.

Remember, quality contractors in Ottawa typically have waiting lists - they don't need to chase storms or knock on doors. Take time to verify credentials through official channels like ESA licensing (esasafe.com), WSIB clearances, and City of Ottawa permit records before trusting anyone with your home repairs.