Should I visit a contractor's previous job sites?

Yes, visiting a contractor's previous job sites is one of the most valuable steps you can take when hiring in Ottawa - it gives you firsthand insight into their work quality, professionalism, and how projects actually turn out.

What to Look for During Site Visits

When visiting completed projects, examine the quality of workmanship up close. Look at trim work, paint lines, tile alignment, and overall finishing details. Check if everything appears level, square, and professionally installed. Pay attention to how well the work has held up over time - are there signs of settling, cracking, or premature wear?

For active job sites, observe the contractor's organization and professionalism. Is the site clean and organized? Are materials properly stored and protected? Do workers appear to follow safety protocols? A messy, disorganized job site often reflects the quality of work you can expect.

Questions to Ask Previous Clients

Ask homeowners about their overall experience, not just the final result. Did the contractor show up consistently? Were they communicative about delays or issues? Did they clean up properly each day? How well did they handle unexpected problems or change orders? Most importantly, would they hire this contractor again?

Inquire about the permit process if relevant to your project. Did the contractor handle all necessary permits with the City of Ottawa? Were inspections passed on the first try? For electrical work, was the ESA inspection completed properly? For gas work, was TSSA certification handled correctly?

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious if a contractor hesitates to provide references or seems to have excuses for why you can't visit previous work. Quality contractors in Ottawa are typically proud of their work and happy to showcase it. Also be wary if all the references are very recent - established contractors should have a range of projects from different time periods.

If you visit a job site and notice poor workmanship, shortcuts, or unprofessional behavior, trust your instincts. Issues like uneven installations, poor paint work, or sloppy cleanup often indicate deeper problems with the contractor's approach.

Making the Most of Your Visits

Try to visit both recently completed projects and ones that are 1-2 years old to see how the work has aged. If possible, visit during different stages of an active project to understand the contractor's process. Take photos (with permission) to compare different contractors' work quality.

Don't just rely on the references the contractor provides - ask those homeowners if they know of other projects you could see. Word-of-mouth referrals often lead to the most honest assessments.

Ottawa-Specific Considerations

In Ottawa's climate, pay special attention to how well exterior work has weathered our harsh winters and wet springs. Look for proper caulking, weatherstripping, and drainage solutions. For basement work, check for any signs of moisture issues, especially given Ottawa's clay soil conditions.

Remember that legitimate contractors working in Ottawa should have no problem showing you permitted work that's been properly inspected by City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424). If a contractor can't show you properly permitted work for projects that required permits, that's a significant red flag.

Taking time to visit previous job sites is an investment in your peace of mind and project success. Quality contractors welcome this scrutiny because they're confident in their work.