What are common contractor scams in Ottawa?

Ottawa homeowners face several common contractor scams, from door-to-door roofing schemes to unlicensed electrical work - here's how to protect yourself in our market.

Door-to-Door Roofing and Driveway Scams

These are extremely common in Ottawa neighborhoods like Kanata, Orleans, and Barrhaven. Scammers knock on doors claiming they're "working in the area" and noticed roof damage or offer leftover materials from another job. They demand large upfront payments, do shoddy work, or disappear entirely.

Red flags: Unsolicited visits, pressure to sign immediately, cash-only payments, no local address or proper licensing.

Unlicensed Electrical and Gas Work

In Ontario, all electrical work requires ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) permits, and gas work needs TSSA certification. Scammers offer "cheaper" work without permits, putting your family at risk and voiding insurance.

Protection: Always verify contractors at esasafe.com/contractor-locator for electrical work and tssa.org for gas work. Licensed contractors will gladly provide their license numbers upfront.

Fake Storm Damage Claims

After Ottawa's frequent ice storms and severe weather, scammers canvas affected neighborhoods offering "emergency repairs" and promising to handle insurance claims. They often cause more damage or inflate claims fraudulently.

What to do: Contact your insurance company directly first. Get multiple quotes from verified local contractors before agreeing to any work.

Permit Avoidance Schemes

Some contractors offer to skip City of Ottawa permits to "save money and time." This leaves you liable for code violations, safety issues, and problems when selling your home.

Reality check: Most renovation work in Ottawa requires permits. Contact City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 or check ottawa.ca/building to understand what's required. Legitimate contractors know the permit process and factor it into their quotes.

WSIB and Insurance Fraud

Contractors working without WSIB coverage or proper insurance put homeowners at financial risk if accidents occur on your property.

Verification steps: Always request current WSIB clearance certificates at wsib.ca/clearances and verify general liability insurance. Don't let work begin without seeing these documents.

Payment Scams and Lien Risks

Demanding large upfront payments or full payment before completion are major red flags. Under Ontario's Construction Lien Act, you should hold back 10% of payments for 60 days after completion to protect against liens from unpaid subcontractors or suppliers.

Safe payment schedule: Never pay more than 10% upfront, make progress payments tied to completed work, and always hold back that final 10% for the required 60-day period.

How to Protect Yourself

Get multiple detailed quotes from contractors found through ottawa.ca's contractor directory or verified through proper licensing channels. Check references from recent Ottawa-area projects. For any electrical work, verify the contractor at licensing.esasafe.com, and for gas work, confirm TSSA certification.

Always insist on written contracts specifying materials, timelines, permit responsibilities, and payment schedules. When in doubt, contact Ontario's consumer protection office at ontario.ca/consumer or the Better Business Bureau.

Remember: Legitimate Ottawa contractors welcome verification of their credentials, provide local references, and follow proper permit processes. If someone pressures you to decide immediately or avoid permits, walk away.

For verified contractors in the Ottawa area, check our directory at https://ottawaconstructionnetwork.com/directory to connect with properly licensed professionals.