What are common renovation scams in the Ottawa area?

Ottawa homeowners face several common renovation scams, with door-to-door contractors and fake emergency repairs being the most prevalent in our area. These scams often target specific Ottawa neighborhoods like Kanata, Orleans, and Barrhaven, especially after severe weather events.

Door-to-Door Roofing Scams

This is the #1 scam hitting Ottawa neighborhoods. Contractors knock on doors claiming they're "working in the area" and noticed roof damage. They offer immediate repairs at inflated prices, demand full payment upfront, then either disappear or do shoddy work. Legitimate Ottawa contractors rarely solicit door-to-door and always provide proper licensing documentation.

The "Emergency" Furnace/HVAC Scam

Particularly common during Ottawa's harsh winters, scammers pose as TSSA-certified technicians claiming your furnace is dangerous and needs immediate replacement. They create fake carbon monoxide readings or claim your heat exchanger is cracked. Always verify TSSA certification at tssa.org and get a second opinion for any "emergency" that conveniently has an immediate expensive solution.

Driveway and Asphalt Scams

These operators target Ottawa's suburban areas, claiming they have "leftover asphalt from a job down the street." They quote low prices but demand cash upfront, then either don't return or use substandard materials that deteriorate quickly. Legitimate paving requires City of Ottawa permits for certain projects and proper drainage considerations.

Basement Waterproofing Scare Tactics

Given Ottawa's clay soil and water table issues, scammers exploit homeowners' foundation concerns. They perform "free inspections" then claim immediate extensive work is needed to prevent catastrophic damage. They often quote $15,000-30,000 for work that may not be necessary or could be done for much less.

How to Protect Yourself in Ottawa

Always verify contractor licensing through ESA (esasafe.com/contractor-locator) for electrical work and TSSA (tssa.org) for gas/HVAC work. Check WSIB clearance at wsib.ca/clearances and confirm they carry proper liability insurance. Never pay large amounts upfront - Ontario's Construction Lien Act allows only reasonable deposits, typically 10-15% maximum.

For any work requiring permits, verify through City of Ottawa Building Services at 613-580-2424 or ottawa.ca/building. Legitimate contractors will handle permits properly and provide permit numbers you can verify online.

Red Flags Specific to Ottawa Market

Be suspicious of contractors who don't know local requirements - like ESA permit processes, City of Ottawa zoning bylaws, or Ontario Building Code standards. Scammers often lack this local knowledge. Also watch for those who can't provide local references from Ottawa-area neighborhoods or don't know about our specific challenges like clay soil, frost depth requirements, or heritage district restrictions.

Get multiple quotes for significant work, and remember that legitimate contractors are typically booked weeks or months ahead - anyone available to start "tomorrow" should raise concerns. For verified contractors in the Ottawa area, check our directory at justynrookcontracting.com/directory to find properly licensed professionals.

If you've been targeted by a scam, report it to the City of Ottawa at 311 and Consumer Protection Ontario. Document everything and never feel pressured to sign contracts on the spot.