What are the signs of a bait and switch contractor?

Bait and switch contractors in Ottawa typically lure homeowners with unrealistically low quotes, then dramatically increase costs once work begins - often doubling or tripling the original estimate through "unexpected" discoveries or required upgrades.

Red Flags During the Initial Quote Phase

Watch for contractors who provide estimates significantly below others (30%+ lower than comparable quotes). Legitimate Ottawa contractors know current material and labor costs - a basement finishing quote of $20/sq ft when others quote $50-60/sq ft should raise immediate concerns.

Be wary of vague quotes lacking specific details. Honest contractors provide line-item breakdowns including materials, labor, permits, and timelines. Suspicious quotes use phrases like "complete bathroom renovation - $15,000" without specifying fixtures, finishes, or scope of electrical/plumbing work.

Door-to-door contractors offering "special deals" or claiming they're "working in your neighborhood" are classic bait-and-switch operators. Legitimate Ottawa contractors rarely solicit door-to-door and don't pressure you to sign immediately.

The Switch: How Costs Escalate

Once work begins, these contractors "discover" problems requiring expensive solutions. Common tactics include claiming your electrical panel needs upgrading (adding $3,000-5,000), finding "structural issues" requiring additional framing, or insisting on permit upgrades that weren't mentioned initially.

They may start work then claim materials are "unavailable" and substitutes cost significantly more. Or they'll begin demolition, then halt work claiming you need additional permits through the City of Ottawa, creating pressure to pay extra to avoid project delays.

Protecting Yourself in Ottawa

Always verify the contractor's ESA license at esasafe.com/contractor-locator if electrical work is involved, and check TSSA certification at tssa.org for gas/HVAC work. Legitimate contractors readily provide these license numbers.

Get detailed written quotes from at least three contractors. Compare not just total costs but specific materials, labor rates, and timelines. If one quote seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Verify WSIB clearance at wsib.ca/clearances and confirm general liability insurance. Bait-and-switch operators often lack proper coverage, leaving you liable for workplace injuries.

Contract Protection Strategies

Never pay large amounts upfront. Ontario's Construction Lien Act allows 10% holdback for 60 days after substantial completion. Legitimate contractors understand this and don't demand full payment before work completion.

Include specific material specifications in your contract. Instead of "standard fixtures," specify exact models, brands, and finishes. This prevents the contractor from claiming upgrades are necessary.

Establish a clear change order process requiring written approval for any additional work exceeding $500. This prevents surprise costs and gives you time to verify if additional work is truly necessary.

When Problems Arise

If you suspect bait-and-switch tactics, contact the City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 to verify permit requirements and costs. They can confirm whether claimed "code requirements" are legitimate.

Document everything with photos and written communication. Ontario's Consumer Protection Act provides recourse for deceptive practices, and you can file complaints through ontario.ca/consumer.

For ongoing disputes, consider mediation through the Better Business Bureau or legal consultation. Remember, once you've paid, recovery becomes much more difficult, so prevention through proper vetting is crucial.

The key is recognizing that professional Ottawa contractors provide transparent, detailed quotes and don't dramatically change costs once work begins. When in doubt, verify everything independently through official City of Ottawa and provincial resources.