What are the signs of a fly-by-night contractor?

Fly-by-night contractors are unfortunately common in Ottawa, especially after storms or during busy construction seasons. Here are the key red flags that should make you walk away immediately.

The most obvious warning sign is door-to-door solicitation, especially contractors claiming they "just finished a job in your neighborhood" or noticed your roof needs work. Legitimate Ottawa contractors are typically booked weeks or months in advance and don't need to canvas neighborhoods for work.

Be extremely wary of contractors who demand full payment upfront or want cash only. Under Ontario's Construction Lien Act, you should never pay more than 10% down, and legitimate contractors accept checks or credit cards. They should also provide proper invoices with HST numbers if their annual revenue exceeds $30,000.

Another major red flag is contractors who can't provide proof of WSIB coverage and liability insurance. In Ontario, any contractor with employees must have WSIB coverage, and you can verify this at wsib.ca/clearances. Ask to see their current certificate - legitimate contractors carry these documents and are happy to provide them.

Watch out for contractors who offer to help you avoid permits. In Ottawa, most significant work requires permits through the City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424). A legitimate contractor knows when permits are required and will factor permit costs and timelines into their quote. They should never suggest "keeping the city out of it" or doing work without proper permits.

Pressure tactics are another clear warning sign. Fly-by-night contractors often create false urgency with phrases like "this price is only good today" or "we can start tomorrow if you sign now." Legitimate contractors provide written quotes that remain valid for at least 30 days and understand you need time to make major decisions.

Be suspicious of quotes that are significantly lower than others you've received. While everyone wants a good deal, quotes that are 30-50% below market rate often indicate the contractor plans to cut corners, use inferior materials, or add surprise costs later. In Ottawa's current market, quality work comes at market prices.

Check if they have a legitimate business address and phone number. Many fly-by-night operators use only cell phones and P.O. boxes. Legitimate contractors have established business locations, even if they work from home, and maintain consistent contact information.

For electrical work, verify the contractor's ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) license at esasafe.com/contractor-locator. Only Licensed Electrical Contractors can pull electrical permits in Ontario. For gas work, check TSSA certification at tssa.org. Never hire someone who claims they can do electrical or gas work without proper licensing.

Finally, be cautious of contractors who can't provide local references or seem evasive when you ask about previous work in Ottawa. Established contractors are proud of their work and happy to provide references from recent projects in areas like Kanata, Orleans, Barrhaven, or other Ottawa neighborhoods.

If you encounter a fly-by-night contractor, report them to the City of Ottawa at 311 and consider filing a complaint with the Ontario Consumer Protection office. Protecting yourself starts with recognizing these red flags and taking time to properly vet any contractor before signing contracts or making payments.