What are the warning signs of door-to-door contractor scams?

Door-to-door contractor scams are unfortunately common in Ottawa neighborhoods, especially after storms or in areas with older homes. Here are the key warning signs every Ottawa homeowner should recognize:

The biggest red flag is unsolicited visits claiming they "just finished work in your neighborhood" or noticed problems with your roof, driveway, or siding while driving by. Legitimate contractors in Ottawa are typically booked weeks or months in advance and don't need to canvas neighborhoods for work.

Be immediately suspicious if they demand payment upfront or ask for the full amount before starting work. Under Ontario's Construction Lien Act, you should never pay more than 10% down on most projects, and legitimate contractors understand the 10% holdback requirements that protect homeowners.

Watch for high-pressure tactics like "this price is only good today" or claims about limited materials they happen to have on their truck. Scammers often target seniors in Ottawa's established neighborhoods like Alta Vista, Manor Park, or Westboro with these urgency tactics. They may also claim to be working with your insurance company or say they can help you file a claim.

Another major warning sign is lack of proper licensing and insurance. In Ottawa, any contractor doing electrical work must have an ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) license, which you can verify at esasafe.com. Gas work requires TSSA certification, verifiable at tssa.org. Always ask to see their WSIB clearance certificate - legitimate Ontario contractors carry this protection.

Be wary of contractors who can't provide a local Ottawa address, proper business license, or references from recent local jobs. Scammers often use out-of-province plates or provide only cell phone numbers. They may offer to take you to see other work they've done but can't provide specific Ottawa addresses you can verify.

Price manipulation is another common tactic. They might quote an extremely high price, then offer a "discount" if you sign immediately. Or they'll quote suspiciously low prices that inevitably lead to change orders and cost overruns once work begins.

Red flags in their paperwork include contracts without proper business information, no permit details (most work in Ottawa requires City permits through ottawa.ca/building), or agreements that waive your rights under Ontario consumer protection laws.

To protect yourself, never sign anything on the spot. Tell them you need time to verify their credentials and get other quotes. Legitimate contractors will understand and provide proper contact information for follow-up. Always get multiple quotes from established Ottawa contractors, and verify any required permits through the City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424.

If you've been approached by a suspicious door-to-door contractor, report it to Ottawa Police non-emergency line (613-236-1222) and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Remember, good contractors in Ottawa's competitive market don't need to knock on doors - they earn business through referrals and reputation.

For finding verified, licensed contractors in Ottawa, check our contractor directory rather than relying on whoever shows up at your door.