What is the difference between a contractor and a tradesperson?

In Ottawa's construction industry, a contractor manages projects and hires tradespeople, while tradespeople are the skilled workers who perform specific trades like electrical, plumbing, or carpentry.

Contractors vs. Tradespeople: The Key Differences

A contractor is essentially a project manager who coordinates construction work. They hold the permits, manage timelines, hire subcontractors, and are responsible for the overall project. In Ottawa, contractors need WSIB coverage, liability insurance, and must register their business. They're your single point of contact and legally responsible for the work quality and code compliance.

A tradesperson is a skilled worker specializing in one specific trade. In Ontario, many trades require certification or licensing. For example, electricians must be licensed through the ESA (Electrical Safety Authority), gas technicians need TSSA certification, and plumbers require provincial licensing. Tradespeople focus on their specialty - they're the ones actually installing your electrical panel or fixing your furnace.

How This Works in Ottawa Projects

For a typical Ottawa home renovation, you might hire a general contractor who then brings in various tradespeople as subcontractors. The contractor pulls the City of Ottawa building permit (613-580-2424), coordinates inspections, and ensures everything meets Ontario Building Code requirements.

However, you can also hire tradespeople directly. If you need electrical work, you can hire a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) directly through the ESA contractor locator at esasafe.com. They can pull their own electrical permit and handle ESA inspections. Same with TSSA-certified gas technicians for furnace or hot water tank work.

Licensing and Verification in Ontario

The verification process differs for each:

Contractors: Check their WSIB clearance certificate at wsib.ca, verify business registration, and confirm insurance coverage. There's no single provincial licensing system for general contractors in Ontario.

Licensed Tradespeople: Use official lookup tools - ESA's licensing.esasafe.com for electricians, tssa.org for gas technicians, and provincial databases for other regulated trades.

What to Watch For

Be cautious of anyone calling themselves a "contractor" who can't provide WSIB clearance or proper insurance. In Ottawa's competitive market, some handypeople present themselves as contractors without proper credentials.

For major projects requiring multiple trades, a legitimate general contractor simplifies the process by coordinating permits, inspections, and various tradespeople while taking responsibility for the entire project under Ontario's Construction Lien Act.

Bottom line: Contractors manage projects and take overall responsibility, while tradespeople provide specialized skills. Both play crucial roles in Ottawa construction projects, and verifying their credentials protects your investment.