What is the difference between a licensed and unlicensed contractor?

In Ottawa and Ontario, the difference between licensed and unlicensed contractors depends on the trade - some require mandatory licensing while others operate under business registration only.

Trades Requiring Mandatory Licensing in Ontario

Electrical contractors must hold a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) designation from the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). You can verify this at esasafe.com/contractor-locator. Only LECs can pull electrical permits in Ottawa, and all electrical work requires ESA permits and inspections.

Gas technicians need TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) certification - typically G1 for basic gas work or G2 for more complex installations. Check their credentials at tssa.org before hiring anyone for furnace, water heater, or gas line work.

Plumbers working on new construction or major renovations often need specific certifications, though requirements vary by municipality and project scope.

General Contractors and Other Trades

Most other contractors in Ottawa - including general contractors, roofers, painters, flooring installers, and renovation specialists - don't require mandatory trade licensing. However, legitimate contractors should have:

• Valid business registration with Ontario
• WSIB coverage (verify at wsib.ca/clearances)
• General liability insurance ($2+ million recommended)
• Proper City of Ottawa business licenses where required

What This Means for Ottawa Homeowners

Licensed trades give you more protection because the licensing body (ESA, TSSA) can investigate complaints and potentially suspend licenses for poor work or safety violations. When you hire an unlicensed electrical contractor, you're taking significant risks - the work may not pass inspection, insurance might not cover damages, and you could face safety hazards.

General contractors without mandatory licensing can still be excellent, but you need to verify their credentials differently. Check their Better Business Bureau rating, ask for recent references, and ensure they can pull the necessary building permits through the City of Ottawa (613-580-2424).

Red Flags to Watch For

Be extremely cautious of contractors who:

• Claim electrical or gas work doesn't need permits


• Can't provide ESA or TSSA license numbers when required


• Refuse to show WSIB clearance certificates


• Won't pull proper permits through ottawa.ca/building


• Demand full payment upfront

Verification Steps for Ottawa Projects

Always verify licensing through official channels - never trust just a business card or website claim. For electrical work, call ESA directly. For gas work, confirm TSSA certification. For building permits, ensure your contractor can actually pull them through the City of Ottawa system.

The bottom line: mandatory licensing exists for trades that directly impact safety. For other work, focus on verifying business legitimacy, insurance coverage, and their ability to obtain proper Ottawa building permits.