What questions should I ask a contractor before hiring them?

Before hiring any contractor in Ottawa, you need to ask specific questions that verify their legitimacy, protect your investment, and ensure they can legally work on your project.

The first critical question is about licensing and insurance. Ask to see their WSIB clearance certificate - this protects you from liability if someone gets injured on your property. In Ontario, you can verify this at wsib.ca/clearances. For electrical work, confirm they're a Licensed Electrical Contractor through ESA's website at licensing.esasafe.com. For gas or HVAC work, verify their TSSA certification at tssa.org. Don't just take their word - verify these credentials yourself.

Next, discuss permits and code compliance. Ask directly: "What permits does this project require, and who's obtaining them?" In Ottawa, most renovation work requires permits through the City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424). A legitimate contractor will know exactly what permits are needed and should typically handle the permit application process. If they suggest skipping permits or doing work "under the table," that's a major red flag that could leave you with code violations and insurance issues.

Get detailed information about the project scope and timeline. Ask for a written estimate that breaks down materials, labor, and timeline. The estimate should specify exactly what work is included and what isn't. Ask about potential complications: "What could cause delays or cost overruns?" A good contractor will discuss potential issues upfront rather than surprising you later.

Payment terms are crucial for your protection. Ask about their payment schedule - legitimate contractors typically ask for minimal money upfront (10-20%) with payments tied to project milestones. Under Ontario's Construction Lien Act, you're entitled to hold back 10% of each payment for 60 days after substantial completion. Ask how they handle this holdback requirement. Be wary of contractors demanding large upfront payments or full payment before starting work.

Inquire about their warranty and what happens if problems arise. Ask: "What warranty do you provide on your work?" and "How do you handle callbacks or issues after completion?" Get this in writing as part of your contract.

Ask for recent local references - specifically Ottawa-area customers from the past year. A reputable contractor should readily provide 3-5 references. Don't just ask for the references; actually call them. Ask those previous customers about work quality, timeline adherence, cleanliness, and whether they'd hire the contractor again.

Finally, discuss communication and project management. Ask: "Who will supervise the work daily?" and "How will you communicate progress and any issues?" Establish how often you'll receive updates and who your main point of contact will be throughout the project.

For major projects in Ottawa, also verify they understand local requirements like secondary suite regulations in specific neighborhoods, or heritage district restrictions that might apply to your property.

Remember, a professional contractor welcomes these questions - they demonstrate you're a serious, informed customer. If a contractor seems evasive, pressures you to sign immediately, or can't provide proper documentation, keep looking. The City of Ottawa Consumer Protection office can provide additional guidance on contractor agreements and your rights as a homeowner.