What questions should I ask a contractor before hiring them?

Before hiring any contractor in Ottawa, ask these essential questions to protect yourself and ensure you're working with a legitimate, qualified professional.

Start with licensing and credentials. Ask to see their ESA license number if they're doing electrical work - you can verify this instantly at esasafe.com/contractor-locator. For gas or HVAC work, confirm their TSSA certification at tssa.org. Don't just take their word for it; actually look up these numbers yourself. A legitimate contractor will be proud to show you their credentials and won't hesitate when you want to verify them.

Get their WSIB clearance certificate number and verify it at wsib.ca/clearances. This protects you from liability if someone gets injured on your property. Any contractor working in Ontario should have current WSIB coverage - no exceptions. Also ask for proof of liability insurance with at least $2 million coverage, and make sure your project is specifically covered.

Discuss the permit process upfront. Ask who will be pulling the permits - it should be them, not you. For electrical work, only Licensed Electrical Contractors can pull ESA permits. If they suggest you pull the permits yourself or say permits aren't needed when they clearly are, that's a major red flag. In Ottawa, most renovation work requires permits through the City's Building Code Services (613-580-2424).

Request a detailed written estimate that breaks down materials, labor, permits, and timeline. Vague estimates like "kitchen renovation - $30,000" aren't acceptable. You want to see exactly what you're paying for. Ask about their payment schedule - legitimate contractors typically ask for a small deposit (10-15%), with progress payments tied to completion milestones. Never pay large sums upfront or the full amount before work is complete.

Get at least three recent references from Ottawa-area clients and actually call them. Ask about work quality, timeline adherence, cleanliness, and whether they'd hire the contractor again. Drive by some of their recent projects if possible - you can often tell a lot about workmanship from the outside.

Clarify the warranty terms in writing. What's covered, for how long, and what's not included? Ontario's Construction Lien Act gives you some protection, but you want additional warranty coverage from the contractor. Ask about their process for handling warranty calls and how quickly they respond to issues.

Discuss change orders before work begins. How will additional work be priced and approved? Get this process in writing to avoid disputes later. Also confirm who's responsible for cleanup, disposal, and protecting your home during construction.

Ask about their subcontractors. Will they be using subs, and are those subs also properly licensed and insured? You want to know who's actually doing the work in your home. A good contractor will be transparent about their team and subcontractor relationships.

Finally, trust your gut. If a contractor shows up unannounced, pressures you to sign immediately, asks for large upfront payments, or can't provide proper licensing information, walk away. Legitimate contractors in Ottawa are busy enough that they don't need to use high-pressure tactics.

Remember, the lowest bid isn't always the best value. Focus on finding a properly licensed, insured contractor with good references who communicates clearly and professionally. Taking time to ask these questions upfront can save you thousands of dollars and major headaches down the road.