What questions should I ask a contractor before hiring them for my kitchen remodel?

When hiring a contractor for your kitchen remodel in Ottawa, ask these essential questions to protect yourself and ensure you're working with a qualified professional.

Start with licensing and credentials. Ask to see their WSIB clearance certificate - in Ontario, contractors must carry WSIB coverage or have a valid exemption. You can verify this at wsib.ca/clearances. If electrical work is involved (new outlets, lighting, appliances), confirm they'll use a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) for permits. Check their ESA license at esasafe.com/contractor-locator. For any gas work (ranges, cooktops), ensure they use TSSA-certified technicians.

Request their business license and insurance certificates. General liability insurance should be at least $2 million. Ask how long they've been operating under their current business name and get references from recent kitchen projects in Ottawa. Contact these references and ask to see photos of completed work.

Discuss the permit process thoroughly. Kitchen remodels in Ottawa typically require building permits if you're moving walls, changing plumbing locations, or doing electrical upgrades. Ask who will obtain permits (it should be them), what the timeline is (usually 15-25 business days for renovation permits), and what the estimated permit costs are ($200-500+ depending on scope). The contractor should be familiar with City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424) and the ottawa.ca/building portal.

Get detailed information about the quote and contract. Ask for a written estimate that breaks down materials, labor, permits, and timeline. Clarify what's included and what's extra. Understand their payment schedule - legitimate contractors typically ask for minimal upfront payment (10-15%) with progress payments tied to completed milestones. Be wary of anyone demanding large upfront payments or full payment before starting.

Discuss project timeline realistically. Kitchen remodels in Ottawa typically take 3-8 weeks depending on complexity, plus permit approval time. Ask about their current workload and when they can realistically start. Get the timeline in writing with key milestones.

Ask about material procurement and storage. Will they order materials or do you? Where will materials be stored? What happens if materials are damaged or defective? Clarify who's responsible for disposal of old cabinets and debris.

Understand their warranty and follow-up service. What's covered under warranty and for how long? How do they handle callbacks or issues after completion? Get this in writing.

Red flags to watch for: door-to-door solicitation, pressure to sign immediately, cash-only payments, no fixed business address, quotes significantly higher or lower than others, reluctance to provide references or insurance certificates, or unwillingness to obtain proper permits.

Before signing anything, verify their information independently. Check with the Better Business Bureau, search their business name online, and confirm their insurance directly with the insurance company.

Remember, under Ontario's Construction Lien Act, you can hold back 10% of each payment for 60 days after substantial completion to protect against liens. A reputable contractor will understand and respect this process.

For expert renovation guidance specific to kitchen projects, check out the resources at Justyn Rook Contracting, and find verified contractors in our directory at justynrookcontracting.com/directory.