What should I ask a contractor before hiring them?

Before hiring any contractor in Ottawa, you need to verify their licensing, insurance, and track record to protect yourself from costly mistakes and potential scams.

Start with the legal requirements. Ask for their business license number and verify it's current with the City of Ottawa. For electrical work, confirm they're a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) through ESA's website at esasafe.com/contractor-locator. For gas or HVAC work, verify their TSSA certification at tssa.org. Don't just take their word - actually look these up yourself.

Insurance verification is critical. Request a current WSIB Clearance Certificate (available at wsib.ca/clearances) and proof of liability insurance with at least $2 million coverage. Many Ottawa homeowners skip this step and end up liable for workplace injuries or property damage. Call the insurance company directly to confirm the policy is active.

Get detailed written estimates from at least three contractors. The estimate should break down materials, labor, permits, and timeline. Be wary of contractors who give verbal quotes or demand large upfront payments. Under Ontario's Construction Lien Act, you should never pay more than 90% until the work is complete, and you must hold back 10% for 60 days after completion.

Ask about permits and who's responsible for obtaining them. For most renovation work in Ottawa, permits are required and take 15-25 business days to process. A legitimate contractor will know what permits are needed and factor the $200-500+ permit fees into their quote. If they suggest skipping permits to "save money," that's a major red flag.

Request recent references from Ottawa-area customers and actually call them. Ask about work quality, timeline adherence, cleanliness, and how issues were resolved. Drive by recent job sites if possible to see the quality firsthand.

Discuss the payment schedule upfront. Never pay large amounts upfront - legitimate contractors don't need significant money before starting work. A typical schedule might be 10% to start, progress payments tied to completion milestones, and final payment after your satisfaction and the 60-day lien period.

Ask about their warranty policy. Reputable contractors stand behind their work with written warranties. In Ontario, you have additional protection under the Consumer Protection Act for contracts over $50.

Finally, trust your instincts about communication and professionalism. Contractors who pressure you to sign immediately, go door-to-door soliciting work, or can't provide proper documentation are best avoided.

For permit information specific to your project, contact City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 or check ottawa.ca/building. The ESA (1-877-372-7233) and TSSA (1-877-682-8772) can also verify contractor credentials directly.

Taking time for proper vetting now prevents expensive problems later and ensures your Ottawa renovation project goes smoothly.