What should I do before signing a renovation contract?

Before signing any renovation contract in Ottawa, take time to verify your contractor's credentials, understand the permit requirements, and protect yourself with proper documentation - rushing this step costs homeowners thousands in problems later.

Verify Your Contractor's Credentials

Start by confirming your contractor is properly licensed and insured. For electrical work, check that they're a Licensed Electrical Contractor through ESA's website at esasafe.com/contractor-locator. For gas or HVAC work, verify TSSA certification at tssa.org. Every legitimate contractor in Ontario must have WSIB coverage - request their clearance certificate from wsib.ca/clearances, and call WSIB directly at 1-800-387-0750 to confirm it's current.

Check their business registration with the Ontario government and verify they have proper liability insurance (minimum $2 million is standard). Get copies of all certificates and don't accept excuses about "paperwork being processed" - legitimate contractors have these readily available.

Understand Ottawa Permit Requirements

Determine what permits your project needs before signing anything. Call City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 or check ottawa.ca/building to confirm requirements. Most renovations involving structural changes, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work require permits. The contractor should handle permit applications, but you need to understand what's required and factor permit costs into your budget.

For example, a bathroom renovation typically needs a building permit ($200-500), electrical permit through ESA (~$150), and potentially plumbing permits. Kitchen renovations often require multiple permits, especially if you're moving walls or upgrading electrical service. Don't let contractors convince you to skip permits - unpermitted work creates major problems when selling your home and can be dangerous.

Review the Contract Details Thoroughly

A proper renovation contract should specify exact materials (brands, models, colors), detailed scope of work, timeline with milestones, and total cost breakdown. Under Ontario's Construction Lien Act, you're entitled to hold back 10% of each payment for 60 days after substantial completion - ensure this is reflected in the payment schedule.

The contract should clearly state who obtains permits, who's responsible for cleanup, and how change orders will be handled. Avoid contractors demanding large upfront payments - legitimate contractors typically ask for 10-15% down, with payments tied to completion milestones.

Protect Yourself Legally

Never sign contracts with door-to-door solicitors or high-pressure sales tactics. In Ontario, you have cooling-off rights for contracts signed in your home - typically 10 days to cancel. However, this doesn't apply to contracts you initiate by calling the contractor.

Get everything in writing, including verbal promises about timeline, materials, or additional work. Take photos of your property before work begins. Understand your rights under Ontario's Consumer Protection Act and know that you can file complaints with Consumer Protection Ontario if issues arise.

Red Flags to Avoid

Walk away from contractors who demand full payment upfront, don't provide proper licensing documentation, or pressure you to sign immediately. Be wary of significantly low bids - they often indicate corners will be cut or surprise costs added later. Contractors who discourage permits or claim they're unnecessary are major red flags.

Official Resources

For additional protection, consult ontario.ca/consumer for your rights, and keep City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424) contact handy for permit questions. The Better Business Bureau and online reviews can provide additional contractor background, but always verify licensing independently through official government sources.

Taking these steps before signing protects you from the costly headaches that plague homeowners who rush into contracts with unverified contractors.