What should I look for when hiring a contractor in Ottawa?

When hiring a contractor in Ottawa, focus on verifying their licensing, insurance, and permits first - this protects you from liability and ensures quality work that meets Ontario Building Code standards.

Start with the essential verifications that are specific to Ontario and Ottawa. For electrical work, confirm your contractor is a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) through the ESA website at esasafe.com/contractor-locator. For gas or HVAC work, verify TSSA certification at tssa.org. These aren't optional - they're legal requirements in Ontario, and using unlicensed contractors can void your insurance and create safety hazards.

Next, confirm they have valid WSIB coverage by requesting a clearance certificate from wsib.ca/clearances. This protects you from liability if someone gets injured on your property. Also verify they carry liability insurance with at least $2 million coverage - ask to see the certificate and confirm it's current.

For any structural work, additions, or major renovations in Ottawa, ensure your contractor can pull the necessary permits through the City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424). Legitimate contractors know the ottawa.ca/building portal and local permit requirements. Be wary of anyone who suggests skipping permits - unpermitted work can cause issues when selling your home and may not meet safety standards.

Get detailed written quotes from at least three contractors, and watch for red flags like door-to-door solicitation, requests for full payment upfront, or prices significantly below others. Quality contractors in Ottawa typically require 10-15% down with progress payments tied to completed milestones. Under Ontario's Construction Lien Act, you're required to hold back 10% of each payment for 60 days after substantial completion to protect against liens.

Check references from recent projects, ideally in Ottawa neighborhoods like yours. Drive by completed projects if possible, and ask previous clients about timeline adherence, cleanliness, and communication. A good contractor should provide references willingly and have examples of work that required City of Ottawa inspections.

Review the contract carefully before signing. It should specify materials, timeline, permit responsibilities, and change order procedures. For projects over $50, Ontario's Consumer Protection Act gives you a 10-day cooling-off period for contracts signed in your home.

Finally, verify the business is registered and has been operating for several years. Check with the Better Business Bureau and search online reviews, but focus on patterns rather than isolated complaints. Established Ottawa contractors understand local soil conditions, weather challenges, and municipal requirements that affect project success.

For verified contractors in the Ottawa area, check our directory at ottawaconstructionnetwork.com/directory where all listings have been pre-screened for licensing and insurance requirements.