What work requires a licensed tradesperson in Ontario?

In Ontario, several types of construction work legally require licensed tradespeople to ensure safety and code compliance. The province strictly regulates trades that pose safety risks, and working with unlicensed individuals can void your insurance and create liability issues.

Electrical Work - ESA Licensed Required

All electrical work in Ontario requires either a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) or a Master Electrician. This includes installing outlets, switches, panels, wiring, lighting fixtures, and any work involving electrical connections. Even simple tasks like adding a bathroom fan or installing a hot tub require proper ESA licensing. You can verify any electrical contractor's license at esasafe.com/contractor-locator.

The only exception is homeowners can do their own electrical work, but they must still pull ESA permits and pass inspections. ESA inspection fees typically run $100-200 in the Ottawa area.

Gas Work - TSSA Certification Required

Any work involving natural gas, propane, or oil requires TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) certification. This includes installing gas appliances, running gas lines, converting from oil to gas, and servicing gas equipment. Look for G1 (gas fitter) or G2 (gas technician) certification, which you can verify at tssa.org.

For furnace and air conditioning installation in Ottawa, contractors need both gas certification and often refrigeration handling licenses for the cooling components.

Plumbing - Licensed Plumber Required

Major plumbing work requires a licensed plumber, including installing new fixtures, running water lines, drain work, and anything connecting to the main water or sewer systems. The City of Ottawa requires permits for most plumbing work, which only licensed plumbers can obtain.

Minor repairs like replacing faucets or toilet components typically don't require licensing, but anything involving new connections or moving plumbing does.

HVAC Systems - Multiple Certifications

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning work often requires multiple certifications. Installing furnaces requires gas certification, while air conditioning work needs refrigeration handling licenses. Ductwork installation may require sheet metal certification depending on the scope.

What About General Contracting?

Ontario doesn't require general contractor licensing for most renovation work, but the City of Ottawa requires building permits for structural work, additions, and major renovations. While any contractor can pull these permits, they must demonstrate competency and carry proper insurance.

Red Flags to Watch For

Never hire anyone who says "we don't need permits" for electrical, gas, or plumbing work. Always verify licenses before work begins, and ensure contractors carry WSIB clearance and liability insurance. The City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424) can help you understand what permits your project requires.

For electrical work specifically, if someone offers to do it without ESA permits, they're operating illegally and could create serious safety hazards that void your home insurance.