Who should I choose as my contractor in Ottawa?

The right contractor for your Ottawa project depends on your specific needs, but here's exactly how to find and choose a qualified professional in our city.

Start by identifying what type of work you need. For electrical work, you must use a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) who can pull ESA permits - verify their license at licensing.esasafe.com. For gas work, ensure they're TSSA-certified (check at tssa.org). For general construction, look for contractors with WSIB coverage and proper insurance.

Getting Multiple Quotes in Ottawa

Contact at least three contractors for detailed written estimates. In Ottawa's current market, expect bathroom renovations to range from $15,000-$50,000, kitchens from $25,000-$80,000, and basement finishing around $40-$80 per square foot. Each quote should break down materials, labor, permits, and timeline.

Essential Verification Steps

Before hiring anyone, verify their WSIB clearance certificate at wsib.ca/clearances - this protects you from liability if someone gets injured. Check that they carry minimum $2 million liability insurance and ask to see the certificate. For trades requiring permits, confirm they can actually pull them through the City of Ottawa (613-580-2424).

Red Flags to Avoid

Never hire contractors who knock on your door unsolicited, demand full payment upfront, or pressure you to sign immediately. Be wary of quotes significantly lower than others - this often indicates cut corners or hidden costs. Legitimate contractors will provide references from recent Ottawa-area projects and won't ask for payment before work begins.

What to Look For

Choose contractors who provide detailed written contracts specifying materials, timelines, permit responsibilities, and payment schedules. They should explain the City of Ottawa permit process for your project and factor permit costs into their quote. Good contractors will also explain the 10% holdback requirement under Ontario's Construction Lien Act.

Making Your Decision

Beyond price, consider their communication style, timeline availability, and experience with similar projects in Ottawa neighborhoods. Check references from recent jobs in areas like Kanata, Orleans, or Barrhaven. Verify they understand local requirements - for example, secondary suite regulations vary by Ottawa ward.

Payment Protection

Never pay more than 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less. Follow Ontario's recommended payment schedule tied to completion milestones. Hold back 10% for 60 days after substantial completion as required by the Construction Lien Act.

For verified contractors in our area, check our directory at ottawaconstructionnetwork.com/directory. If you have concerns about a contractor after hiring, contact Ontario's consumer protection office at ontario.ca/consumer or call the City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 for permit-related issues.

The key is thorough vetting upfront - it's much easier to choose the right contractor than to fix problems with the wrong one.