The complete Ottawa contractor hiring FAQ hub: vetting checklists, deposit norms, contract red flags, dispute resolution, warranty enforcement, and how to verify WSIB and insurance. 16 hiring questions every Ottawa homeowner needs answered before signing.
How to verify Ottawa contractors before signing. **How do I verify an Ottawa contractor's WSIB status?** Visit wsib.ca, click 'Clearance Certificates,' search by business name or WSIB account number. A valid clearance certificate is dated within 30 days. Without WSIB clearance, you could be personally liable for worker injuries on your property. **How do I verify Ottawa contractor insurance?** Request a certificate of insurance (COI) naming you as additional insured. Verify directly with the...
Comparing quotes and avoiding bait-and-switch. **How many quotes should I get for an Ottawa renovation?** Minimum 3 written quotes from comparable scope contractors. Avoid choosing solely on price — middle-range quote is usually the right balance of value and quality. Significantly low quotes often signal cut corners, missing scope, or planned change orders. **What should an Ottawa renovation quote include?** Detailed scope by trade, specific materials by brand/model number, allowances clear...
Reasonable payment terms for Ottawa renovations. **What deposit is normal for an Ottawa contractor?** 10-15% deposit at contract signing. Material-specific deposits (cabinets, windows, custom doors) up to 50% are normal — these should be separate line items going directly to the manufacturer when possible. Deposits over 30% on the total contract are a serious red flag. **Should I pay an Ottawa contractor in cash?** No — never. Cash payments leave no paper trail, often signal tax evasion by t...
Contract terms and how to resolve issues. **What should my Ottawa renovation contract include?** Parties (full legal names, addresses, WSIB and insurance numbers), detailed scope, materials list, timeline with milestones, payment schedule, change-order process, warranty terms, dispute resolution clause, termination provisions, lien waiver process. **What are red flags in an Ottawa renovation contract?** Vague scope ('renovate kitchen' instead of detailed scope), no fixed completion date, no ...
Visit wsib.ca, click 'Clearance Certificates,' search by business name or WSIB account number. A valid clearance certificate is dated within 30 days. Without WSIB clearance, you could be personally liable for worker injuries on your property.
Request a certificate of insurance (COI) naming you as additional insured. Verify directly with the insurance company by phone — don't accept a COI from the contractor without verification. Minimum coverage: 2 million dollars liability, 1 million dollars products/completed operations.
Trade-specific: gas technicians need G2/G1 (TSSA), electricians need ECRA/ESA, plumbers need 306A, HVAC needs 313A. Generals don't require a specific licence in Ontario but should carry general contractor insurance. Verify all licences directly with issuing bodies.
Critical. Ask for 3 references from projects completed in the past 12 months. Drive past those projects if possible. Call each reference and ask: timeline accuracy, budget accuracy, communication quality, change-order handling, warranty service. Refusing to provide references is a major red flag.
Minimum 3 written quotes from comparable scope contractors. Avoid choosing solely on price — middle-range quote is usually the right balance of value and quality. Significantly low quotes often signal cut corners, missing scope, or planned change orders.