News Release: 2025-04-30

Ottawa, Ont., April 30, 2025 -- As the weather warms up and people begin planning their spring home improvement projects, Better Business Bureau* (BBB*) can help you find a trustworthy local business to get the job done. 

“Home renovation is a big investment and the stakes are high. Hiring the right contractor is one of the most important things you can do to make sure your project goes smoothly,” said Hugh Doyle, BBB Ottawa Region Director. “Start with contractors who have been vetted by BBB, and research thoroughly before you sign a contract or pay a company.” 

BBB commonly receives reports from consumers who paid a deposit for home improvement work, only for the work to not be completed in a quality manner, on time, or at all. Over 4,800 people across North America submitted complaints to BBB about general contractors last year. Canadians reported nearly 200 home improvement scams with a median loss of $1,500 to BBB in 2024, making them the 3rd riskiest type of scam nationally. 

A consumer reported in spring 2024 that he paid a $1,000 deposit to an Ottawa general contracting company for a trim and stairs job. The day before the work was scheduled to begin, the contractor cancelled the job and did not refund the deposit. The company also stated that because they had already scheduled an employee for the job, they would only be willing to refund half of the deposit. The consumer did not accept this and again asked for his full deposit back, which the company did not refund. 

How can I find a contractor I can trust? 

• Know your budget. Your budget will help narrow your options for contractors, so start here. Some financial experts recommend setting aside 1% to 3% of your home's purchase price each year for maintenance and repairs. 
• Research contractors. You can search BBB.org to find BBB Business Profiles for trusted general contractors near you. From there, you can see local business’ ratings and whether they are BBB Accredited, read reviews and see if customers have filed complaints to get an idea of the business’ track record.  
• Get multiple quotes. Ask at least three companies for quotes based on the same requirements. Discuss pricing, timing and materials in detail with each contractor. The lowest bid might not be the best bid; extra-low prices could mean the contractor is cutting corners or doesn't fully understand your needs. 
• Get references. Ask potential contractors for a list of local references you may contact to discuss their past work and customer service experiences. 

How can I know if a contractor isn’t a good fit? 

• Watch for red flags. You’re looking for a communicative company with a track record of happy customers. Be wary if a company is difficult to contact for a quote – this could be a sign that they will not communicate well during a project. Other red flags include companies that insist on cash-only deals, use high-pressure sales tactics, require high payments up front or don’t use a written contract. 
• Ask about license, insurance and permits. Verify that the company is licensed for the kind of work you need. Check with local authorities to find out whether you need any permits. Request proof of insurance from the contractor. 

What should I do before I pay? 

• Get it in writing. Make sure you get a written contract that covers all details of the job, including the expected start and completion dates. Read the contract carefully before signing or paying any money. Ask the contractor to provide a lien waiver (a statement that all suppliers and contractors have been paid for materials and labour) when the job is completed. 
• Don’t pay in full before the work is done. BBB frequently receives reports from customers who paid a large deposit or paid in full up front, only for the contractor to disappear. In some cases, a contractor may need a down payment to cover materials, but the bulk of the money should not be due until the work is completed. 

Visit BBB’s Home Improvement HQ for more tips. 

BBB helps consumers and contractors resolve hundreds of disputes every year. If you need assistance, visit BBB.org or call 613-907-8557. 

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About BBB

BBB is a nonprofit, business-supported organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behaviour. BBB services to consumers are free. BBB provides objective advice, BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.3 million companies, 11,000 charity reviews, dispute resolution services, alerts and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. Visit BBB.org for more information. 

Media Contacts

Hugh Doyle, (613) 691-6363, hdoyle@ottawaca.bbb.org 

Sarah Wetzel, (343) 224-1621, swetzel@ottawaca.bbb.org