We have all heard the stories: the home build that went off track, the kitchen renovation that became a headache, or the repair that had to be done twice. When a project goes wrong, homeowners often ask the same question: How did this happen?
Sometimes the answer begins with who was hired to do the work—and who actually showed up to do it.
Today, many companies offer a wider range of services than their name suggests. A fence company might also advertise decks, concrete, eavestroughs, windows, and doors. A mechanical company might offer plumbing, gas fitting, sheet metal, air conditioning, and electrical work. A handyman might advertise an entire renovation.
There is nothing inherently wrong with a company managing several kinds of work. It may have qualified staff or hire specialized subcontractors. The question is whether the people performing each part of your project have the right qualifications and whether the business has the authorizations required for that work.
A company name is not a qualification
Before accepting a quote, ask: Who will actually do the plumbing, electrical, and gas work? Will they be employees or subcontractors? Which company will be responsible for each trade?
This matters especially with a small team offering a long list of services. One person may be excellent at coordinating a renovation without being qualified to personally perform every specialized task. A good general contractor should be able to tell you which trades are involved, who will carry out the work, and how the project will be coordinated.
Be cautious when the answer is simply, “We do everything,” with no explanation of who “we” includes.
Verify the credentials that apply to the job
Requirements differ by type of work in Ontario. Plumbing is a compulsory trade: a person practising it must hold a valid certificate or qualifying registered apprenticeship status. Skilled Trades Ontario provides a Public Register where homeowners can check an individual’s status.
For most hired electrical work in a home, ask for the electrical contracting business’s ECRA/ESA licence number and verify it through the Electrical Safety Authority’s contractor lookup. An electrician’s personal qualification does not, by itself, authorize them to take on electrical work directly for a homeowner.
For gas or other fuels-related work, check that the business is registered with the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) and that appropriately certified people will perform the work. TSSA offers a registered fuels contractor lookup.
Municipal business licence requirements can vary by location and activity. Ask what applies to your project rather than assuming one licence covers every service a company advertises. Check references, ask for proof of insurance, and review the terms of a written contract before hiring.
Five questions to ask before you hire
- Who will perform each part of the work? Get the names of the companies responsible for specialized work such as plumbing, electrical, and gas.
- What qualifications or registrations apply? Ask for the details you can verify with the appropriate Ontario regulator.
- Can you provide proof of insurance and recent references? Check that the coverage and experience fit the work being proposed.
- Who is responsible for permits, notifications, and inspections? Have those responsibilities clearly stated in the quote or contract.
- What is included—and what happens if the scope changes? A written agreement should make the work, exclusions, and approval process clear.
Hire for the work, not the length of the service list
A broad service list can be convenient when a company has the right people and manages its trades well. But a long list on a website is not proof that the right person will be on your job.
Your first line of defence as a homeowner is to ask who will perform the work, verify the qualifications that apply, check insurance and references, and get the responsibilities in writing. A contractor who takes pride in their work should be willing to have that conversation before the project begins.
At ER Plumbing and Heating, we believe homeowners deserve the highest quality plumbing and heating service. If you are planning a project in Windsor or Essex County, ask the hard questions early. They can make all the difference once construction starts.
Quick Q&A
Can one company offer several different trades?
Yes. It may employ qualified tradespeople or coordinate properly qualified subcontractors. Ask who will carry out each part of your project and which business is responsible for the work.
How do I check whether a skilled tradesperson is qualified in Ontario?
Ask which qualifications apply to the work and verify them with the appropriate regulator. For example, you can check a plumber’s status through the Skilled Trades Ontario Public Register. For gas work, check the company’s TSSA registration and ask about the technician’s certification.
Windsor also has municipal heating license classes. Its heating master application describes Class A for gas fitting, Class B for steam and hot water heating systems, and Class C for warm air heating systems. These municipal classes relate to different scopes of work and additional trade qualifications are required for class B/class C respectively (Plumber/sheet metalworker).
Is a licensed electrician the same as a licensed electrical contractor?
No. When hiring a business for electrical work in your home, verify its ECRA/ESA electrical contractor licence. ESA explains the distinction and provides a lookup tool.
Should I ask about insurance and permits?
Yes. Ask for proof of insurance and confirm, in writing, who will arrange any permits, notifications, and inspections required for your specific project.
