Not to long ago a local roofing contractor in Ottawa got sentenced to 71 days in jail and thousands of dollars of fines. How to choose the right contractor? First of all if the contractor has been in the business for a long time he would have a web site, business registration number, hst number, a truck with decals indicating which company with a phone number.
If an unmarked truck arrives at your door to do an estimate for a new roof be sure write down his plate # if you are going to give him a deposit.
If you decide to give a deposit be sure to get a receipt with all the company info including hst number, phone number, make and model of their truck.

A deposit should be around 25% of the job. If the contractor asks for more than that please refuse it.
I am a Ottawa Roofing Contractor and only time I ask for deposit is when all the material is on the roof or on site. This way my customers see that all the materials have been paid for out of my pocket and I am ready to complete the job.
Always ask around to family members for a Trusted Roofing Contractors in Ottawa they may know.

Cheap doesn’t necessarily mean quality or good. Always understand the quote or the estimate that was given to you by the contractor. Be sure to make it clear to your contractor about any additional work that is required to be approved by you so you wont be shocked with the final invoice.