Do rough cleaning crews need WSIB coverage on Ottawa construction sites?

Start with the rule itself: people who own or run a construction business, with or without employees, must have WSIB coverage, with some exceptions — including independent operators doing only exempt home renovation work on a home lived in by the person who hires them. Whether a particular cleaning company counts as a construction business for WSIB purposes is not something to assume either way. That is a question for the company itself, and for WSIB if you want to check.

What to Do as a Homeowner

The practical step is simple: before hiring any rough cleaning crew, ask whether they have WSIB coverage or a clearance certificate, and ask for a copy if they have one. A company that is set up properly should be comfortable answering that question clearly and in writing. If the answer is vague, treat that as a reason to keep looking.

This matters because rough cleaning on an active construction site is physical work. Trip hazards, exposed nails, unfinished stairwells, ladders, sharp debris, cleaning chemicals and fine dust are all part of the job, so the risk of someone getting hurt is real. You want to know ahead of time how the crew is covered.

WSIB is about workers. Damage to your property is a separate question, so also ask for proof of liability insurance and what it covers — for example, if a crew member accidentally scratches new flooring, breaks a window, or damages plumbing fixtures during the rough clean.

Watch for unusually low quotes, too. A quote far below the others can mean something has been left out, so compare itemized written quotes side by side. As a rough perspective, quotes for a rough clean of a typical Ottawa home can run around $300 to $1,200, depending on size and how much debris there is.

The Ottawa Construction Network directory at justynrookcontracting.com can help you find cleaning contractors in the Ottawa area — ask about WSIB and liability insurance before any work begins.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The Ottawa Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Cleanstruction
• JC Carpentry
• Ottawa Caulking
• Leeds Property Maintenance
• Best Hand2Hand moving company