Hiring the right contractor is the single biggest factor in whether your renovation goes smoothly or becomes a nightmare. In Canada, the renovation industry has some of the highest rates of consumer complaints of any service sector. This guide walks you through exactly how to find, vet, and hire a qualified contractor — and how to protect yourself.
| Step | Timeframe | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1: Define your scope | Before you call anyone | Know what you want — written scope prevents misunderstandings. |
| Step 2: Get 3 written quotes | Week 1–2 | Never accept a verbal quote. All quotes must be itemized. |
| Step 3: Verify credentials | Before signing | Check licence, insurance, WCB/WSIB, and BBB complaints. |
| Step 4: Check references | Before signing | Call at least 2 recent clients. Visit a recent job if possible. |
| Step 5: Review the contract | Before work starts | Must include scope, materials, payment schedule, warranty. |
| Step 6: Confirm permits | Before work starts | Your contractor should pull all required permits — not you. |
| Step 7: Manage the project | During construction | Regular site visits. Document everything in writing. |
| Step 8: Holdback & final payment | After completion | Never pay in full until work is complete and inspected. |
Contractor licensing varies by province and trade. BC, Ontario, and Quebec have licensing requirements for specific trades. Always verify your contractor holds the required provincial licence.
Your contractor must carry: General Liability (minimum $2M), and Workers' Compensation (WCB/WSIB). Ask for certificates — not just verbal confirmation.
A legitimate contractor will ask for 10–30% deposit, progress payments tied to milestones, and 10–15% holdback at the end. Anyone demanding 50%+ upfront is a red flag.
If a contractor offers a significant discount for cash payment 'to avoid taxes,' walk away. This also means no permit, no warranty, and no recourse if things go wrong.
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Find Contractors →10–25% deposit is standard and reasonable. For larger projects ($100,000+), 10–15% is more appropriate. Never pay more than 30% upfront. A contractor demanding 50%+ before starting any work is a serious red flag.
In most Canadian provinces, you're legally entitled (and often required) to hold back 10% of each payment until the lien period expires (usually 45–60 days after substantial completion). This protects you from unpaid subcontractor liens on your property.
A complete contract should include: detailed scope of work, material specifications (brand, model, colour), start and completion dates, payment schedule tied to milestones, permit responsibilities, change order process, warranty terms, and dispute resolution.
First, document everything in writing. If they're licensed, file a complaint with your provincial licensing body. If they're insured, file a claim. As a last resort, small claims court handles disputes under $25,000–$35,000 in most provinces. This is why vetting upfront is so important.
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