Avoid surprises. Hire smart. Build with confidence.
Hiring a contractor isn’t just about price—it’s about trust, professionalism, and accountability. Asking the right questions up front helps protect your home and investment while avoiding costly mistakes or delays.
Here’s what every homeowner should ask before signing a contract:
âś… 1. Are You Licensed, Insured, and Covered by WCB?
Why this matters:
A business license shows they’re legally operating. Insurance protects you in case of accidents or damage. WCB (Workers’ Compensation Board) coverage ensures you’re not liable if someone gets injured on your property.
Ask for:
Red flag: If they hesitate to provide this—it’s time to walk away.
Tip: Did you know you can search for a contractor on RenovationFind.com to see if they have any of the documents above?
âś… 2. Can I See Recent Reviews or Talk to a Past Client?
Why this matters:
Reputation is everything in home renovations. Past clients can tell you what it’s really like working with the contractor—before, during, and after the project.
Ask for:
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Links to Google or FaceBook reviews
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A few references you can call or email
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Photos of recently completed work
What to look for: Consistent quality, good communication, and resolved issues.
✅ 3. What’s Included in the Quote (and What’s Not)?
Why this matters:
Not all quotes are created equal. A vague quote might leave out materials, clean-up, permits, or contingencies—resulting in surprise costs later on.
Ask for:
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A detailed, itemized quote
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Clarity on materials, labour, subcontractors, and taxes
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What’s excluded or “TBD”
Pro tip: Compare apples to apples when reviewing multiple quotes.
âś… 4. What Is the Estimated Timeline and Payment Schedule?
Why this matters:
You need a clear understanding of when work will begin, how long it will take, and how payments will be structured—especially if there are milestones.
Ask for:
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Start and estimated end date
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Breakdown of payment terms (deposit, progress, final)
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How they handle delays or weather disruptions
Avoid: Contractors who demand full payment up front.
Tip: In Alberta, a contractor is required to have a Prepaid Contractos License if they take deposit at a location other than their regstered place of business? Learn more.
âś… 5. Will We Have a Written Contract?
Why this matters:
A written agreement protects both sides and sets expectations. It should include the scope of work, cost breakdown, timeline, payment schedule, and terms for changes or cancellation.
Ask to see:
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A sample contract or draft proposal
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Specific clauses for warranty, cleanup, or dispute resolution
Don’t proceed without:
đź”’ BONUS TIP: Use RenovationFind to Skip the Risk
RenovationFind Certified contractors have already passed the test:
âś… Licensed & insured
âś… Background-checked
âś… Continual monitoring of the certification criteria
👉 [Post Your Project Today] and get matched with pros you can trust.
This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com