How to Hire a Contractor in Toronto: 15-Point Checklist

How to Hire a Contractor in Toronto: 15-Point Checklist

Hiring a contractor is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a homeowner. A great contractor turns your renovation dreams into reality. A bad one can cost you thousands in fixes, delays, and stress.

This 15-point checklist is based on our experience working across the Greater Toronto Area — and on the horror stories we've heard from homeowners who came to us to fix someone else's mistakes. Use every single point before signing a contract.

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The 15-Point Checklist

1. Verify Their Business Registration

Every legitimate contractor operating in Ontario should have a registered business — either a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation. This isn't optional. A registered business means they're accountable and traceable.

How to verify:

• Search the Ontario Business Registry at ontario.ca/page/business-registry
• Ask for their HST number — if they charge HST, they must be registered with CRA
• A corporation can be searched through the federal Corporations Canada database

Red flag: If a contractor says they'll give you a discount for paying cash and not charging HST, walk away. This means they're operating under the table, and you'll have zero recourse if something goes wrong. No HST receipt means no paper trail, no warranty enforcement, and no consumer protection.

At RenoHouse, we're a fully registered Ontario corporation with complete tax compliance. Every invoice includes our HST number.

2. Check for Proper Insurance

Your contractor must carry two types of insurance:

• Commercial General Liability (CGL): minimum $2 million. This covers property damage and injuries on your property caused by the contractor's work.
• Errors & Omissions: covers defective workmanship claims.

How to verify:

• Ask for a copy of their Certificate of Insurance
• Call the insurance company directly to confirm the policy is active
• Confirm the coverage amount and expiry date
• Make sure YOU (the homeowner) are listed as an additional insured for the duration of the project

Why it matters: If an uninsured contractor damages your property or a worker is injured on your site, you could be held liable. Your homeowner's insurance may deny claims related to unlicensed or uninsured contractor work. This is not a theoretical risk — it happens regularly in the GTA.

3. Confirm WSIB Coverage

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) provides coverage for workplace injuries in Ontario. Contractors working in construction are generally required to have WSIB coverage — it's not optional for most renovation work.

How to verify:

• Ask for the contractor's WSIB clearance certificate
• Verify online at wsib.ca using their business name or account number
• The clearance certificate must show the account is "in good standing"
• Request a new certificate — they're free and generated instantly

What happens without WSIB: If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor doesn't have WSIB, you could be personally liable for medical costs and lost wages. WSIB can also issue a claim against you as the "constructor" or "employer" on the project. This can mean tens of thousands of dollars in liability.

4. Ask for References — and Actually Call Them

Any established contractor should be able to provide at least 3–5 references from recent projects (within the last 12 months). Don't just ask for references — use them.

Questions to ask references:

• Was the project completed on time and on budget?
• How did the contractor handle unexpected issues or changes?
• Was the worksite kept clean and organized?
• Would you hire them again?
• Was there anything you wish had been different?

Go beyond provided references:

• Check Google Reviews — look for detailed reviews, not just star ratings
• Search their name on Reddit (r/TorontoRealEstate, r/HomeImprovement)
• Ask for photos of completed work, especially projects similar to yours
• Request to see a project in person if possible

At RenoHouse, we encourage every potential client to check our reviews and speak with past customers. We have nothing to hide and everything to show.

5. Get a Detailed Written Contract

A verbal agreement is not a contract. In Ontario, the Consumer Protection Act, 2002 requires written contracts for home renovations over $50. Your contract should include:

• Detailed scope of work: every task spelled out, not vague descriptions
• Materials specified: brand, model, color, grade — not "contractor's choice"
• Total price: broken down by category (labor, materials, permits, etc.)
• Payment schedule: tied to milestones, not dates
• Start and completion dates: with provisions for delays
• Change order process: how changes are priced and approved
• Warranty: what's covered and for how long
• Cleanup and debris removal: included or extra?
• Permit responsibility: who pulls and pays for permits
• Cancellation clause: your right to cancel (10-day cooling off in Ontario)

Ontario Consumer Protection Act note: For home renovation contracts, you have a 10-day cooling-off period during which you can cancel the contract without penalty. If the contract is missing required information, the cooling-off period extends to 1 year. Legitimate contractors know this and comply willingly.

6. Understand the Payment Schedule

Never pay the full amount upfront. A standard, fair payment schedule in Toronto looks like this:

Milestone

Payment

|-----------|---------|

Contract signing / deposit	10–15%
Materials delivery / demolition start	20–25%
Mid-project milestone	25–30%
Substantial completion	25–30%
Final walkthrough / punchlist complete	5–10% (holdback)

Key rules:

• Never pay more than 10–15% as a deposit
• Payments should be tied to completed work, not calendar dates
• Always hold back 5–10% until all punchlist items are complete
• Pay by cheque or e-transfer — never cash without a receipt
• Ontario's Construction Act provides for a 10% statutory holdback on certain projects

Red flag: Any contractor who asks for 50% or more upfront is either desperate for cash flow (dangerous) or planning to take your money and disappear (criminal). Walk away immediately.

7. Verify Permit Requirements

Many renovation projects in Toronto require building permits. Your contractor should know which ones — and handle the process.

Projects that typically require permits:

• Structural modifications (removing or adding walls)
• Plumbing additions or relocations
• Electrical panel upgrades or new circuits
• Additions, decks, and outbuildings
• Window or door size changes
• HVAC system changes
• Basement apartments / secondary suites

How to verify permits:

• Check Toronto's building permit requirements at toronto.ca/building
• Call 311 or Toronto Building at 416-397-5330
• After a permit is pulled, you can verify it at toronto.ca/building (search by address)

Your contractor should: pull the necessary permits, schedule inspections, and ensure the work passes. If a contractor suggests skipping permits to "save money," they're putting your investment at risk. Unpermitted work can create problems when selling your home and void your insurance.

8. Get a Realistic Timeline

Timelines matter — you're living through this renovation. A good contractor provides:

• Start date: when crews will arrive
• Phase breakdown: what happens each week
• Milestone dates: when key stages are complete
• Completion date: when you get your home back
• Buffer time: realistic allowance for delays

Typical timelines in Toronto:

Project

Timeline

|---------|----------|

Interior painting (whole home)	3–7 days
Bathroom renovation	1–4 weeks
Kitchen renovation	3–8 weeks
Flooring (whole home)	3–7 days
Basement finishing	4–8 weeks
Deck construction	1–3 weeks

What causes delays:

• Permit approval (2–6 weeks in Toronto)
• Material back-orders (especially custom cabinets: 6–12 weeks)
• Discovery of hidden issues (water damage, mold, outdated wiring)
• Weather (for exterior work)
• Subcontractor scheduling

A good contractor communicates proactively about delays rather than going silent.

9. Ask About Warranty

Every contractor should stand behind their work. Ask specifically:

• Workmanship warranty: how long, what's covered
• Material warranty: separate from workmanship — usually from the manufacturer
• What's NOT covered: understand exclusions
• How to make a claim: process and response time
• Written warranty: get it in the contract, not just verbal

Industry standard:

• Workmanship: 1–2 years minimum
• Materials: varies by product (many have 10–25 year manufacturer warranties)
• Structural work: some contractors offer 5–10 year warranties

At RenoHouse, we provide a written workmanship warranty on every project. We believe that standing behind our work is not a selling point — it's a basic obligation.

10. Evaluate Communication Style

How a contractor communicates before you hire them is exactly how they'll communicate during your project. Pay attention to:

• Response time: do they return calls/emails within 24 hours?
• Clarity: do they explain things in plain language?
• Proactive updates: do they keep you informed without you chasing them?
• Single point of contact: who do you call with questions?
• Documentation: do they follow up conversations with written summaries?

Test their communication:

• Send an email with 3 specific questions — do they answer all 3?
• Ask a technical question — do they explain it clearly or dismiss it?
• Request a change to the estimate — how quickly do they respond?

Poor communication is the #1 complaint homeowners have about contractors. It's a bigger issue than cost overruns. If communication is bad before the project, it will be worse during it.

11. Confirm Cleanup and Site Management

Your home is not a construction site (even though it temporarily becomes one). Set expectations clearly:

• Daily cleanup: tools organized, debris contained
• Dust control: plastic barriers, floor protection
• Debris removal: included in price or extra?
• Dumpster placement: where, how long, permit if on street
• Final cleanup: broom-clean minimum, professional cleaning recommended

A professional contractor respects your home. They use drop cloths, protect floors and furniture, and leave the worksite tidy at the end of each day. Ask previous clients about this — it's a strong indicator of overall professionalism.

12. Understand Change Order Process

Changes during a renovation are inevitable. What matters is how they're handled:

• Written change orders: every change documented with scope and cost
• Approval required: no work proceeds without your written approval
• Pricing: how are changes priced? (hourly? fixed quote?)
• Impact on timeline: documented
• Impact on total cost: running total updated

Red flag: Contractors who make changes verbally and add surprise costs at the end. A professional process protects both parties.

13. Check Their Specialty and Experience

Not all contractors are equal — and generalists aren't always the best choice.

Professional

Best For

Typical Cost

|--------------|----------|-------------|

Handyman	Small repairs, odd jobs (<$1,000)	$50–$80/hour
General Contractor	Multi-trade renovations, project management	10–20% markup on trades
Specialist (plumber, electrician)	Trade-specific work	$80–$130/hour
Design-Build Firm	Full renovations with design	Premium — 15–25% above GC

Questions to ask:

• How many projects like mine have you completed in the last year?
• Do you use your own crews or subcontractors?
• If subcontractors, do they carry their own insurance and WSIB?
• What's your area of specialty?
• Can I see photos of similar completed projects?

14. Review Their Online Presence

A legitimate, established contractor in 2026 should have:

• Professional website: with photos of completed work
• Google Business Profile: with reviews and verified information
• Active social media: showing recent projects (Instagram, Facebook)
• Consistent information: same name, phone, address across platforms
• Visible team: photos or bios of key people

How to dig deeper:

• Google their business name + "complaints" or "reviews"
• Check the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org)
• Search Ontario court records for lawsuits
• Look for them on HomeStars, Houzz, or Trusted Pros

Red flag: A contractor with no online presence, no reviews, and only a phone number. In 2026, this is either a brand-new business (higher risk) or someone deliberately staying invisible (much higher risk).

15. Trust Your Gut — But Verify Everything

After meeting the contractor, walking through your project, and reviewing their proposal, ask yourself:

• Do I feel comfortable with this person in my home?
• Did they listen to what I want, or push their own agenda?
• Were they on time for the meeting?
• Did they take notes and measurements, or just eyeball it?
• Did they point out potential issues honestly, or just tell me what I want to hear?
• Is their price realistic, or suspiciously low?

The cheapest quote is almost never the best value. In our experience working across the GTA, contractors who underbid typically: cut corners on materials, use unqualified labor, rush through critical steps, or add costs through change orders. The best value is a fair price from a qualified, communicative professional who delivers quality work on time.

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Red Flags: When to Walk Away

Spot any of these? Find another contractor immediately:

• ❌ No written contract offered
• ❌ Asks for 50%+ deposit upfront
• ❌ Can't provide insurance or WSIB certificates
• ❌ No references or refuses to provide them
• ❌ Pressures you to decide immediately ("this price is only good today")
• ❌ Suggests skipping permits
• ❌ Only accepts cash
• ❌ No fixed business address
• ❌ Won't specify materials in the contract
• ❌ Bad-mouths every other contractor
• ❌ Can start tomorrow (fully booked is actually a good sign)
• ❌ Vague or single-line estimate

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Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Use this list during your contractor meetings:

• 1. How long have you been in business?
• 2. Are you registered with WSIB? (Ask for clearance certificate)
• 3. What's your liability insurance coverage? (Ask for certificate)
• 4. Can you provide 3 recent references?
• 5. Will you pull necessary permits?
• 6. Who will be on-site daily?
• 7. What's your estimated timeline?
• 8. How do you handle change orders?
• 9. What's your payment schedule?
• 10. What warranty do you offer?
• 11. Who are your subcontractors, and are they insured?
• 12. What happens if the project goes over budget?
• 13. How do you communicate project updates?
• 14. What's included in cleanup?
• 15. Can I see photos of similar completed projects?

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What a Good Estimate Should Include

A professional estimate is more than just a number. Here's what to expect:

Must-Have Elements

• Company information: name, address, phone, email, license numbers
• Your information: name, project address
• Scope of work: detailed description of every task
• Materials list: specific products, brands, quantities
• Labor breakdown: by trade or by phase
• Timeline: start date, milestones, completion date
• Payment schedule: amounts tied to milestones
• Exclusions: what's NOT included (important!)
• Warranty terms: workmanship and materials
• Validity period: how long the estimate is good for (typically 30 days)
• Permit costs: listed separately
• HST: clearly shown

Comparing Estimates

When comparing 3 estimates, don't just compare the bottom line. Create a spreadsheet:

Item

Contractor A

Contractor B

Contractor C

|------|-------------|-------------|-------------|

Scope match (same work?)	✓	✓	Missing item X
Materials specified	Brand names	"Contractor choice"	Brand names
Timeline	4 weeks	3 weeks	5 weeks
Warranty	2 years	1 year	2 years
Insurance verified	✓	✓	Pending
WSIB verified	✓	✗	✓
Payment schedule	Milestone-based	50% upfront	Milestone-based
Total	$28,000	$22,000	$30,000

In this example, Contractor B's lower price comes with red flags (no WSIB, 50% upfront, unspecified materials). Contractor A offers the best value with verified credentials, specified materials, and fair payment terms.

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Handyman vs. General Contractor vs. Specialist

Choosing the right professional matters:

Handyman ($50–$80/hour)

• Best for: small repairs, minor installations, odd jobs
• Examples: hanging shelves, fixing a door, patching drywall, caulking
• Limitations: not licensed for plumbing, electrical, or gas work; not suitable for projects over $5,000
• No permit work: handymen typically don't pull permits

General Contractor ($70–$120/hour or 10–20% project markup)

• Best for: multi-trade renovations requiring coordination
• Examples: kitchen renovation, bathroom renovation, basement finishing
• Advantages: manages subcontractors, pulls permits, coordinates inspections
• Look for: experience in your specific type of renovation

Specialist ($80–$130/hour)

• Best for: trade-specific work requiring licensure
• Examples: licensed plumber for plumbing, ESA-licensed electrician, HVAC technician
• When to hire directly: single-trade projects (e.g., water heater replacement, panel upgrade)
• Advantage: deepest expertise in their specific trade

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How RenoHouse Meets All 15 Points

We built RenoHouse around the exact standards homeowners deserve:

✅ Registered business — fully incorporated Ontario company

✅ $5M liability insurance — certificate available on request

✅ WSIB in good standing — clearance certificate provided with every estimate

✅ 250+ Google reviews — real homeowners, real projects

✅ Detailed written contracts — every project, every time

✅ Milestone-based payments — never more than 15% deposit

✅ We pull all permits — and schedule all inspections

✅ Realistic timelines — with written phase breakdowns

✅ Written warranty — on every project

✅ Responsive communication — same-day response guarantee

✅ Daily cleanup — your home stays livable

✅ Written change orders — no surprise costs

✅ Experienced specialists — trade-specific expertise across every category

✅ Strong online presence — Google, website, social media

✅ Trusted by 498+ GTA families — and counting

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do contractors need a license in Ontario?

Ontario does not have a general contractor license. However, specific trades require certification: electricians must hold an ESA license, plumbers and gas fitters need TSSA certification, and HVAC technicians require specific credentials. What matters most is business registration, insurance, WSIB, and verifiable experience.

How much should I pay as a deposit?

Never more than 10–15% of the total project cost. This should be outlined in your written contract. Some contractors accept no deposit for smaller projects. A large upfront deposit is one of the biggest red flags in the industry.

What if my contractor doesn't finish the job?

Document everything: photos, communication records, payment receipts. Contact the contractor in writing (email) with a deadline to complete or remedy. If unresolved, file a complaint with the Ontario Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery (Consumer Protection Ontario). For amounts under $35,000, consider Small Claims Court. Having a detailed written contract makes this process much easier.

How do I check if a permit was actually pulled?

Visit toronto.ca/building and search by your property address. Active permits are listed publicly. You can also call Toronto Building at 416-397-5330. If your contractor claims a permit was pulled but it doesn't show up, that's a serious red flag.

Is it worth hiring the cheapest contractor?

Almost never. In our experience, the cheapest quote typically means: inferior materials, corners cut in prep work, uninsured or underqualified labor, and higher likelihood of cost overruns through change orders. The best value is a fair, mid-range quote from a verified, experienced contractor.

How long should a renovation warranty last?

Industry standard is 1–2 years for workmanship. Premium contractors may offer longer. Materials carry their own manufacturer warranties (often 10–25 years). Get the warranty in writing as part of your contract — verbal warranties are unenforceable.

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Final Thought

Hiring a contractor doesn't have to be stressful. Follow this 15-point checklist, trust the process, and remember: the goal isn't finding the cheapest contractor — it's finding the right one.

Ready to start your project? Contact RenoHouse for a free, detailed estimate. We'll walk you through every step — and we're happy to answer every question on this checklist.

📞 289-212-2345 | 🌐 renohouse.ca | Serving Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Oakville & the entire GTA.