How to Hire a Contractor in Ontario Without Getting Burned

Most renovation horror stories start the same way: the lowest quote, a verbal scope, and a large deposit. Here is the checklist we would want a family member to use.

Documents to ask for before you sign

· WSIB clearance certificate, verified as current

· Proof of general liability insurance, with the coverage amount

· A written contract with scope, exclusions, schedule, payment milestones and change order process

· Confirmation of who pulls the building permit and books inspections

· HST registration number on the quote

Questions that reveal how a company operates

· Who is on site day to day, and who is my single point of contact?

· Is the crew employed or subcontracted, and are subs covered under your insurance?

· How are changes priced and approved once work is underway?

· What is your cleanup and disposal process?

· What happens after final payment if something needs adjustment?

Read the quote, not just the total

A one-line quote is not a quote. A real quote shows scope by area or trade, states what is excluded, names allowances for items not yet selected, and shows the payment schedule. Two quotes are only comparable when they describe the same work — an apparent bargain usually has less in it.

Payment structure

Progress payments tied to completed milestones protect both sides. Be cautious of a large up-front deposit with no material order behind it, and never pay the full balance before the final walkthrough and deficiency list are complete.

Warning signs

· Pressure to decide today, or a discount that expires

· Cash-only, or a request to avoid a permit to save money

· No written scope, no company address, no verifiable reviews

· Reluctance to provide insurance or WSIB documentation

How we work

Every Legacy Contracting project has a written scope, a documented change order process, milestone payments, and a client portal where you can see your job status, photos, invoices and outstanding balances in one place. You should expect that level of transparency from anyone you hire, including us.