Hiring a contractor is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make around your home. Ontario does not have a single licence for general renovation contractors, so the burden of checking falls on you. Here is a practical checklist for GTA homeowners.
Is a renovation contractor required to have a licence in Ontario?
Not for general renovation work. However, several related requirements exist:
- Electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrical contractor and is subject to Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) requirements.
- Gas work must be done by qualified, TSSA-regulated gas technicians.
- Plumbing and other regulated trades have their own certification requirements under Ontario's skilled trades system.
- New home builders in Ontario must be licensed by the Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA). If you are building a new home, ask for the builder's licence number and verify it with HCRA.
Because rules and regulators can change, confirm requirements for your specific project with the relevant authority.
How do I check a contractor's WSIB coverage?
Construction businesses in Ontario generally must be registered with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). Ask for a current WSIB Clearance Certificate and verify it using WSIB's online clearance verification tool. Why it matters: if a worker is injured on your property and the contractor does not have coverage, you could face serious liability. Never accept "we are covered" without documentation.
What insurance should a contractor have?
Request a certificate of insurance showing commercial general liability coverage. Ask your own home insurer whether any additional notice is needed before major renovations. Insurance should be in the contractor's company name and currently valid. A reputable contractor will provide documentation without hesitation. Kings Valley Homes is fully insured with WSIB coverage.
What should be in a renovation contract?
Never start without a written contract. At minimum, it should include:
- Full legal names, addresses and contact details
- Detailed scope of work and materials, including allowances for selections
- Total price and a payment schedule tied to milestones, not just dates
- Start date, estimated completion date and how delays are handled
- Process for change orders, in writing and signed before extra work begins
- Warranty terms for workmanship and who handles service issues
- Permit responsibilities
- Clean-up, disposal and site protection
- Cancellation terms
Ask a lawyer to review any large contract. Ontario's consumer protection rules may give you cancellation rights for certain agreements, such as those signed at your home, so check the current rules if that applies.
How much deposit is reasonable?
Large upfront deposits are a classic red flag. Payments should align with completed milestones. Ontario's Construction Act also requires owners to hold back 10% of the contract price for a period after substantial completion, which protects against construction liens. Ask a lawyer or the contractor to explain holdback and how it will apply to your project.
How do I check references and reviews?
- Read Google reviews critically. Look for detailed reviews that describe specifics, and for how the company responds to criticism.
- Ask for references from similar projects. Speak with past clients about communication, cleanliness, schedule and how problems were handled.
- Visit a project if possible. Seeing finished work in person is more telling than photos.
- Check consistency. The company name, address and phone number should match across their website, insurance and contracts.
You are welcome to read Kings Valley Homes' Google reviews and ask us for references.
What are the red flags when hiring a contractor?
- Pressure to sign immediately or "today only" discounts that demand large deposits
- Vague, one-line quotes with no scope detail
- A request for a large cash payment, or a discount for paying cash with no paperwork
- No proof of WSIB or insurance
- Refusal to obtain permits when they are required
- No physical address or a business that is hard to verify
- A quote far below others, with no explanation
Be aware that unpermitted work can cause problems with your insurance and when you sell. Permit requirements are set by your municipality and the Ontario Building Code.
How many quotes should I get?
At least three, and compare scope, not just price. If one quote is much lower, find out what is excluded. Ask each contractor to explain assumptions, allowances and timelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify a contractor's WSIB status in Ontario?
Ask for a Clearance Certificate and confirm it using WSIB's online verification service.
Does a contractor need a licence to renovate my house in Ontario?
General renovators are not licensed as a category, but electricians, gas fitters and certain other trades are regulated, and new home builders must be licensed by HCRA.
What insurance should my contractor carry?
Commercial general liability insurance, with a certificate of insurance you can keep on file, plus WSIB coverage.
How much should I pay upfront?
Keep deposits modest and tie further payments to completed milestones. A lawyer can advise on your contract and holdback requirements.
Is Kings Valley Homes WSIB-insured?
Yes, we are fully insured with WSIB coverage. We will gladly provide documentation and references.