Hiring Tips
5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Any Contractor
March 17, 2026 · 4 min read · Red Seal Pro Team
Hiring a contractor is one of the biggest financial decisions a homeowner can make. Whether you are planning a kitchen renovation in Toronto, a basement suite in Vancouver, or a roof replacement in Calgary, asking the right questions upfront can save you thousands of dollars and months of frustration.
Here are five questions every Canadian homeowner should ask before signing a contract.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured in This Province?
Contractor licensing requirements vary by province. In British Columbia, residential builders must be licensed through BC Housing. In Ontario, certain trades require certification through the Ontario College of Trades. Always verify that the contractor holds the correct provincial licence for the work you need done.
Ask for proof of:
- A valid business licence for your municipality
- General liability insurance (at minimum $2 million)
- Workers' compensation coverage (WSIB in Ontario, WorkSafeBC in BC)
A contractor who hesitates to show you their insurance certificate is a contractor you should walk away from.
2. Do You Hold a Red Seal Certification?
The Red Seal is a nationally recognized standard of excellence in the skilled trades. A Red Seal endorsement on a tradesperson's certificate means they have passed a rigorous interprovincial exam and can work anywhere in Canada.
Red Seal certified tradespeople have demonstrated a higher level of competence and are recognized across all provinces and territories. It is the gold standard for skilled trades in Canada.
Trades commonly covered by the Red Seal program include:
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Carpenters
- Sheet metal workers
- Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics
Not every project requires a Red Seal tradesperson, but for anything involving electrical, plumbing, or structural work, it is a strong indicator of quality.
3. Can You Provide References From Recent Local Projects?
A reputable contractor should be happy to provide at least three references from projects completed in the past 12 months. When you call those references, ask:
- Was the project completed on time and on budget?
- How did the contractor handle unexpected issues?
- Would you hire them again?
Be wary of contractors who only offer references from years ago or from projects in different cities. Local, recent work is what matters.
4. What Is Included in Your Written Quote?
A professional quote should be detailed and in writing. Verbal estimates are worth the paper they are not printed on. Your quote should clearly break down:
- Materials — brands, quantities, and grades
- Labour — hourly rates or fixed price
- Timeline — start date, milestones, and expected completion
- Payment schedule — tied to milestones, never 100% upfront
- Warranty — on both labour and materials
Never pay more than 10 to 15 percent of the total project cost as a deposit. A contractor who demands half upfront before any work begins is a major red flag.
5. Will You Handle Permits and Inspections?
Most renovation projects in Canada require building permits from your local municipality. A qualified contractor should know exactly which permits are needed and handle the application process for you.
Ask specifically:
- Who pulls the permits?
- Who schedules inspections?
- Are permit fees included in the quote?
Skipping permits might save a few hundred dollars today, but it can cost you tens of thousands when you try to sell your home or file an insurance claim.
Bonus: Ask About Rebates
Many Canadian homeowners miss out on thousands of dollars in government rebates. Programs like the Canada Greener Homes Grant and provincial programs such as CleanBC offer significant savings on energy-efficient upgrades like heat pumps, insulation, and windows.
In BC alone, homeowners can access up to $10,000 in CleanBC rebates for eligible energy upgrades. A good contractor will help you navigate the paperwork.
A great contractor will proactively mention available rebates and help you with the application process. If they do not know about current incentive programs, it may be a sign they are not keeping up with the industry.
The Bottom Line
Hiring a contractor does not have to be stressful. By asking these five questions, you put yourself in a much stronger position to find someone trustworthy, qualified, and fair. Take your time, do your homework, and never let urgency push you into a bad decision.
Red Seal Pro is building a platform to make this process even easier — connecting Canadian homeowners with verified, top-rated contractors. Join our waitlist to get early access.