10 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Contractor

Most renovation horror stories trace back to skipping a handful of basic questions before signing anything. None of these require special expertise to ask — just a willingness to slow down before you hand over a deposit.

1. Are you insured, and can I see proof?

A legitimate contractor carries general liability insurance and should be able to provide a certificate on request — not just tell you they have it. This protects you if something goes wrong on your property during the project.

2. Are you registered with WSIB?

In Ontario, contractors and their workers should be covered by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. Without it, you could be held liable if someone is injured working on your property. You can verify WSIB clearance status directly through WSIB's online lookup.

3. Can I see references from recent, similar projects?

Ask specifically for projects similar in scope to yours, completed in the last year, and actually call them. A contractor confident in their work will have no hesitation providing this.

4. Will you pull the necessary permits?

If your project needs permits — most plumbing, electrical, or structural work does — a legitimate contractor pulls them and builds the timeline into your schedule. Be wary of anyone who suggests skipping permits to save time or money.

5. What's the payment schedule?

A reasonable schedule is tied to project milestones, not front-loaded. Be cautious of any contractor asking for more than 10–20% upfront, or asking for full payment before work is substantially complete.

6. Is the estimate itemized?

A detailed, line-item quote (materials, labour, permits, contingency) is far easier to compare across contractors than a single lump-sum number — and makes it much harder for costs to balloon without explanation partway through.

7. Who will actually be doing the work?

Ask directly whether subcontractors will be used, and if so, who's responsible for their insurance and quality of work. You want a clear answer, not a vague one.

8. What happens if we hit a delay or a surprise?

Almost every renovation uncovers something unexpected once walls are open. Ask how change orders are handled — in writing, with your sign-off, before work proceeds — rather than finding out after the fact.

9. What's the warranty on the work?

Reputable contractors typically offer at least a one-year workmanship warranty, separate from manufacturer warranties on materials and appliances. Get this in writing.

10. Can I get everything in a written contract?

Verbal agreements are unenforceable if something goes wrong. A proper contract should include scope of work, materials, timeline, payment schedule, and warranty terms — all before a single tool touches your home.