This is the most-requested resource on OttawaContractors.ca — a comprehensive 27-item vetting checklist for evaluating any contractor before you sign. Use it as your go/no-go gate for any renovation project over $5,000. Each item links to verification steps and includes red flag warnings. Print this page, work through it methodically with each contractor on your shortlist, and you'll catch 95% of problem contractors before they ever set foot in your home.
These six items are non-negotiable. If a contractor fails any one of them, remove them from your shortlist immediately — there are no exceptions. (1) General liability insurance certificate showing $2M+ coverage with you named as additional insured (verify directly with the insurance company, not just from the cert). (2) Current WSIB clearance certificate verified at wsib.ca within the last 30 days. (3) Valid HST number verified on the CRA website. (4) Active business registration in Ontario ver...
These items verify the contractor's actual delivery capability, not just their paperwork compliance. (7) Minimum 5 completed projects of similar scope and budget within the last 24 months — request photos AND addresses. (8) Three references with phone numbers from completed projects in the last 18 months — call all three. (9) Google Reviews showing 4.5+ stars with at least 25 reviews and a pattern of responses to both positive and negative feedback. (10) HomeStars profile with verified reviews m...
The quote document itself reveals whether the contractor will manage your project competently. (13) Written quote of at least 3 pages with detailed scope of work, not a single-page summary. (14) Itemized materials list with brand names, model numbers, and finish specifications where applicable. (15) Itemized labour breakdown by trade and phase. (16) Realistic timeline with start date, milestone dates, and substantial completion target. (17) Payment schedule tied to deliverable milestones, not ca...
The contract is your legal protection — these items must all be present before signing. (19) Workmanship warranty of at least 2 years explicitly stated in the contract. (20) Materials warranty separate from workmanship warranty, with manufacturer warranty documentation provided. (21) Change order process with explicit pricing methodology and written authorization requirement before any extra work begins. (22) Dispute resolution clause specifying mediation before litigation. (23) Right to termina...
Payment structure protects your money and creates appropriate incentive alignment. (24) Initial deposit of NO MORE than 15% of total contract value — anyone demanding 25%+ upfront is a red flag. (25) Progress payments tied to specific completed milestones (not calendar dates), each verifiable on-site. (26) Holdback of at least 10% retained until substantial completion AND all deficiencies corrected — never release final payment until your written punch list is fully resolved. (27) All payments b...
Even if a contractor passes most of the 27 items, walk away immediately on any of these: (R1) Pressure to sign immediately without time to review — legitimate contractors give you days/weeks. (R2) Door-to-door solicitation, especially after weather events. (R3) Suggestion to skip permits 'to save money' — the #1 indicator of a contractor who cuts corners everywhere. (R4) Demand for cash payment or 'discount for cash' — this is tax evasion and means zero paper trail for warranty claims. (R5) Quot...
All 27. The checklist is designed as a pass/fail gate, not a scoring system. Any single failure indicates either a process deficiency or a deliberate red flag — both translate to material project risk.
No. Lower price almost always correlates with cut corners on the items in this checklist — particularly insurance, WSIB, permits, and warranty terms. The 'savings' from a cheaper contractor evaporate quickly when uninsured work damages your property, when a worker injury triggers your homeowner liability, or when 'no warranty' becomes apparent after the first defect.
You can absolutely do it yourself — every item links to a verification process you can complete with a phone call, an online check, or a request for documentation. Set aside 2-3 hours per contractor on your shortlist. The time investment is trivial compared to the cost of a bad contractor decision.
Their refusal is itself a complete answer. Legitimate, professional contractors willingly provide insurance certificates, WSIB clearance, references, detailed quotes, and contract terms because they've done it dozens of times before. Reluctance or refusal indicates either inexperience or active avoidance of accountability.