A renovation is exciting — choosing the right contractor shouldn’t feel like a gamble. Here’s how to protect your home, your money, and your sanity from the very start.

Let’s be honest:

Hiring a contractor can feel like standing at the edge of a cliff, squinting into the fog, and whispering, “Please don’t let this be a mistake.”

You’ve heard the horror stories — unfinished basements, disappearing contractors, tile jobs so crooked they could qualify as modern art, and the ever-popular “He promised he’d be back Monday… in 2022.”

But here’s the truth most people won’t tell you:

Finding a reputable contractor isn’t about luck. It’s about knowing what to look for, what to avoid, and what questions actually matter.

And when you know this?
You’ll confidently choose someone you trust to walk into your home, respect your space, and bring your renovation dreams to life.

So grab a cup of tea (or wine — no judgement), settle in, and let’s walk through this together.

Get Prepared Before You Pick Up the Phone

Here’s something most people don’t realize:

Your estimate is only as accurate as your clarity.

If you call five contractors and say,
“I’m thinking about maybe kind of possibly updating my bathroom?”

…you’re going to get five wildly different prices and exactly zero usable information.

Before you call anyone:

Decide what space you want renovated.
Have a vision (Pinterest boards count).
Know your must-haves.
Know your nice-to-haves.
Have some idea of materials you prefer.

Quartz or laminate?
Free-standing tub or alcove tub?
Greige walls or dramatic navy?
Pot lights or “I’d like to see my own face in the morning, thank you” lighting?

You don’t need to pick every grout colour now — we can guide you through that — but knowing the general scope ensures you get clean, accurate quotes instead of five variations of chaos.

And if your ideas currently live in random screenshots, Pinterest boards, and the back of your brain somewhere between “replace the tub” and “buy more cat treats,” I’ve got you.
Here’s a simple way to pull everything together into a clear renovation wish list: Creating a Renovation Wishlist: Prioritizing Your Needs and Wants

Ask Your Friends for Referrals (Because Google Doesn’t Live in Your Neighbourhood)

Your best referrals rarely come from online reviews. They come from:

Friends
Neighbours
Co-workers
Family members
The person down the street with the gorgeous new kitchen who is way too excited to give you a tour
Even employees at your local hardware shop (they know exactly who’s doing great work… and who to avoid)

If someone has lived through a renovation and still invites the contractor back into their home?
That’s a contractor worth meeting.

Don’t Get Just One Quote. Seriously — Don’t.

I know, I know. It’s tempting.

You meet one contractor, they seem nice, they laugh at your jokes, and suddenly you’re mentally planning your renovation wedding.

Stop.

Get at least three quotes.
Have three conversations.
Get three perspectives.

Why? Because:

You’ll quickly see who actually understands your project.
You’ll learn who listens, who rushes, and who talks at you instead of with you.
And you’ll spot the contractor whose price is either way too low (🚩 incoming disaster) or weirdly high (🚩 “I Googled this five minutes ago” energy).

But most importantly:

Make sure all quotes include the same scope and the same materials.
If one quote includes “tile” and another says “imported Venetian porcelain with heated floors,” you’re comparing apples to pineapples.

To see how we build quotes that homeowners can trust from day one, you can take a closer look at our behind-the-scenes process here.

If They Can Start Monday, Walk Away

This is one of my favourite truths in the renovation world:

Good contractors are busy.
Great contractors are very busy.
Unicorn contractors are booked months in advance.

If someone says:

“Oh, I can start your full bathroom renovation on Monday!”

Why aren’t they already booked?
Why is their schedule wide open?
What happened to the last project they should be working on?

Think of it like going to a restaurant on a Saturday night.
If only two tables are full… you’re wondering what the health inspector found.

Renovations are the same.
If they’re not busy, ask why.

Thinking about a renovation this year? We’re always happy to answer questions, even if you’re still in the planning stage. Reach out anytime — we’re here to help.

we're here for you

Does the Contractor Have a Real Team… or Just “The Guys I Can Find This Week”?

This one is huge.

Some companies use:

Their own full-time employees
A consistent team
People who work together every day
People they trust in your home

Other companies subcontract almost everything, meaning:

You pay more so the GC can profit off the subs
You’re at the mercy of subcontractor schedules
Your contractor may disappear for days while waiting for subs to “slot you in”
You get a revolving door of strangers in your house

Neither approach is wrong…but you need to know which one you’re hiring.

At Multi-Trade Building Services, we use our own team for most work — electrical, plumbing, carpentry, drywall, painting, you name it — which means:

We control quality
We keep the schedule tight
You meet the same familiar faces every day
And we’re in your home when we say we will be

If your contractor says they have a team, ask:

“Who exactly will be in my home?”
“Are they your employees?”
“Can I meet them before the job starts?”

Trust me — it matters.

Choose the Right Contractor for the Right Job

Just because someone can do something doesn’t mean they should.

Your neighbour’s cousin’s best friend may have tiled a shower once, but that doesn’t mean he should handle your electrical upgrade, custom cabinetry, or structural framing.

Contractors all have strengths.

Some excel in bathrooms.
Some excel in kitchens.
Some are incredible with drywall.
Some are great at custom carpentry.
Some should never be left alone with plumbing.

Make sure the contractor you choose has deep experience in the project you want done — not just the one they feel like doing this month.

Check Their Documents — This Is Where Most Homeowners Slip Up

This is not the fun part.
This is not the exciting part.
This is not the “look at me choosing paint colours” part.

But this might be the most important part.

Ask for:

WSIB compliance
$2,000,000 liability insurance (minimum)
A licensed plumber for plumbing work
A Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) for electrical work

And here’s the big one most homeowners don’t know:

Just because someone is a licensed electrician does NOT mean they can legally perform work in your home. The company must be:

Registered with the ESA
A Licensed Electrical Contractor
With a Master Electrician on staff

Our ECRA/ESA licence is 7005727. You can look it up on the ESA website — and you should look up any contractor you hire.

If they’re not listed?
They cannot legally do electrical work in your home.
Period.

For more information on why working with licensed trades matters, check out my blog: The Importance of Licensed Trades in Home Renovations

Check References — Real Ones

Photos mean nothing. Anyone can download a picture from Pinterest and call it “my last job.”

Real references matter.

Call people.
Ask questions.
Ask if you can pop by and see the work in person.

And ask things like:

Did they show up when they said they would?
Did they stay on your project or juggle six others?
Were they clean and respectful?
Did they finish the job completely?
Did issues get handled quickly and professionally?

You’ll know within 30 seconds whether you’re speaking to a real client or someone’s Uncle Frank playing receptionist for the day.

Get a Contract — A Real, Detailed Contract

A proper contract is not optional.

It should include:

Scope of work
Detailed description of materials
Full pricing
Payment schedule
Warranty details
How to communicate deficiencies

At Multi-Trade Building Services, we use the standard CMHC Renovation Contract,
because it protects both you and us, it’s crystal clear, and it avoids 99% of miscommunication.

If your contractor avoids giving you a contract?
🚩 Run.

Payment Schedules — Protect Yourself

This is where a lot of homeowners get burned. Here’s the rule:

Never pay more than 10% upfront for renovations.

The only exception?

Kitchen cabinets — manufacturers require 50% down before production. That’s normal.

But if a contractor is asking for:

30%
40%
50% upfront

…for anything other than cabinetry? Something’s not right.

At Multi-Trade Building Services, we ask for:

10% at signing,
then nothing until
the first day we begin work in your home.

That’s how it should be.

Set the Ground Rules – For Them and For You

A renovation is a relationship. Boundaries help everyone.

Talk about:

Work hours
Parking
What bathroom the crew will use
Daily cleanup expectations
Pets
Noise
Access
How early you need to shovel your driveway in winter so crews can get in

Your contractor may also have requests for you — like cleaning out the basement before finishing, or clearing furniture so they can actually… you know… work.

A clear plan means smoother days and fewer surprises.

Final Payment — Hold Back at Least 10% Until It’s Fully Complete

Some contractors have a very predictable pattern:

They finish most of the job.
Everything looks 98% done.
They get pulled to another project.
They think,
“I’ll come back and finish the last few little things soon.”

And sometimes “soon” becomes “eventually.” This is why you hold back at least 10% until:

Every detail is complete
Every deficiency is addressed
Every item in the contract is fulfilled

No exceptions.

The Hard Truth: You Get What You Pay For

I know it’s tempting to hire the cheapest contractor. I know it feels like you’re being responsible, budget-minded, and sensible. But here’s the reality:

Cheap renovations become expensive renovations — always.

Your home is your biggest investment. The people you hire will be in your home 40 hours a week.
You need:

Skill
Integrity
Respect
Cleanliness
Reliability
Communication
And a team you feel safe with

Don’t hire someone because they’re the cheapest. Hire someone because you trust them with your home, your time, and your peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a reputable contractor doesn’t have to feel like a game of chance.

When you:

Prepare
Ask the right questions
Check documents
Compare quotes properly
And trust your intuition

…you’ll find the right team.

And when you do?
The renovation becomes exciting instead of terrifying.

Ready to feel confident about your renovation? We’d love to help you create a home you truly love. Contact us today to book your consultation.

Renovations can feel overwhelming, but the more you learn, the easier (and more exciting!) the process becomes. If you’re ready for your next step, here are a few more resources that can help you plan with confidence and peace of mind.

Renovation Inspiration