Hiring a contractor
Choosing the right contractor is an important step when making renovations to your property. You should be cautious, do your homework and have a high level of trust with the professional you decide to hire.
Contractors requesting pre-payments or progress payment for work must be licensed with the Government of Alberta as a pre-paid contractor. You can verify by contacting the Consumer Contact Centre at 1-877-427-4088 or visit Service Alberta.
Here’s five things you can do to protect yourself when picking a contractor, and ensure you’re making a sound investment.
5 steps to choosing a contractor
Check their licence
Contractors are required to hold a valid City of Calgary business licence, and The City has the authority to suspend or revoke this licence during a Licence Review Hearing.
Contractors that hold a business licence have met The City’s licensing requirements and are permitted to operate their business within Calgary. Without a valid business licence, contractors are not able to obtain necessary construction and trade permits.
- Use our tool to find or verify a Licensed Trade Contractor
- Learn more about obtaining a business licence at the New Business Guide.
Get it in writing
Ask for detailed estimates from many different contractors. When you have decided on a contractor, ask them to provide a comprehensive, written contract that includes both project details and business details.
The contract should include:
- Contractor’s business license number
- Estimated start and completion dates
- Full renovation plans
- Material and product specifications, including warranty information
- Responsibility for building permits and inspections
- Work schedule
- Price
- Payment arrangements
- Business liability insurance information
- Worker’s compensation program information, or if exempt, carries private disability insurance
Ask for references
Ask for a list of past jobs and contact information, and call the contractor’s previous clients. Seeing proof of satisfied customers can help to ensure that you are choosing a qualified contractor.
Many homeowners don’t take the time to check references. Instead, they make the assumption that a list of references is proof of good work. This is not always true. Homeowners should ask for references about the quality of the contractor’s work as well as details about the timeliness, budget, and ease of the renovation process.
If a contractor is not able to or refuses to provide a list of references, you should not hire them for your home renovations.
Verify their insurance
Contractors should carry liability insurance in case of property damage or injury. Ask for a certificate of insurance as part of your contract.
After the work is completed, check your title
A builder’s lien is a legal notice filed by unpaid suppliers or subcontractors for materials or work on your property. Before making your final payment to the contractor, check for any liens on your home, which is available from the Alberta Land Titles office. If there is a lien, you may not be able to renew your mortgage or sell your home until the lien holder has been paid.
Additional resources
- BILD (Building Industry Land Development) Calgary, formerly the Canadian Home Builders' Association
- Renomark
- Better Business Bureau
- Calgary Police Service – Scams and frauds targeted at seniors
If a fraud occurs, report it to the Calgary Police Service at 403-266-1234.
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Everything you need to know about hiring a contractor in Calgary
February 28, 2024Learn about the most important factors to consider when starting your home improvement projects, discover best practices for selecting a licensed contractor and make sure you have all the essentials in place before starting your renovation!
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