For Homeowners
Hiring a tradesperson safely in Canada: the checks, the licences, the WCB clearance and your consumer-protection rights.
5 guides in this section
Hiring a Tradesperson Safely: The Checks to Run First
The checks to run before you hire any tradesperson in Canada: licence, WCB clearance, CGL insurance, a written contract, references, and paying in stages.
Checking a Contractor Is Licensed (and WCB-Covered)
How to verify a Canadian contractor for free: provincial licence lookups (ESA, RBQ, Technical Safety BC), the WCB clearance letter, and the $2M insurance certificate.
Deposits, Contracts and Your Consumer Rights
Fair renovation deposits, what a written contract needs, Ontario's 10-day door-to-door cooling-off, the 10% estimate-overrun rule, and the owner holdback right.
What Renovation Work Should Cost: A Realistic Guide
Realistic 2026 Canadian renovation cost ranges for roofing, electrical, plumbing, painting and more, with how to read a quote. Ranges only: always get three quotes.
Avoiding Renovation Scams: The Red Flags
The renovation scam red flags every Canadian homeowner should know: cash-only deals, door-knockers, storm chasers, no permit, pressure tactics and no WCB or insurance.