What questions should I ask before hiring a renovation contractor?

Before hiring any renovation contractor in Ottawa, ask these essential questions to protect yourself and ensure you're working with a qualified professional. The right questions can save you thousands of dollars and months of headaches, while the wrong contractor choice can turn your dream renovation into a nightmare.

Licensing and Insurance Verification should be your first priority. Ask to see their WSIB certificate and general liability insurance - both should be current and cover your project dates. In Ontario, contractors working on projects over $1,000 must be WSIB registered. Request their business license number and verify it with the City of Ottawa. Don't just take their word for it - ask for copies of these documents and call to verify they're active.

Experience and Specialization matter significantly in renovation work. Ask how long they've been in business and how many projects similar to yours they've completed in the past two years. A kitchen specialist might not be the best choice for a basement conversion. Request references from recent clients and actually call them - ask about quality, timeliness, cleanliness, and whether they'd hire the contractor again. Drive by some of their completed projects if possible.

Detailed Scope and Pricing discussions prevent costly surprises later. Ask for a detailed written estimate that breaks down materials, labor, permits, and timeline. Question what's included versus excluded - does the price cover permit fees, disposal, cleanup, or potential structural surprises? In Ottawa's older homes, ask specifically how they handle unexpected issues like knob-and-tube wiring or asbestos. Get clarification on their change order process and pricing.

Permit and Code Compliance is crucial in Ottawa. Ask who pulls the permits (it should be them, not you), and confirm they understand current Ontario Building Code requirements for your project type. For basement renovations or secondary suites, verify they understand Ottawa's specific zoning requirements and fire separation standards. A contractor who suggests skipping permits is a major red flag.

Communication and Project Management can make or break your experience. Ask about their communication style - will you have a dedicated project manager? How often will they provide updates? What's their policy on site cleanliness and working hours? Discuss their subcontractor relationships - are they licensed trades or day laborers?

Timeline and Payment Structure should be clearly defined upfront. Ask for a realistic timeline with milestones, and understand that Ottawa's permit processing typically adds 2-4 weeks to project start dates. Never pay large sums upfront - reputable contractors typically ask for 10-15% down, with progress payments tied to completed milestones. Be wary of contractors demanding full payment upfront or only accepting cash.

Warranty and Follow-up Service separate professional contractors from fly-by-night operators. Ask about their warranty policy on workmanship and materials. What's their process for addressing issues that arise after project completion? A confident contractor will offer at least a one-year warranty on their work.

Red Flags to Watch For include door-to-door solicitation, pressure to sign immediately, requests for full payment upfront, no physical business address, extremely low bids that seem too good to be true, or reluctance to provide references and insurance documentation.

For your renovation project, we'd be happy to answer all these questions and provide the documentation and references you need to make an informed decision. Contact Justyn Rook Contracting for a free consultation where we'll discuss your project and provide transparent answers to all your questions.