Checklist — Hiring a Contractor
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What to do first |
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Write a description of the work you want done, with as much detail as possible. |
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Check with your municipal building department to ensure that the work can be done and if zoning approval or any special permits are required. |
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Find a contractor |
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Ask friends and neighbours for recommendations. |
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| Get names from your family members, friends, local homebuilder and renovator associations, building supply outlets and, in some municipalities, your local building department. | |
| Ask contractors for their business licence number and check with the local licensing office and the firm’s insurance company for public liability and property damage insurance and workers’ compensation. | |
| Ask for references from past customers. | |
| Check with the Better Business Bureau for complaints against the contractor. | |
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Establishing the cost: getting estimates or proposals |
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Number of estimates or proposals: __1 __2 __3 Do you have: |
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| A complete description of the work to be done by the selected contractor? | |
| Samples and literature showing different products that could be used? | |
| Depending on the size of the project, plans or sketches and specifications of the work to be completed? | |
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The contract should contain |
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Correct and complete address of the property where the work will be done. |
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Your name and address. |
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Contractor’s name, address, telephone and GST numbers. |
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Detailed description of the work, plans (or sketches) and a detailed specification of the materials (type, quality, model) to be used. |
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The right to retain a lien holdback as specified in provincial law. |
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A clause stating that work will conform to the requirements of all applicable codes, such as building, safety and fire codes. |
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Start and completion dates. |
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The price and payment schedule (keep in mind the lien and seasonal holdbacks). |
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Agreement on who (homeowner or contractor) is responsible for all necessary permits, licenses, inspections and certificates. |
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Contractor’s responsibilities include: |
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Public liability insurance. |
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Property damage insurance. |
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Identifying any necessary permits and ensuring all legal requirements are satisfied. |
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Workers’ compensation for all employees of the contractor or subcontractors. |
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All work carried out under the contractor, including work done by subcontractors. |
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Removal of construction debris when the job is finished. |
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Warranties on all contractor supplied work and materials (in addition to manufacturer’s warranties) for a period of at least one year. |
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Homeowner’s responsibilities include: |
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Ensuring that all contracted work conforms to zoning bylaws. |
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Ensuring adequate working space and freedom of movement for workers, and use of utilities. |
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Ensuring prompt payment according to the requirements of the law and the holdback and payment schedule. |
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Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
