Ontario's renovation market includes contractors who range from exceptional to outright dangerous. The difference between a dream renovation and a nightmare often comes down to contractor selection — and most homeowners don't know what questions to ask.
This guide gives you the 10 questions that separate qualified professionals from those who will cost you far more than they save.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
In Ontario, home renovation contractors aren't licensed at the provincial level (except for specific trades like electricians and plumbers who require provincial certification). However, a general contractor should carry: liability insurance (minimum $2M), WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) clearance, and any required trade-specific licences.
Ask to see certificates — a legitimate contractor will provide them immediately.
2. Are You a Member of the Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA)?
For new home builders in Ontario, HCRA registration is mandatory under the New Home Construction Licensing Act. Any builder offering new home construction who isn't HCRA-registered is operating illegally. Renovation contractors aren't required to be HCRA-registered, but many legitimate builders are.
Check the HCRA's online registry.
3. Can You Show Me Your Tarion Registration?
If a contractor is building or substantially renovating a home in Ontario, Tarion warranty coverage may apply. Ask whether they're a registered Tarion builder. New homes in Ontario must be covered by Tarion warranty — this protects you against defects for up to 7 years.
4. Can I See References from Similar Projects?
Don't just ask for references — ask for references from projects similar in scope, value, and type to yours. A contractor with excellent references for basement finishing may not be the right choice for a full custom home build.
Ask to speak to those references and ask specifically about communication, timeline adherence, and how surprises were handled.
5. Can I Visit a Completed Project?
Photos can be misleading. The best contractors welcome site visits to completed projects so you can see the quality of workmanship in person. Look at tile grout lines, millwork corners, paint edges, and the overall finish quality.
Sloppy details in a completed project will appear in yours.
6. How Do You Handle the Permit Process?
Any contractor who suggests bypassing permits should be immediately dismissed. Unpermitted work creates insurance problems, resale complications, and genuine safety risks. A quality contractor manages the permit process as part of the job — they know the local building departments and handle inspections as a standard part of their process.
7. Who Are Your Subcontractors?
A general contractor manages trades (plumbers, electricians, framers, tile setters, painters) who are often subcontractors rather than direct employees. Ask who those trades are, whether they're relationship-based (long-term trade partners) or lowest-bidder selections, and whether they carry their own insurance and WSIB.
8. What Does Your Contract Include?
A professional renovation contract should include: detailed scope of work, specifications for all materials and finishes, fixed price or cost-plus with cap, payment schedule tied to milestones (never pay more than 10% upfront), timeline with milestones, change order procedure, and warranty terms.
If a contractor offers only a handshake deal or a one-page summary, walk away.
9. How Do You Communicate During the Project?
Communication style during construction is one of the biggest predictors of client satisfaction. Ask how often you'll receive project updates, whether you have a dedicated project manager, how site visits are handled, and what happens when unexpected conditions arise.
The best contractors use project management software that gives clients real-time visibility.
10. What's Your Warranty?
Beyond Tarion (for new homes), a reputable renovation contractor should offer a workmanship warranty of at least 1–2 years. Materials warranties pass through from manufacturers. Ask how warranty claims are handled and get it in writing.
The Campoli Custom Builds Standard
We believe every homeowner deserves to work with a builder who meets all of these standards without hesitation. Our team is fully insured, WSIB-compliant, and manages a network of trusted trade partners. Our contracts are detailed, our communication is consistent, and our warranties are genuine.
Contact us to experience the difference.