Hiring a contractor

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.
  

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 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.

Contractors should carry liability insurance in case of property damage or injury. Ask for a certificate of insurance as part of your contract.

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.