Hiring a Contractor: What to Look For (and What to Avoid)

Not all contractors are created equal. And the difference between a good one and a bad one isn't always obvious until you're three months into a project.

Here's what to actually look for.

Look for:

Experience with your type of project. A contractor who builds new homes isn't necessarily good at renovations. Renovation requires a different skill set — reading existing structures, working within constraints, problem-solving on the fly. Ask specifically about projects similar to yours.

Willingness to walk away. A good contractor will tell you if your project isn't a fit for them. That honesty is worth more than a yes from someone who'll take any job.

Clear communication style. How do they handle updates? How quickly do they respond? Do they explain things in plain language or hide behind jargon? Communication is the single biggest predictor of project satisfaction.

> "The best contractor isn't the cheapest one. It's the one who tells you the truth, even when it's not what you want to hear."

A real process. Good contractors have systems: written scopes, detailed estimates, regular check-ins, documented change orders. If everything is verbal and informal, you have no protection when things go sideways.

References you can actually call. Not just a list of names — ask for recent clients on similar projects. Call them. Ask what went wrong, not just what went right.

Avoid:

The lowest bid. If one quote is 30% below the others, something is missing. Either the scope is incomplete, the materials are inferior, or the contractor is planning to make it up in change orders.

No contract or vague contract. If the scope of work isn't written down in detail, you have no basis for dispute resolution. A handshake is not a contract.

Pressure to start immediately. Good contractors are booked out. If someone can start next week, ask why their schedule is empty.

No permits, no insurance, no WorkSafeBC. This is non-negotiable. If your contractor isn't insured and doesn't pull permits, you're carrying all the risk.

Promises that sound too good. "We'll have it done in six weeks." "It'll come in under budget." "You won't have any issues." These aren't confidence — they're sales tactics.

The bottom line:

Hiring a contractor is hiring a partner for a months-long, high-stakes project inside your home. Vet them like you'd vet a surgeon. The upfront diligence saves you from the nightmare stories you hear at dinner parties.