What are the warning signs when hiring a contractor?
What are the warning signs?
Most renovation problems in Calgary trace back to one of these seven things being skipped at the hiring stage, not to the work itself. Here's what to check for before you sign anything:
Most renovation problems trace back to one of these seven things being skipped at the hiring stage. Check for them before you sign anything:
1
No license, insurance or WCB coverage
Ask to see proof, not just a verbal assurance. This covers you if something goes wrong on your property.
2
No written contract or quote
A verbal-only agreement leaves you with no recourse if something's disputed later.
3
Demands full payment upfront
A reasonable deposit is normal. Being asked to pay in full before any work starts is not.
4
No local reviews or references
A real track record should be checkable, not just claimed.
5
Pressure to decide immediately
Urgency tactics are a sales pressure sign, not a genuine limited-time discount.
6
Vague scope of work
"We'll figure it out as we go" instead of a clear, written plan for what's included.
7
No permits pulled for permit-required work
Skipping permits on work that needs one creates real legal and safety risk down the line.
None of these are hard to check for — ask, and a legitimate contractor will have straightforward answers.
Want a written quote from a licensed, WCB-covered contractor? We're happy to answer every question on this list.
Get your free quoteShould a contractor always be licensed and insured?
Yes, and you should ask to see proof rather than take a verbal assurance. This covers you if something goes wrong on your property.
Is it normal to pay a deposit before work starts?
A reasonable deposit is normal. Being asked for full payment upfront, before any work has started, is not.
What should be in a written quote?
A clear scope of work, materials, timeline and price, in writing, before work starts. A verbal-only agreement leaves you with no recourse if something's disputed later.
FAQ · FAQPAGE SCHEMA SLOT
Licensed and insured? Yes, always ask for proof.
Deposit normal? Yes, full payment upfront is not.
What's in a written quote? Scope, materials, timeline and price.