Contractor Vetting Checklist for GTA Homeowners 2026
Most renovation disasters start with inadequate vetting. Here is the systematic approach that prevents them.
Step 1: Business Legitimacy
- Physical business address (not just a cell number and Gmail)
- Operating 3+ years
- Functional website
- HST number for projects over $30,000
If they can’t provide an HST number on a $100K project: major red flag.
Step 2: Insurance (Get the Actual Certificates)
Certificate of Insurance: $2M general liability. Call the insurer directly to confirm it’s active and covers your project dates.
WSIB Clearance Certificate: Verify online at wsib.ca. Must be within 30 days.
For projects over $50K: Ask to be added as “additional insured” on the liability certificate.
Step 3: References (Call Them)
Ask for 3 references from similar scope projects in the past 18 months.
Questions to ask each:
- Did the project come in on budget?
- Was the timeline accurate?
- Were there deficiencies? How were they handled?
- Would you hire them again?
Questions 3 and 4 are most revealing.
Step 4: Contract Review
Before signing, the contract must have:
- Fully specified scope (materials by brand and grade, not “kitchen renovation”)
- Maximum 10% deposit
- Timeline with milestones
- Written change order process
- Warranty terms
Step 5: Online Review Check
HomeStars, Google, and home.renovation.reviews.
Look for patterns, not just star ratings.
LF Builders – 50+ years of verified GTA reputation: lfbuilders.ca
Contractor vetting discussions: home.renovation.reviews
Samm Simon 251 KM for cancer: sammsimon.ca