General contracting in Ontario requires no provincial licence – anyone can call themselves a contractor. Here’s the complete vetting framework for 2026.
Step 1: WSIB Clearance Certificate
Verify at wsib.ca/clearance (not from the contractor – get it yourself). If uninsured workers are injured at your home, you can be personally liable. Takes 30 seconds and is free.
Step 2: Business registration and insurance
- Ontario Business Registry: ontario.ca/businessregistry
- Certificate of Insurance: minimum $2M general liability, your name as additional insured
Step 3: Contract must include
- HST registration number
- Detailed scope with specifications and material grades
- Payment schedule tied to milestones (not calendar dates)
- Permit responsibility clearly assigned
- Change order process in writing
- Minimum 1-year warranty on labour
Step 4: Construction Act lien holdback
Hold back 10% of each progress payment until 45 days after Certificate of Substantial Performance is published. This protects against liens from unpaid subcontractors.
Hard red flags — walk away:
- More than 10-15% deposit before work starts
- Cash-only payment
- Refuses to pull permits
- No physical business address
- Quotes dramatically below all other bids
- Same-day pressure
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