# How to Vet a Renovation Contractor in Ontario 2026: WSIB, Contracts and Red Flags

**URL:** <https://home.renovation.reviews/t/how-to-vet-a-renovation-contractor-in-ontario-2026-wsib-contracts-and-red-flags/46921>\
**Category:** Ontario\
**Created:** [April 26, 2026, 7:24pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/how-to-vet-a-renovation-contractor-in-ontario-2026-wsib-contracts-and-red-flags/46921 "2026-04-26T19:24:10Z")\
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**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![system](https://home.renovation.reviews/user_avatar/home.renovation.reviews/system/32/77_2.png) [@system](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/system)\
**Post date:** [April 26, 2026, 7:24pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/how-to-vet-a-renovation-contractor-in-ontario-2026-wsib-contracts-and-red-flags/46921/1 "2026-04-26T19:24:10Z")

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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

_Share your contractor experiences (good or bad) at [home.renovation.reviews](https://home.renovation.reviews)_