How to Hire a Renovation Contractor in Ontario

Define the same scope before comparing companies

Create one room-by-room scope and give it to each contractor. Note demolition, preparation, materials, owner-supplied items, fixtures, regulated trades, permits, disposal, cleanup and tax. Quotes are not comparable when one includes preparation and another only lists visible finishes.

Ask for relevant references and real project evidence

Ontario recommends getting references for work similar to the planned project, including both recent and older work. Review finished-project photos, ask what the contractor actually performed, and check the business and operator name using the verification paths listed in the provincial homeowner guidance.

Get written, itemized estimates

Ontario advises homeowners to get at least three written estimates. Each should describe the work and identify products, services and prices. Clarify allowances, exclusions and the assumptions behind any preliminary amount before choosing by total price.

Use a written contract and signed changes

Ontario says home-renovation contracts worth more than $50 must be in writing. The contract should identify the contractor, work, materials, warranties, total cost, payment terms, schedule, cleanup and subcontracted trades. If the estimate forms part of the contract, the province explains that the final amount generally cannot exceed it by more than 10 percent unless new work or a new price is agreed to in a signed change.

Understand deposits and in-home signing rights

Provincial guidance recommends keeping the down payment to no more than 10 percent. It also describes a 10-calendar-day cooling-off period for qualifying renovation or repair contracts of $50 or more signed in the home. Read the current Ontario guidance before relying on a cancellation right because the circumstances and work already provided can matter.

Verify electrical and gas subcontractors separately

A general contractor is not automatically authorized to perform regulated electrical or fuels work. ESA says hired home electrical work must go through a Licensed Electrical Contractor. TSSA provides a registry for authorized fuels contractors. Ask for the applicable company name and licence or registration number before that work begins.

Agree on communication and change control

Choose one point of contact and one written channel for approvals. A change should identify the added or removed work, price impact and schedule impact before the work proceeds. Keep selections, approvals, receipts and completion documents together.

Watch for practical warning signs

Pressure to sign immediately, large cash-only deposits, missing business details, vague scope, refusal to identify regulated subcontractors, or a request to skip permits and notifications are reasons to pause. Verify the claim with the relevant authority instead of relying on verbal reassurance.

Official Sources

Verify current requirements

Rules and guidance can change. These primary sources were reviewed on 2026-08-11; use them to confirm the requirements that apply to the property and scope:

Ontario: Your rights when starting home renovations Ontario: Guide for renovation and roofing businesses City of Toronto: Building Renovators ESA: Hire a Licensed Electrical Contractor TSSA: Authorized Heating Fuel Contractors

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